Covid-19 infections exploded across the globe in 2020. By the end of the year, statistics were staggering. In the United States alone, estimates put the number of infections at 20 million. Of those, some 340 thousand people died. Worldwide, nearly 84 million people had been infected resulting in more than 1.8 million fatalities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the virus a pandemic on March 11. Two days later, President Trump declared a national state of emergency. On March 19, California became the first state to issue stay-at-home orders.
In the earliest days of the pandemic, confusion reigned. The government seemed woefully unprepared and information released to the public often was more than not confusing. Don’t buy masks; leave them available for healthcare workers. Then, in a complete reversal, the public was urged to wear masks and stand six feet apart.
Children couldn’t go to school. Schools and universities conducted classes online. Restaurant workers were laid off. Those lucky to have jobs worked from home. And healthcare providers were overwhelmed. The list goes on and on.
Two documentary filmmakers have joined forces to examine the emotional and physical fallout from this devastating pandemic. Now that the worst is behind us how are we recovering from this life-altering turn of events that affected people the world over.
Tandy Culpepper talks with Dana Richie of Backlot Productions and Francesco Lucarelli of Boundless Life about their documentary Unlocked.
