Between Zoom lessons, exercise routines and catching up with family, Ines and Oscar Florez have barely had time to spare during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Despite having to be physically separated from other people and spending many hours in isolation together, the Higgins couple are still smiling.
Their smiles now feature in a television ad campaign commissioned by the ACT government to show how Canberrans have been staying busy and connected in this unusual time.
The Canberra strong together video shows empty streets and parks, a deserted stadium and closed shopfronts before giving a glimpse of where the action is - inside people's homes and back yards where people are playing games, celebrating birthdays, video calling relatives, studying and exercising.
Inside our little city beats a big heart. As we face a challenge like no other, Canberra is stronger together #cbrtogetherpic.twitter.com/jyhGFhzmkK
— ACT Government (@actgovernment) April 28, 2020
Mrs Florez said technology had enabled many parts of life to continue during the pandemic.
"Learning a bit of new technology, it's a bit of a challenge for us," she said.
"By using Zoom we were able to continue doing a lot of things we were doing before without being there in person."
Mrs Florez has continued to teach Spanish through the U3A by hosting Zoom classes and providing writing tasks by mail. She's also taking French lessons and participating in a book club via Zoom.
Gym class via video didn't work out so well, so she devised her own exercise routine and goes walking every day. In between that, there's plenty of gardening, painting, sewing and craft to be done.
"I miss being with the children and grandchildren because we used to have a once a week family dinner," she said.
"We cannot do that anymore so I see them on the screen and we talk on the phone."
She said the new way of life wasn't all bad.
"It's an opportunity as well to be more with the family. You do see more families in the streets exercising.
"People get very inventive."
Mr and Mrs Florez filmed and sent in a video of themselves in lockdown, along with many other Canberrans, to be part of the campaign, which aims to build a sense of resilience and community spirit.
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ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the video conveyed the highs and lows of life during a global pandemic.
"It's been a tough year for Canberrans and I hope this video provides a morale boost. The best way for our community will remain safe is if we all continue to play a part in reducing the spread of the virus," he said.
"The video is also designed to encourage our community to stay informed and advise where to find the latest information from the ACT government about the COVID-19 crisis."
Mr Barr said complacency about physical distancing measures was a risk across Australia and something the national cabinet continued to discuss.
"On a local level, almost all Canberrans are continuing to do a great job adhering to physical distancing rules and have shown genuine creativity in remaining social with friends and family."
