COVID-19 Community Questionnaire 🤷♀️
Albany, How are you...really?
We are all coping differently during these strange times, we aren't going into work, our favourite cafe is only serving takeaways, our sport has been cancelled, and we aren't able to see our friends and family in our normal social circumstances.
In light of Youth Week and to kick this campaign off, we have asked a few young people in our community what they are thinking and how they are coping. We would love people from all walks of life to participate and share because us Albanians are in this together! #Albanyinthistogether
If you would like to participate, we would love to hear from you! Please complete the answers and send through your photo through to events@albany.wa.gov.au
Laila 16, student, plant lover and small business owner
What do you know about COVID-19?
I know that covid is a potentially deadly virus which is still being researched. There is no vaccine which makes it much more dangerous and can be contracted by anyone and spread even if you appear asymptomatic.
Are you scared about it?
I’m not scared about it as long as we all follow the regulations and rules and use common sense.
What stresses you the most?
It’s stresses me that my loved ones could get it.
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
I miss my friends and doing normal activities that I used to take for granted.
What is the best thing about isolation?
Sleeping in is pretty good.
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
I think it will go back to normal fairly quickly, within the month, although it could end up like this again is there’s another peak.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied
I’ve been doing some school work(not enough), painting, cleaning and crafty thing.
Oh and eating.
What are you doing to stay physically active?
Cleaning, going for walks.
What things would you like to see happening?
After this is over I would like to see everyone living life to the fullest and not taking simple things for granted. Spending more time with the people you love and the things you love doing.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Try keep positive and busy. I find keeping busy takes my mind off things. It won’t last forever! Don’t ignore your emotions. Love and care for yourself because you are important.
Maddison Le Cerf, 14, Year 9 student
What do you know about COVID-19? I know that it affects people through physical touch, that it mostly affects the elderly and that it is said to have originated from bats.
Are you scared about it?
Yeah definitely some aspects of this are scary, like loosing someone or not really knowing what's going on.
What stresses you the most?
The fact that we don't know when all of this will be over.
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
The worst part about having to self isolate is not being able to see or hug my family and friends. I miss them all so much.
What is the best thing about isolation?
The best thing I would say about self isolation is not having to get out of your Pj's! Or the fact that i think it has made the people in my community less selfish.
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
Um i don't really know, maybe a few months.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Pretty much Netflix and a lot of cooking.
What are you doing to stay physically active?
Going for a run most days with my mum and sister.
What things would you like to see happening?
I want to see more people being kind to others. This whole pandemic thing has made some people more compassionate to others in our community and i think it would be amazing if more people did this
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Just try to stay positive, it won't be forever. Please remember that you aren't the only ones in this, we are all in this together.
Samuel Miles, 15, Year 11 student, Fast food attendant
What do you know about COVID-19? What I know about COVID-19 is a direct referral to what is broadcasted on the news and displayed in articles. It is a virus that is spread by droplets of an infected person when they cough or sneeze or direct contact. The virus is believed to start in Wuhan, a city in the Chinese province of Hubei. The virus is a new strand of a well-known virus among animals, unfortunately COVID-19 is responsible for drastic respiratory degradation among the already vulnerable who suffer heart, lung and other immune illnesses. In response to the current pandemic, Governments and health officials have ordered effective hygiene practices that have contained the spread and reduce potential victims of the virus. This said, life has been changed and new adaptations to how we communicate, socialise and work together are crucial to combat the virus and stand victorious in the hopeful near future. Are you scared of it? Personally I do not fear the virus as current data shows young adults and teens are a minority of infected cases. That said, I do fear the virus having potentially harmful effects on my family or friends, therefore I do my best to ensure I follow new protocol and maintain a high level of personal hygiene to reduce the risk of contamination. I believe if we all contribute to securing a healthy future for our world, we need to abide by regulations - it should be non-negotiable, if we fear it or not. What stresses you the most? What stresses me out if the uncertainty of when or if our lives will ever return to how they ‘use’ to be just a few months back. The virus has had detrimental effects on the Australian market and economy and this can potentially threaten the financial security of families. The potential for poverty to increase and stress on Australia’s tax is a big concern. None-the-less, positivity and support towards each other should overlook all the negatives. With optimism and hope, our communities will have the chance to become stronger and together we shall unite to defeat this war of the