Podcast: Episode 79: Pandemic: Personal reports from three athletes from around the world

Everyone is talking about it so we should as well.  But instead of more graphs of "How COVID-19 will spread", we will listen to authentic, personal reports from friends.  Europe - United States - New Zealand.  Each report is very different!  We can learn from each other.

"This is a global pandemic, and it supersedes everyone's personal goals"

Note: These conversations were recorded Monday afternoon, March 23, which is important to know as every situation changes every day.

Europe

Hillary Allen, Barcelonnette, France
The epidemic in Europe is 7-10 days more advanced than the US, so her situation is what we might expect to come in the States.

"I can still get outdoors a little. I’m riding on an indoor trainer because I don’t want to run any risks of a crash, which would take resources of rescue personnel.  People are getting fined for running too far from their house, so it's very strict!"

United States

Monica Morant, Sausalito, California
California was the first state to mandate "Shelter in Place", with the Bay Area four days before the state. Outdoor recreation is a way of life here, so what are the rules, and how are people coping?

"We can still go out, but not in any groups. I run on the bike path out my door, but only early, because there's too many people for Social Distancing later.  The beaches are open but the parking lots are closed - this keeps people sane while also keeping them from congregating."

New Zealand

Grant Guise, Christchurch, South Island, NZ
New Zealand is behind most other countries, but has acted decisively.  They closed the border, and with 2,000km of big blue ocean in any direction and only 4.8mil people, they might be able to actually contain the pandemic, rather than "flatten the growth curve" which is all Social Distancing does.  Early on, the Prime Minister mandated anyone arriving must self-isolate for 14 days.

"On Saturday, a couple from Hong Kong were on a helicopter tour of the Fox Glacier, when they told the pilot they had arrived recently.  He flew them off the glacier and straight to the police."