SATURDAY marked one year since the first Covid-19 case was confirmed in Swindon

As March 2020 unfolded, the virus took a firm grip on the country and it entered its first national lockdown in an attempt to contain the outbreak. 

On Facebook we asked readers how their lives had changed over the past 12 months, which saw three national lockdowns and a variety of local restrictions introduced. 

Here are some of the responses we received...

Sheila James Mitchell: “We went into lockdown on March 16 and have hardly been out since. 

“My husband hadn’t been in a shop since March 15. 

“We used to go out somewhere every day and thought we would miss it. 

“My husband’s walking has really deteriorated and now needs a walker. We keep busy. My husband reads and does crosswords and I do family history and have had to take on some additional chores in the garden. 

“Catch up with family and friends on FaceTime and we remain cheerful and upbeat. 

“Not sure that things will change that much even when we can go out. 

“Our family have been amazing and do all our shopping – we could not have managed without them. 

“All in all we have been luckier than many.”

Karen Smith: “Although it’s been a tough year, missing friends and family, I have managed to give up smoking.

“It’s been tough and sometimes stressful but I’ve done it.”

Machala Jayne Pearce: “I have put Type 2 diabetes in remission so kicked that out of my life forever. And lost four stone.”

Anya Dhillon: “Been stuck inside since last march due to being CEV and my kids have been at home since I caught a virus from one of them within weeks of going back to school and it turned into pneumonia last October. 

“Not fun for them and they can’t go back until I’m fully vaccinated, poor things. 

“We haven’t been into a shop since last March, haven’t eaten out, haven’t been to a park, haven’t met with family. 

“But I know others have it much worse than us.”

Simon Reeves: “2020 was the best my garden ever looked.”

Roz Davies: “Getting more fit and more conscious of those around me and just trying to look at the positives.”

Stephy Moore: “Has anyone even had a life over the past year.”

Samantha James Nash: “I have spent time with my children, got them into doing fitness with me, have pivoted my business and tidied up my house.”

Stacey Louise Dale: “Had a baby and pregnant again.”

Sarah Cook: “Met my now boyfriend and lost three stone. Homeschooling is not easy, but got on with it. 

“Miss family though.”

John Farrow: “All of my clothes have shrunk.”

Kacey Turner: “Had a baby and moved out of my mum's.”

Adam Poole: “Spent the year trying to protect my 88-year-old mother so haven’t been near the office, a pub or the cinema. 

“Have saved a lot of money.”

Maureen O’Donnell: “Same old, same old every day.”

Kimberleigh Marshall: “I had a baby and brought a new house.”

Doreen Muir: “Missed everyone’s hugs.”

Alan Rothwell: “Live by Zoom for playing music with friends and for Reiki. 

“Plus dog walking for friends has kept me sane.”

Alexandra Mancari: “Probably best not dwell about disruptive schooling, cancelled holidays and losing family members to this virus and not being able to hug loved ones when we needed it most.

“Can only hope for a brighter future.”