2020 began with the same extreme heat from 2019 across the state, a long drought in most country areas and many bush-fires burning in the south east of Victoria. Horrific stories of suffering, loss of homes, farms, forests and animals, both farm stock and native animals. There were heart-breaking reports and pictures in the media throughout the world, but also heart-warming stories of exhausted but brave fire-fighters, volunteers, emergency services, community workers, neighbours and charities involved.

The year continued with a big journey to England for an arranged home exchange in Surrey, SE of London, in a very pretty area but the 6 week home exchange became a short 2 weeks as the Coronavirus global crisis worsened everywhere and we quickly needed to get home to Australia. This meant 14 days in isolation in our own home and not beyond it.

Strict government regulations for an almost total lock-down right across Australia have continued but with encouraging results and a drop in the curve of cases. Social isolation and distancing has had noticeable side effects in quieter, cleaner streets and public places, more family time and a slower, calmer lifestyle. COVID cases continued to rise in Victoria, a Stage 4 lock down was ordered with strict guidelines - only a permitted distance radius of 5km from home allowed, no cafes, restaurants or pubs open, no shops open except food and pharmacy, mask wearing compulsory. By the end of November, Victoria was COVID free for almost 20 days and restrictions to traveling in our state were eased. Gatherings of people were far more liberal, shops and businesses were all open, schools back and swimming pools, gyms and recreation centres open WITH careful conditions in place.

2021 began in a rather sombre way. It was hoped that this year would bring relief but the virus continued to rage in many countries with devastating numbers of deaths. Australia had managed COVID well with comparatively low numbers yet there were still positive cases in some states. Only Australians returning from overseas were permitted to enter our country and thousands remained still trying to make their way home, to be quarantined on arrival for 14 days. A sudden total Lock-down Number 3 for the entire state for 5 days due to COVID cases coming from Melbourne's hotel quarantine arrangement for arrivals from overseas back into Australia and we were back to lock-down activities. n March we were out of lock-down again, but everyone to continued to wear masks in all stores & on public transport. Stores, cafes & restaurants all required sign in and provided hand sanitiser. Reminders to socially distance were in all places. It was a new scene all around & almost everyone obeyed the Living with COVID rules. As Autumn arrived with increasing beauty, Australia awaited COVID-19 vaccinations with many have already receiving it. We received our first vaccination. Strict rules regarding masks and distancing were relaxed, although most people were mindful of the necessary precautions. Life continued under COVID regulations. Vaccinations continued with much discussion re the effects of one vaccine compared with another, but all medical specialists declared they were safe and urged people to arrange an appointment to be vaccinated. Then a NEW complete Lock Down was andated for almost 2 weeks. The public holiday, Queens Birthday, traditionally the opening of the Snow and Ski season had NO visitors to alpine resorts as all in Melbourne were locked down. Masks became compulsory everywhere again.

July brought good news for Victoria with NO new COVID cases each day but bad news for NSW with enough increasing cases to justify a Lock Down right on school term holidays causing havoc among those wanting to travel there. The same in greater Brisbane and other regions of Queensland, popular places for holidaying Victorians. In August there were MORE lock-downs for Victoria with increasing COVID cases from unknown sources. NSW was in crisis with increasing cases and some deaths. We were allowed out only within 5 km radius. Masks mandatory. Vaccination rates stepped up as we continued here in lock-down, but NSW cases eased and they came out of lock-down with no need for zero cases.

War of the States - WA and Queensland declared NO cases and did not want any people from other states to enter. Victoria promised to end the longest lock-down of any place in the world when fully vaccinated rate was 80%. in November Victoria reached its target and the long lockdown finally ended - haircuts!, travel beyond 5 km and beyond the city, visiting and gatherings were permitted within reason and many embraced the reopening of discretionary shops, restaurants and pubs although most dining was to take place outdoors with with those places adjusting their outdoor seating. We happily escaped to Wilson’s Promontory NP, the southernmost tip of Victoria and about as far away from the crowds of the city as we could be. With Christmas approaching we were living with COVID and its variants. Check-ins remain compulsory with our phone app, QR Code, which also displays our vaccination status. We feel at this stage, after two long years, that we have done considerably well. Fully vaccinated Victorians were just over 90 %, small children were being included and booster shots were beginning to be offered.