On March 17, 2020, France entered its first nationwide lockdown, marking the beginning of unprecedented health measures to combat the spread of Covid-19. Five years later, as personal accounts come to light, the adaptations and repercussions of this event remain deeply embedded within society.
Each experience varies, as exemplified by 28-year-old Hana, who recalls, "C'était un peu stressant vu qu'on ne pouvait pas sortir, surtout quand on devait faire les fiches pour sortir faire nos courses" (It was a bit stressful since we couldn't go out, especially when we had to fill out forms to go grocery shopping). Her sentiment reflects what many felt: confinement was filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
Lauriane, now 23, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the challenges of adjusting to online classes during her studies: "Les cours étaient à distance, donc de devoir être réguliers, de ne pas lâcher en pleine licence, c'était la partie la plus compliquée" (Classes were remote, so being regular, not giving up during my degree was the most complicated part). The transition for students proved particularly taxing as they navigated the difficult balance of academic performance and mental health.
Contrast these accounts with the thoughts of 70-year-old Monique, who viewed the measures with skepticism: "Je pense que l'on nous a pris pour des pigeons" (I think they took us for pigeons), questioning the efficacy and rationale behind the restrictions. This differing perspective encapsulates the division of public sentiment toward the government's handling of the pandemic—while some accepted the measures out of necessity, others felt constrained by misplaced governance.
The lockdown's impact stretched beyond individual stressors. Célia, just 10 years old at the time, noted, "Ça m'énervait un peu" (It annoyed me) when required to wear masks at school, illustrating how the pandemic created challenges even for the youngest members of society, abruptly introducing them to new realities.
For many, such as 24-year-old Quentin, the personal costs of these necessary measures became evident. He stated, "C'était nécessaire pour tout le monde, mais on est arrivé à un niveau de perte de liberté assez élevé..." (It was necessary for everyone, but we arrived at quite a high level of loss of freedom). The sense of confinement, particularly during the pandemic, led to significant feelings of claustrophobia and loss of autonomy.
Reflecting on the broader societal impact, Lauriane mentioned the lost opportunities of youth: "Des années d'étudiants, où normalement tu es censée sortir et profiter, faire des rencontres... Ce sont des années que l'on ne retrouvera jamais" (Years of students where you are supposed to go out and enjoy, make encounters... These are years we will never get back). Such highlights remind us of the age group most affected by the abrupt stop of social interaction and development during formative years.
But beyond personal experiences, the aftermath of the pandemic has also elicited calls for recognition and remembrance. Julie, who lost her father to the virus, shared traumatic reflections on the end-of-life processes many families faced, unable to hold proper farewells. Julie detailed the chaotic situation, "Quand j'ai appris sa mort, je m'effondre par terre... Il manque une étape" (When I learned of his death, I collapsed... There’s one step missing). She has initiated efforts toward psychological support for families, founding associations to help victims' families cope with their losses.
Sabrina Sellami, the vice-president of C5urVide19, advocates for remembrance, arguing, "Qu’il y ait un hommage national, c’est fondamental..." (It is fundamental to have national recognition). She emphasizes how the lack of formal processes denied families closure, calling for legislative acknowledgment to honor the victims of Covid-19, as she lost both her father and brother during this time.
The French societal fabric changed during this period, where even cultural practices began to shift. The traditional 'bise' or cheek kiss, long rooted within French customs, saw reduced frequency. Dominique Picard, psychosociologist, noted, "Avant le Covid, elle était tellement ancrée culturellement que refuser de s’y plier pouvait être interprété comme une marque d’impolitesse..." (Before Covid, it was culturally ingrained enough to decline could be seen as impolite...). This cultural shift speaks volumes about how deeply the pandemic has altered social interactions.
Today, as people gradually adjust to post-pandemic life, nostalgia and regret fill the air alongside hope for the future. Creative adaptations remain, with many continuing to partake more prominently in teleworking, reshaping the workplace fundamentals. The pandemic has instilled awareness of hygiene and altercations within socialized behaviors—people like Nicolas, now 20, noted, "On fait beaucoup plus attention à l'hygiène dans les lieux publics, ça a vraiment évolué" (We pay much more attention to hygiene in public places, it has really evolved).
Five years later, with reflection on both the challenges and adaptations forged by these experiences, it’s clear the Covid-19 pandemic left indelible marks across individuals and societal systems alike. From changed shopping habits to enhanced online engagement, the echoes of those quiet streets and confined homes resound through continued reformulations of what daily life entails. Better or worse, the 'new normal' reflects the resilience of both people and systems grappling to find footing amid undulating waves of uncertainty and change.