We had the opportunity to talk with Kate Donald as she navigates the trails of this global crisis within her own life. As an outdoors athlete and a frontline health-worker, Kate has a clear view into the opposed realities of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The vast impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has shaken Australia, causing a rise in mental illness as people come to grips with their surroundings. As we looked at the situation she is currently in, we began to appreciate the pivotal role hiking has played in this time. The change from hospital ward to backcountry expanse is dramatic, likened to “a whole different world“. In this ‘new world’ Kate breathes fresh air, momentarily escaping the pressurised clinical environment in exchange for freedom in nature. 

The spread of Coronavirus globally has seen medical facilities swamped and healthcare workers placed on the front line. Though Australia’s active caseload is relatively low, the load on healthcare workers is still large – as they prepare for spikes in infection rates. Kate explains, “It’s been pretty tough mentally… you go in there and put on the full gown and all your equipment”. This is the reality for all frontline healthcare workers currently, highlighting the stress this pandemic is having on this part of the workforce. As a radiographer, Kate is often the very first point of contact for COVID symptomatic patients. Every shift, she is placed onto the frontline in the fight against coronavirus, a position that undoubtedly takes its toll.

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