Recalling a challenging period of time, a student from north Devon reflects on the surreal experience of enduring a 448-day isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Five years after the initial lockdown, 20-year-old Fintan Hood describes the ordeal as harrowing and emphasizes how overwhelming it would be to have to go through it again. Diagnosed with a rare immune deficiency condition, Hood was advised to shield by Great Ormond Street Hospital at the onset of 2020, leading to an extended period of confinement at home.
Currently enrolled at the University of York, Hood was a student at Kingsley School in Bideford when the pandemic upheaved daily life. Upon his eventual return to school after the prolonged isolation, he was met with a heartwarming reception – classmates lined the driveway, offering applause as he arrived with his family. Despite the warm gesture, Hood admits to facing social challenges upon resuming in-person interactions, showcasing hesitancy towards potential infections and health risks even now.
Expressing eternal gratitude towards his family for their unwavering support during his isolation, Hood acknowledges the toll it took on his mental well-being. The lingering impact of the Covid-19 era is palpable among his peers, with a noticeable shift in social behaviors within his generation. Reflecting on the changes, Hood observes a decrease in large group gatherings and a reduced enthusiasm for traditional social activities like partying. Emphasizing the lasting effects of the pandemic, he highlights a shift towards alternative forms of entertainment that do not rely heavily on alcohol consumption
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