pandemic. What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most? Isolation is an effective practice the government has implicated into our daily routine, it is no punishment and not a terribly difficult thing for most people. I see it as a time to relax and reunite with your families, I am aware not all households are as positive as we may want but that’s where we can stay positive and work closely with our community to support each other through this hard time. Self isolation can be difficult but for me the worst thing will have to be not knowing what people are going through each day as this war on the pandemic rages in the world. I miss being able to relax with friends in an unregulated distance apart but that is a small sacrifice to ensure the best possible measures were performed to save lives and victims of the virus. What is the best thing about isolation? Having time where we are expected to relax and stay home seems like a luxury and with a positive mindset it should be. Having time with our families is the best time to form closer and stronger relationships where our communities can bond and become stronger as a unit. How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal? I have a very brief education and knowledge of the pandemic and in no way is able to have a well educated prediction of when it will end. Although being hopeful we can remain confident and positive and wish for only a short period left of the virus and a speedy recovery. What things have you been doing to stay occupied? At home I help my parents and family with household tasks, this is a great platform for children to bond with their parents rather than see it as a chore. I also have to work at a takeout shop where I spend a good portion of my time. There we follow the correct safety procedures to help stop the spread of COVID-19. With all this I also have to find time to attend school calls, complete assignments and tasks, life is a little full on but as we know, if it doesn't kill us we will only become stronger. It is evident that not everyone may have a positive outlook on life and this situation but that is where the community and everyone who does steps forward to spread the message of kindness and hopefulness we still have. What are you doing to stay physically active? I remain active by taking my beloved dog on frequent walks where we discover the beauty of our neighbourhood and country. What things would you like to see happening? I would like to see people following the regulations and respecting others by maintaining an excellent state of personal hygiene. I also want to see strong communities form where we can become a support network for those who may need it most, together we are stronger and able to face anything. Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people? Stay optimistic, hopeful and follow the guides our health officials provide us.
Sav, 17, Year 12 student & Retail sales assistant
What do you know about COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a airborne infectious dangerous virus that was founded in the year 2020. It has taken over 1000 lives ranging from infants to the elderly.
Are you scared about it?
For someone who has a weak immune system because of an autoimmune disease, in my opinion others are more scared for me. I am not scared because I know that what I do to prevent it is in my control.
What stresses you the most?
The things that are out of my control and not being able to see close people to me.
As well as the financial status.
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
Most things I miss is being able to go outside so much. Going to get my hair done or the local cafe, love getting a coffee.
What’s the best thing about isolation?
Spending time at home to self reflect. It’s like I’ve taken a step back to help myself. I am spending more time with my boyfriend and at work. Still doing the two things I love. Without those two things, it would be very hard to cope
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
In WA, we hopefully should be looking at dropping isolation within a few months as our restrictions are out in place strictly.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Mainly working and being with my house mates. Going to the beach or watching a lot of movies. Trying new things that we can and a lot of cleaning.
What have you been doing to stay physically active?
I have been going fishing and to the beach when I can. Have been taking the dogs to the beach with my boyfriend.
Going over to my parents to have dinner and spending some time by the fire and in the garden.
What things would you like to see happening?
Projects to do online or competitions to make isolation much more fun.
Patrick Webster, 19, Waiter
What do you know about COVID-19?
I am not certain on how to accurately answer this question as I do no know whether you are asking what I know about the actual virus itself (symptoms, treatment etc) or the circumstance in which Australia and the world is facing as a result of this pandemic.
I'll just try to be general on what I know 😊
So I am fully aware of where this virus originated from ( the wet markets of China ) and I paid close attention to this issue even before WHO labelled it a epidemic. I understand that it is a viral strain of other corona viruses, similar to that of MERS or SARS but is a strain that has never infected humans before this incident. I know that there is no vaccine or effective treatment as of yet but there is huge efforts underway, globally, to produce a vaccine as soon as possible. I am acutely aware of the severity of the situation surrounding Covid-19 from both an international and local level, and from a health and economic perspective.
Are you scared about it?
I am definitely worried about what could potentially happen in the future. But after witnessing the excellent response from all three tiers of government I feel almost assured that the our government will smooth out the rocks being thrown at us.
What stresses you the most?
