Quarantined in Lithuania

by: Joanne Voss

People all over the world are being encouraged to self-isolate to prevent catching or spreading COVID-19, but some are in mandatory quarantine, either from testing positive or coming from high-risk areas.

My mom, Ingrid Voss, is a professor at LCC International University in Lithuania. She and my dad, Jerry moved there in January. I was able to interview them on zoom to learn more about their new, isolated life.

After a Spring break trip to Barcelona, Spain, they are now quarantined in their on-campus apartment.

My mom told me about what life was like in quarantine. “So we stay in our room most of the day,” she said, “except in the afternoon we may chose to go for a short walk away from campus, that was actually encouraged so that we can get some fresh air, but avoiding any kind of social contact.”

They order groceries and any other necessities online, and every few days, deliveries are made to their front door.

Living in a small apartment is a big change for them after moving from their Fresno home, but they don’t mind less square footage.

My dad said, “It is very essential that there is unity and harmony between the people in the apartment and fortunately your mom and I love each other so that’s not an issue.”

To pass the time, they do a lot of reading, cooking and walking and my dad said “the hours just fly by.”

They are looking to return home in May, but will play it by ear as the world continues to face the coronavirus.