Things Have Changed In Germany After Increasing Deaths In Europe

With all sporting events suspended, and most training centres and national camps shut, what are athletes doing with their forced leisure time?

Everyday a top athlete will talk about her or his experience of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. This is Fouaad Mirza, who ended India’s 36-year wait for an individual Equestrian medal at the 2018 Asian Games. The only Indian rider to win a Tokyo Olympics quota place, Mirza is currently in Germany, where around 40,000 positive cases have been reported.

I am currently living in a small village called Bergedorfnear the town of Ganderkesee, which is located in North-West Germany. It’sa secluded place with farmlands and a population of, maybe, fewer than 100.

Following Monday’s announcement by (German Chancellor) Angela Merkel, a fresh set of guidelines have been issued that include a ban on public gatherings of more than two people and maintaining a 1.5-metre distance at all times when in public space. Even the food joints are closed.

Unless there is a severe need of anything—be it food or other things—I do not step out of my training base. Our area hasn’t yet reported any positive cases of Covid-19.

There are, however, a few cities in Germany which are under heavy lockdown. The city of Bremen, a densely populated area near the village where I stay, has reported a few positive cases.