The health side, no doubt ,stressed me greatly but this was only initially. After the early success in flattening the curve it became more realistic that my grandparents etc actually wouldn’t be the unlucky ones contracting the virus (as much as my overthinking brain told me otherwise). So that leads me to what really really does stress me out; the economic impact of the pandemic. I am worried about the business I work for, my current job, my future job prospects, the monumental debt we will no doubt be left with to pay off...the list goes on and on. It is clear to me now that for Australia, at least, the economic impacts will be what will hit us hardest and longest and that really does stress me out.
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
The worst part for me is not being able to go to the gym and the pool and stay active. I am still relatively active but I was doing great in maintaining my 2020 health goals...until recently. I miss my friends ☹ and being able to go out for drinks, coffee dates, Maccas runs and movie nights...
What is the best thing about isolation?
I have been able to really work on cementing what I want out of life and what makes me happy. So I feel I will be in a more positive and content mindset when I come out!
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
I believe in the next 4 months things will become progressively more normal. But I do believe that after this there will be a new form of normal. I doubt we will be as grotty as we were before! As for international normality, I doubt things will return to normal within 6 months, at the least.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Reading. Lots of it!
Walks around the block. Two, three, four times a day. (luckily, ‘the block’ for me entails mount Clarence)
Facetiming family and friends
Netflix!
Discovering my lost love for art and collecting shells on the beach!
What are you doing to stay physically active?
I do a home workout around 4 times a week. Nothing compared to the gym but still enough. Also, lots of walking.
What things would you like to see happening?
More strict enforcement of isolation rules because I’m certain I’ve noticed people out when they really shouldn’t be.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Stay in there guys. Really make sure you keep communication with friends and family; they need it and you! There are worse situation we could all be in; at least we have food, shelter and Netflix hey!
Jackson 16, Professional procrastinator, future ruler of the world
What do you know about COVID-19?
Not a lot, I haven't been educated as well as I could of, social media would be a good way to bring up information, but I've only seen it on Facebook and what teenager now days uses Facebook, unless you're like me and love housewife gossip. Are you scared about it?
Lately I've been in a real live in the moment head space, do what makes you happy no matter the consequences. So I would say I'm not scared for myself. but I am scared for other people it tougher situations, e.g. rural school students, single parents with young children, elder living alone and hospital workers who are head first into the virus. What stresses you the most?
If we are talking about what stresses me the most about Corona virus, it would be the pain that people are going through on the daily basis, losing loved ones and close friends can be hard for people. If we are talking about what stresses out a school student, it would be the balance between, study, social and work. During corona virus I've gained more shifts at work and it gets harder and harder to deal with long hours. and once school goes back I will still have these hours so whether or not I'll manage is a different story. What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
Being that I work everyday I haven't been self isolating as well I as I could be, but it's the government rules they have put in place that are hard to manage, because I want my life to be like a coming of age movie, not a dooms day drama, so I can't wait for the day I can go back to performing, back to voulteering and back to hanging out with my friends and it not be a crime What is the best thing about isolation?
Having time to myself, although I dyed my hair a little to much, bleach it twice. when through 8 different colours... and now I'm bald. I've rearranged my room close to 5 times, thinking of rearranging it again. at one point my mattress was in my wardrobe. How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
I couldn't tell you, I think people have given up on some of the rules. but the government still hasn't taken any away. so I'm just gonna ride this roller coaster till it ends What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Well work and clean my room, annoying my siblings 24/7 and I also made an Instagram page about clothing and outfits I wear! just as a little side project. My sister has been working a lot so I have to help take care of her kids which is always fun! What are you doing to stay physically active?
I go for a walk when the weather is nice, it's Albany so you can never tell! I also run around the house chasing my nephews! I'm enjoy all the extra family time I get What things would you like to see happening?
I really just want things to go back to normal so I can be in the typical teen coming of age, I want to go swimming at night and laugh until the sun comes up. I want to live life outdoors doing things that I love. Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Live life how you want to live it. not how everyone's telling you to and create memories that you'll love for a life time. you never know until it's to late
Olivia and Ella 16 and 14 sisters, Oivia Woollies checkout chick and year 11 and Ella Year 9
What do you know about COVID-19?
O: it's a virus that is stopping people from seeing each other cause it gets spread so easily and there is no vaccine
E: it's a contagious virus and keeping the world in lock down
Are you scared about it?
O: no
E: no
What stresses you the most?
