Covid-19: Other Views

A friend on Facebook—a birder with international connections—asked today what restrictions are in place in other countries (especially as they apply to birding, of course), and how effective they seem to be. She got a few responses.

UK

Here in the U.K. it’s v strict. Only allowed out once a day for exercise for an hour, alone or with members of your household.
Shopping for basic necessities as infrequently as possible.
No meeting friends or family unless they live in the same household
So I have to bird from my balcony and I don’t get a lot of variation! (Gill Havard)

Australia

Australia is a bit of a clusterfuck. Each state has their own restrictions. New South Wales (where I am) basically has a “shelter in place” order with only 4 exceptions for leaving your residence, including to get food and exercise. Big fines if you blatantly disregard the guidelines, particularly for social distancing.
 I’m not risking any kind of birding away from local walking trails. I went to the grocery today and stocked up for at least a week. I was actually quite surprised at how few people I encountered at the mall where the grocer is and how diminished the crowds are here from a couple weeks ago. Still some people out and about but everyone is good about keeping distance, for the most part. (Danny Akers)

Brazil

In Brazil the states determine the isolation rules. This is a huge country with great cultural, educational and socioeconomic disparities. I live in the most populated and economically advanced state, São Paulo. Here the governor declared isolation—only essential businesses (food, health, transportation, etc.) are working and people are asked to stay home. Public parks are closed. It seems to be working pretty well, although there are always those who don't comprehend, don't want to comprehend, or simply deny the seriousness of the situation. I live in a tiny village in a rural area and the response here has been very good. Other states are doing a good job, too. Some others, not so much. Our main problem as a nation is our a**hole president, who has been consistently undermining both the governors' and the minister of Health's efforts (these are aligned with science), threatens to fire the minister and exerts constant pressure to reopen businesses and get life back to normal. He has created a political crisis—including an internal one at federal level - and there are signs that things could crack in a big way. (Elsie Laura)

Albania

We can apply to the government via text to go out for one hour per day between 05:00 to 13:00 Monday to Saturday. Saturday at 13:00 to Monday at 05:00 no one is allowed outside. During the hour we are allowed to go shopping alone at the grocery, pharmacy, or bakery where you must wear a mask and gloves. Everything else is closed. Any other activity is forbidden. We may apply to use a car during these times for the same reasons. This is week 4 or 5 maybe. 10,000 lekë fine if caught out without permission. Difficult to tell exactly how well the restrictions are working due to lack of testing, and maybe not free flow of information, but I am positive it is making a huge difference. (Scott Young)

Germany

In Germany you're not supposed to travel. Some states have police turning people around that don't have valid reasons to be driving through. That said, you are still allowed to go for walks and do exercise. I guess birding in your area is fine as long as you keep your distance. You can still go grocery shopping or to the drug store. You can only be with 1 other person in public unless you are with your family that lives with you. Everything fun is closed until at least April 19, but I think it's going to be until mid-May. Let's see. Since I have small kids, life isn't that different for me. (Aja Guerra-Pichl)

*************

Here in Monterey County, the number of cases ticked up today by 1, to 63; deaths still at 2. Not much movement—which is good. I hope.

Stay inside. Stay safe. Stay healthy.