COVID-19 Project Story Collection

Residents were asked to “tell a story about how the coronavirus has impacted your life.” Explore 50 responses below, selected at random. Which responses capture your attention? (Some responses were transcribed by youth volunteers.) To learn more about the storyteller and how they interpreted their response, click “Zoom In.”

Family time (Story #734)

The Corona virus has gave me an opportunity to work from home, this time has let me spend more time with my family.
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The days that have shaken my life

The greatest impact is that it has kept my family away. I can’t see my grandchildren or hug them and that is the biggest disappointment ever. I have had several great friends pass away and I have underlined health issues so I can’t attend church or go to any funeral services. I really don’t want to go out or interact with other people. I already have breathing issues, so coronavirus would not be good for me. A lot of the essential things I need from the grocery stores are out. My friends can’t get them either. Such as Clorox,…
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Family Forst

My boyfriend just moved to Florida and was excited to find a job. But can’t find any openings. My sister works as a waitress. She lost her job as they closed. I am very fortunate to still have a job and am fortunate I can help them through this time, whether that is buying fresh veggies or paying for rent this month.
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# 39 SHE IS A GRADUATE OF FCC IN COSMETOLOGY

Ms. Kayleen Marti lives in Boynton Beach. She is 37 years old. Kayleen has a 2 year old son. He is very active.Ms Marti takes care of her older her neighbors.Kayleen is a graduate of FCC in cosmetology. She hasn’t taken the licensed yet.Ms Marti says she doesn’t have adequate childcare.She earns extra money by cleaning others homes on Monday and Friday. Ms Marti is very conscientious of the pandemic and she pratice social distancing.Kayleen Marti needs assistance with her ELECTRIC and WATER.
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#29 The Seniors Did What They Asked Of Them

Mr Angelo Perruccio comes to Boynton Beach from upstate New York with his wife (Faith).Mr Angelo was proud to share that his Granddaughter(from their daughter who died) will deliver twin boys in November. What delight that brought to their voices.The Perruccio’s says that the Seniors did what was asked of them. It appears that no other generations were listening to the Leadership following the rules in this pandemic They opened up everything now look what has happened!!!! The entire Palm Beach County is pretty much a hotspot! The Perrucio’s must be careful during this epidemic. They…
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#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #246)

As a freshmen in college , corona virus has deeply impacted me . My classes are online and my grades are dropping due to the adjusting of it all .
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Teen mom

Hello the corona impacted my life as a teen mother. How? Because I couldn’t have a experienced of my 1 child a baby shower also I couldn’t take no pictures or anything then I’m having my baby in this virus is even worse I just pray god watch and protect over me
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No Man Is an Island

I am an eighty two old diabetic that lives with my sister and brother in law. I am totally blind and suffer from extreme nephropathy and have difficulty with mobility. I have limited socialization and look forward to the socialization through attending church and the monthly senior activity sponsored by the Community Caring Center. The Stay at Home order has made it more difficult to have the socialization that is needed for elderly people.
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Corona Virus Impact

The corona virus has impacted my life by making it difficult to find daily essentials such as toilet paper,paper towels,cleaning supplies and etc. at local grocery stores.The corona virus has also affected me by not allowing me to travel and visit family,go to school or even go to the gym.
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Limited (Story #590)

The virus causes limitations. This is the first time i’m visiting Belle Glade/Pahokee, and all i’ve been is in the house. I was hoping to explore more than i seen
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I don’t have a code, but I heard about this by word of mouth.

To whom it may concern, being a senior citizen with medical disability, the corona virus has impacted my life in many ways. It has affected my not being able to get out to go to the pharmacy to get my medication, going to the grocery store to purchase my food and most of all affecting my mental ability worries of catching the virus. My prayer is that the government, and county official, and the people that are in position, to help the people will do the right thing and be fair with helping all that needs the help. Thank you…
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#43 Watch As Well As Pray

My Husband and I haven’t left our home since the last Sunday in March. I am a cancer survivor and have a leaky valve. So,my granddaughters are getting grocery for us. I.really haven’t seen neighbors in my community wearing facial protection as they walk their dogs or ride their bicycles.She says she is confused with the leadership wanting to open up some States. And there are Smithfield plants are a hotspot as well as
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#postgraduatereflection

The pandemic began a few months after I graduated college, so it impacted my job search. Most on-site internships were canceled, and organizations were now focusing on cutting back. I am very fortunate to be in a situation where I don’t have to pay rent and utilities, so I’m not experiencing a lot of financial-related stress. Before the pandemic, I was the only one that stayed at home during the day, the dining room table was my office and a place where I could accomplish all of my daily tasks. Now there are five of us at home, so we…
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J. Charles Corona Experience

