Here in Australia we have so far been one of the luckier countries when it comes to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Independent interviewed some of our local expats who are residing in some of the COVID-19 hot spots around the world, to find out firsthand how they are getting on, during this nightmare.

Introducing Leon Gulaptis, born in Grafton and the son of MP Chris Gulaptis. Australia. He is an actor and writer, best known for Gala & Godfrey (2016), My Fiancée (2018) and Changing Tides.

Having been away for over 9 years, living in the US spending half his time between LA and New York, and is currently residing in Brooklyn.

Lynne Mowbray recently reached out to find out what it’s like being overseas in the current COVID-19 crisis.

Describe what it’s like where you are due to the impact of Covid-19 at the moment, how is self isolating impacting on you and how you are currently spending your day?

Everyone is wearing masks and gloves. There are lines outside the supermarkets, as you can only let a certain amount of people in at a time and the streets are empty.

It looks like the movie I am Legend. A little eerie to be honest.

I am trying to stick to a routine. Exercise (inside), read, play piano and editing my scripts. I think I know the words to every Sesame Street song, but it pairs well with alcohol which I’ve become really good at.

Is there anything different in your country’s environment, are you living under martial law? What is allowed and what’s not allowed?

We are not as strict as Spain or Italy where they are on complete lockdown. But I know New York is now the epicentre of this.

I drove through Times Square the other night and it was completely empty. I don’t think we have ever or will ever witness anything like this again in our lifetime.

Any message for family and friends back home?

Use this time to reset, create, slow down, connect and do things you never normally would. Appreciate the things that matter.

Read about how others are coping around the world with COVID-19  in this series:

Donna Lobban: www.clarencevalleynews.com.au/donna-lobban-expats-take-on-covid-19

Cameron Pilley: www.clarencevalleynews.com.au/cameron-pilley-expats-take-on-covid-19

Morgan Pilley: www.clarencevalleynews.com.au/morgan-pilley-expats-take-on-covid-19