Aigerim Azizbekova
15, Bishkek, Kyrgystan
“I love hugging or just having my friends close, but with social distancing, I had to restrain myself from anything like that.”
About me
What level of lockdown or quarantine are you in?
Last two months, we had a strict level of lockdown, when it was allowed to go outside only for specific and valuable reasons like grocery shopping, medicines or work. However, not long ago most of the restrictions were canceled. Now, people are allowed to go anywhere they want, whenever they want. Local transport is working like nothing ever happened. Nevertheless, it’s still forbidden to organize big events and celebrations.
What has changed since coronavirus started?
Everything. We had some big changes in economical and political situations, gladly, our government did everything in their power to protect us: every shopping center has security, which checks for fever. They are equipped with sterilizing tools. People are not allowed to enter any local centers without masks. Also, as a student, I’ve gone through some changes as well, considering that during the lockdown all of the lessons, exams and tests were online. Moreover, these last two months the only people I could encounter with were my family members. During the year, we became distant as everyone was focused either on work or school, but quarantine gave us a chance to become closer, which we did. In addition, during the year everything I did was study. I couldn’t develop any side interests, but with the online-school, I started having more time on myself, so I got a photography course and as the lockdown ended I had a few photoshoots, with which I’m very happy about! Overall, quarantine was a very good time to stop and just relax.
Are you able to go to school/work?
Last two months – no, our school organized online school, so I studied online, but now all the schools have finished and I’m able to go to work.
Where do you spend most of your time now?
Mostly at home. My parents are still worried about the coronavirus, because with end of quarantine the number has been rising again.
How do you communicate with your friends?
Through online platforms like WhatsApp or Instagram.
Do you see your family more or less now?
We live all together, so I see them everyday.
What do you see when you leave your house?
Bunch of people, who don’t follow the rules and walk without masks. Security in front of every shopping mall with masks, gloves and antiseptics. People of different ages, selling hygienic tools everywhere.
How do other people look when you go out?
Since it’s summer, many people walk in light clothes. Rarely, I see people with masks and gloves.
How do others act when outside their house?
Normal. Like nothing ever happened. They hang out with friends, enjoy life. Most of the people abandon the thought that coronavirus is still there, among people and prefer to ignore most of the regulations.
Has anything changed for the good in your life since coronavirus started?
Yes! I reconnected with my family and learned to have some time with myself. I started developing hobbies, like photography and graphic design. I even started learning spanish! Also, I finally had time to watch all of the series, films and animations I’ve longed to watch for so long. I read all of the books I wanted to and finally finished all of the courses I purchased years ago.
What is the worst part of social distancing for you?
Physical contact. I love hugging or just having my friends close, but with social distancing, I had to restrain myself from anything like that.
If all restrictions have been lifted in your area, is everything back to normal, or are there still changes that you can see?
Coronavirus hit us spontaneously and I can’t say that everything will ever be back to normal, even when most of the restrictions had been lifted, people find it hard to go back to what they were either it’s business or studying.
The Quaranteen Project
My Gallery
THe developing project
The Developing Story was created to give a voice to those seeking to be heard, while encouraging and empowering all communities to speak their truth through the medium of photography. Through our capsule storytelling projects, we amplify ordinary voices, offer the wider world a new perspective on current affairs, and encourage visual arts in every community around the world.