O: the amount of school work we have been given to complete while we are at home
E: if the virus gets to one of our friends or family
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
O: I miss seeing friends
E: stuck at home and missing friends
What is the best thing about isolation?
O: not having to get up early for school
E: being with our pets all day
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
O: hopfuly a couple more weeks
E: a couple of years
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
We have watched all the marvel movies in order, done homework and made a cringy Instagram account
What are you doing to stay physically active?
Yoga and walking the dogs
What things would you like to see happening?
O: life going back to normal
E: a vaccine to be created
Liam, 16 – Liam has Autism, Student at Albany Secondary Education Support Centre
What do you know about COVID-19?
It’s a contagious virus that came from bats then mutated. It originally came from Wuhan. It then started to rapidly spread, not only in China, but worldwide....Even in Australia.
Are you scared about it?
Probably yeah. I worry about getting sick. However, we are all being hygienic. We wash our hands with hot soapy water....even my teachers told me to do that!
What stresses you the most?
How all these people are dying, losing jobs and being hospitalised. How all the movies are being postponed, parks are closed, shops running out of food.....and Toilet Paper! Schools being closed and not being able to go on holidays.
What is the worst thing about isolation?
Being stuck at home with nothing to do. I miss going to school and I miss going on holidays. I miss my school friends.
What is the best thing about isolation?
You don’t have to worry about getting infected or being hospitalised. Smaller cities don’t get many cases so we are safer here, staying in my hometown, a place where I live.
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
I would probably say four months... I reckon that’s a pretty good answer!
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Washing my hands, video games. Cooking, going out on walks, and all that stuff. I get to cook healthy food like vegetables and steak.
What are you doing to stay physically active?
Ahhh, be healthy, eat vegetables, push ups. And remember, don’t come across anybody infected because you wont be able to stay fit. I have also been going on walks and doing martial arts in my backyard.
What things would you like to see happening?
ANZAC day, theatres being open, going holidays, no more cases, schools opening......We don’t want to be like America, they are really struggling.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Yeah, Nothing to worry about...NEVER FEAR!!
Jasmine 16, Home-school student
What do you know about COVID-19
Corona-viruses are in a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. They can range from the common cold to much more serious diseases.
It’s spread person to person or in droplets from sneezes and things like that.
Are you scared about it?
Not really at this point. WA and all of Australia is doing a good job at handling the situation I think.
What stresses you the most?
Probably if my parents got it.
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
Not being able to properly do my activities like dance and drama and basketball. And I miss my friends.
What is the best thing about isolation?
Probably spending time with my family and I’m getting lots done around the house haha.
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
Normal as in daily life for me probably a few months. But normal for the economics of the country that’s hard to say. As far as the world as a whole maybe never. It might be a new normal.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Calling friends, cooking and playing music
What are you doing to stay physically active?
Bush walks and keeping my flexibility and strength for dance.
What things would you like to see happening?
After COVID-19 restriction are lifted I hope that people will realise we don’t need planes and ocean cruises as much as they have such a negative impact on the environment.
Also Australia’s health care system is really good, but after COVID-19 I’m sure they have found holes in their system and I hope the government will help them with funding and whatever they need.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Stay as active as you can and stay connected and try to use your imagination to do new and creative things. Please respect our essential workers. Health care workers are saving lives, they deserve to be treated with respect and decency. Stay safe.
Julia 18, Service station attendant
What do you know about COVID-19?
That it’s a virus and that we learn something new about it every day
Are you scared about it?
No, not really
What stresses you the most?
Not knowing what’s going to happen in the future.
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
I have taken for granted my freedom and being able to see who I wanted and do what I wanted. I miss seeing my friends and I miss doing the normal activities that I would normally be able to do.
What is the best thing about isolation?
Having more time to reflect and spending more time at home with my family.
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
It is a bit hard to say, it depends on whether we have more outbreaks, it depends on other countries, It depends on if we have a new normal. It may never go back to what we had before.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Playing lots of video games on PlayStation and Xbox. Watching lots of Netflix
What are you doing to stay physically active?
I am not normally a physically active person. I am walking more and doing YouTube workouts. I think I am actually more physically active than I have ever been.
What things would you like to see happening?
Improvements so people who are vulnerable and isolated can socialise again and that countries like Italy which have been really impacted can start going back to normal.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Hang in there, try looking at the positives. We live in a country where we have things under control and in a place like Albany where it hasn’t been too bad.
