Timo Meier is back in Europe, and doing just fine.
But his country is not.
“It’s pretty bad here in Switzerland,” the Sharks forward said last week via FaceTime. “Obviously, the [coronavirus case] numbers increase daily. I try not to read too much into it, but you can’t really avoid it.”
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Switzerland, with a population of less than 9 million, has one of the highest COVID-19 cases-per-capita numbers in the world. Greater than Italy, Spain or the United States as of last week.
“Here, we have the rule that you’re not allowed to be around more than five people outside,” Meier explained. “But I’m trying to stick to the rule of staying home. Only go outside when really needed.”
It became a quick decision for Meier to leave San Jose. He wanted to be near family, but that obviously necessitated a trans-Atlantic flight to reach Zurich. Boarding that plane during a pandemic was slightly terrifying.
“It was definitely weird flights,” Meier said. “I was trying to be really cautious — luckily, I had some hand sanitizer. After everything I’d touch, I’d sanitize my hands. A little too cautious at times, but you really can’t be. I was really trying to limit everything and don’t touch too much stuff. I made it here safe.”
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Meier isn’t necessarily a germaphobe, but he knows this experience could have an effect.
“It’s definitely going to translate after this is over,” Meier said. “I’m going to be a little more careful than I was before, but I think that’s a good thing.”
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Days lately are simple and repetitive for the 23-year-old. They include sleeping in, a morning workout, an isolated afternoon walk in the hills, and usually a glass of wine with dinner.
Meier seems perfectly content under isolation, so long as things remain similar for he and family: “I’m not complaining too much.”