GREEN PHASE: While Friday was the first day of the green phase for McKean County residents (and those of 16 other counties), there are people spread throughout the state that will miss certain things about lockdown life.

According to a study conducted by EverydayCarry.com, 41% of the 4,500 Americans who were polled stated there were aspects of lockdown they would miss.

That translated to one in three Pennsylvanians surveyed, with 27% of those who responded noting they have upskilled during lockdown.

In contrast, of the West Virginians who were polled, only 14% say they will miss something about quarantining at home.

Nearly half of those surveyed — 45% — have been grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with their partner, or family. Over one third — 35% — have enjoyed the sense of community spirit which has emerged during the pandemic, which has brought people closer together, while 9% have been grateful for the decrease in pollution, 6% glad to get on with some home improvements, and even 3% enjoying more sleep.

And speaking of upskilling, some of us are even coming out with new, useful skills. Over a quarter- 27% — believe they’ve become more self-sufficient since lockdown, doing things they’ve never done before such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, baking bread and learning DIY.

It seems women are more keen to gain these new skills, with 31% of them taking to it like a duck to water, compared to 24% of men.

But with all this new knowledge, are we any better prepared for emergencies around the house? 55% of us say we are and would know how to tackle something like a leaky pipe or a disaster in the kitchen involving a sharp knife.

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