Lara 17, Year 12 Home-school student and indoor ninja
What do you know about COVID-19?
It's a droplet-transmitted virus that has an unusually strong chemical makeup meaning it can be deadly to those with weak immune systems. It has also for some unknown reason promoted the panic buying of toilet paper.
Are you scared about it?
Not particularly.
What stresses you the most?
My plans for the future being cancelled.
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
Being stuck inside, and I'm really missing my friends.
What is the best thing about isolation?
I have more time to dedicate to study, grow, and reaching out to people! 🙂
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
No idea, although I am hopeful it will be about 6 months.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Creating and writing a blog, dancing Zumba, drawing, and studying and research. And loads of zoom meetings with friends.
What are you doing to stay physically active?
Running, dance practice, learning Zumba, personally constructed workouts.
What things would you like to see happening?
Less panic and anxiety and social media, more creativity, video chats, calls, and people turning to God.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Look out for others, be the ray of sunshine in your friends and families life, and focus on the incredible opportunities we have now, not what has been taken away! 🙂
Kadee: 14, YAC member, Student and fuel attendant
What do you know about COVID-19?
That it is a virus that originally came from China, it’s basically stopping everything in the world. It is stopping us from going out and we all have to stay home to stay safe.
Are you scared about it?
No, not at all. I was scared initially but not anymore.
What stresses you the most?
Turning on the TV and seeing all the cases and how its causing devastation to some families and work places.
It also stresses me that it might over take Albany.
I am also stressed about what’s going to happen after its all under control. Money, jobs, employment…
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
Not being able to see people and not being able to see my friends. I like seeing my friends! I miss school and my friends
What is the best thing about isolation?
Being able to spend time with my family, being able to chill and reflect on life.
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
4-6 months before it to be completely normal.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Lots of Art, watching TV, exercise and doing nothing, chilling really.
What are you doing to stay physically active?
Going for walks nearly every day. Going for a run or doing a workout, doing yoga and stuff like that.
What things would you like to see happening?
Things starting to go back to normal, seeing friends when it’s safe to do so.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
To think how lucky we are to be in Australia, we could be somewhere else where it isn’t so safe like America.
How lucky we are to have friends and family because bad things do happen so be grateful for what we do have.
Chey: 18, Musician
What do you know about COVID-19?
It's a respiratory disease that originated in Wuhan, but has now spread across the world. It has affected literally every person on this planet in some way.
Are you scared about it?
Nah not particularly.
What stresses you the most?
I think the possibility of me passing on the virus to people I love and care about without realizing it stresses me out the most. However, I'm also afraid about the potential economic depression we'll face after this.
What is the worst thing about having to self isolate and what do you miss the most?
I honestly miss playing basketball at Eyres Park and sadly somehow, going to Studio 146.
What is the best thing about isolation?
My girlfriend and I have watched 8 seasons of The Walking Dead and played a ridiculous amount of Minecraft, it's getting weird.
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
7-12 months, but even then it'll be different.
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
I've been playing writing songs and running, just to keep active mentally and physically.
What are you doing to stay physically active?
I've been running 4km every day, a lot of it being uphill. Occasionally going swimming, if I'm feeling like it.
What things would you like to see happening?
I'd like a bit of reassurance for food shortages. Since it's just my girlfriend and I, we don't have to stress too much about food, but it'll still hovers in the back of my mind.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Please follow the guidelines so I can go back to being a regular at Due South.
Genaro: 22, Recently unemployed due to COVID - 19
What do you know about COVID-19?
I think its man-made
Are you scared about it?
No
What stresses you the most?
Not being able to access motorbike parts from international sellers
What is the worst thing about having to self-isolate and what do you miss the most?
Limited resources and supplies. I miss catching up with my mates and having a beer.
What is the best thing about isolation?
Not working
How long do you think it will take before life goes back to normal?
18 months at least
What things have you been doing to stay occupied?
Building furniture, building motorbikes, making bomb meals.
What are you doing to stay physically active?
Doing everything and anything, cleaning, chores whatever needs doing.
What things would you like to see happening?
FaceTime Beers or Zoom Pub
Do you have a message you would like to share with other young people?
Be smart, stay safe it’s not the end of the world
Get in touch with us today if you would like to complete this questionnaire to share your thoughts and how you are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Don't forget your pic!
Email: events@albany.wa.gov.au