It has been five years since Scotland began to shut down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On March 19, 2020 the Scottish Government announced that all schools and nurseries were to close their doors, with pubs, restaurants, gyms and more venues around the UK all told to follow suit a day later. But it wasn’t until March 23 that then Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the entire UK to announce a total lockdown, telling everyone to “stay at home” with legal restrictions on travel, work and spending time outdoors all put in place.
Lockdown in Scotland commenced on March 24, 2020, with additional measures regarding social distancing and staying at home introduced, many of which would remain for almost two years.
During those early lockdown periods, almost everything about daily life became unrecognisable. From no longer being able to socialise in person to the new daily commute from bed to the couch, it was an unprecedented time in history which led many to seek out alternative forms of entertainment.
Whether it was downloading Zoom and having online pub quizzes or binge-watching Netflix series like Tiger King, people found new ways to cope with reality at that moment in time.
Covid is still here. But five years later, life has returned to normal and the worst days are now behind us. With so much having changed in that time period, here we take a look at some of the defining cultural moments of lockdown.
13. Animal Crossing
Released just a few days before the UK entered lockdown, Animal Crossing: New Horizons was a bright spot during those early days for many. It was one of the biggest online games of the lockdown period, offering a much needed escape from the real world. The National Videogame Museum in Sheffield even collected player experiences for an online exhibition on the subject. | AFP via Getty Images
14. Baking
Between those not working at all due to lockdown and those who had started working remotely, staying occupied wasn’t an easy task and new hobbies – such as baking – were being sought. From making sourdough loaves to banana bread, the pandemic sparked a new and lasting love of baking for many. | Hennadii / Adobe Stock
15. Leaving the house once a day
It feels alien to remember now, but during the height of the Covid pandemic the stay at home rules meant that, unless you were travelling for work, you could only leave the house once a day. For those with gardens it wasn’t such an issue, but if you were stuck without any outdoor space your daily exercise could be a lifeline. Naturally, when this rule was introduced people around the country immediately began making jokes, particularly about the Proclaimers’ 500 Miles. | AFP via Getty Images