Bills, Stress, worry of the unknown…. all effects this Corona virus pandemic is having on me. As if it wasn’t bad enough to have to panic over a deadly virus, I must be out of work with Bills piling up on me!! Me and so many Others have to suffer as a result of this virus. Mentally and physically, the stress is truly inhumane.
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The Least of These From the Fields to Detention Centers

So many of us are utterly consumed with fear and our personal prospects for escaping the contagion of the Corona virus. As we stoke our own anxieties, while we shelter in place, there is precious little else to occupy our thoughts except when this will all be over, and when can we return to some sense of normalcy. It’s human nature I suppose, but these musings will make the leap from self absorption to people in our society who are strangers in more ways than one to us. They live and work among us. Many are integral to our survival;…
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School (Story #600)

Coronavirus has stopped me from going to school and participating in summer classes I struggle with taking online classes for the spring or sometime in May and my family decided that we will no longer participate in summer classes in my community Bellglade we have a problem with quarantining and things are turning upside down I truly believe coronavirus I started it operate in my community and only we can fix it.
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# 17 A combined imcome of $8556.00

Mrs Wilkins was very disappointed to learn that she and her husband would not be getting a stimulus check. It can be hard to make ends meet for them. The Wilkins make a combined yearly income of $8556.00. They manage with the assistance of their Son(who resides in Atlanta,Ga)
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Handling adversity as a start up non-profit

Covid-19 has been a tough on All Nets Inc, we were just beginning to gain traction with our tutoring and mentoring program, and a week into our pilot Palm Beach County Schools began school closures. This immediately put our basketball clinic and celebration with Healthier Glades risk and set us up for a much more strife when it was officially cancelled. Months of planning and preparation were reduced to nothing. We are trying to stay positive, and find ways to still complete our mission, and still looking at ways in which we can build a tutoring and mentoring program that…
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#3 She is still reeling from its affect

Patrick talked about the wait time for Boynton Beach to become a testing site, The wait time he felt was ridiculous especially because it is considered to be a hotspot. One spot was hot for one too many deaths. He blames the local and state government for its response time, Patrick was ruled negative on his COVID19 testing. He drove an 85 year old neighbor to the hospital with a slight case of the virus in March. She is still reeling from its affects. The price of meat has sharply gone wild. And it has affected his ability to purchase…
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Half full (Story #798)

Corona virus has bought me closer to my family more than ever before, it cancelled my spring which sucked because I really wanted to prove myself to coach but it’s all good
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The Impact of the Corona Virus on a College Student

The corona virus has impacted my life in the way that I have been unable to attend church regularly on Sundays nor Youth Group on Fridays and I really miss it. Also, it has been difficult in the transition to online learning last Spring semester, but it has gotten better now at the start of my Summer semester. Also, I really miss going out to play soccer with my friends and eat at restaurants, however, I am thankful for the precautions that the government has taken to keep us safe.
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Cant work ! Cant eat.

I cater for a living.social distancing,has pretty much eliminated my ability to earn income to support my family.
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How Coronavirus Impacted My Life

The Coronavirus has impacted my life in multiple ways. My daily activities as modified. I have to take precaution everywhere and with everyone. My work life and family life has changed. They way we shop has changed. I no longer eat out or visit places with large crowds. My business has even taken a impact. My daughter is a high school senior and her senior year has been ruined, no Grad Night, Prom and possibly graduation may not take place. The lines at the stores are long and many of them are out of supplies and its difficult to obtain…
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#34 (Story #198)

He and his wife of over 50 years moved here from New York. They both have recovered from lung cancer. It is very important that they adhere to the ordinances set forward locally,statewide and nationally.Their daughter lives about 4 miles from them . She does all of their shopping and errands .They were receiving meals from CCC for appx 7 years. But, no meals today!
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Confusing,Confusion, Confused.

My family has changed its dynamics since the virus was considered a problem for my community. My son, who was working in a foreign country was forced to leave. Although he had planned to relocate to another country, all borders have been closed, so he is coming back to the U.S.A., and plans to be quarantined for awhile. Of course, he will live with me, his sister and my grand-daughter. This will put a strain on our monetary resources, but, unlike others, we do have a place to live at the moment. At…
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What love Is?

The coronavirus has made me appreciate how valuable life is. Never before this generation experience a global pandemic of this magnitude. We can’t take for granted the seriousness of is situation we are in. To see health workers risk their lives to save others is truly a real expression of love. It must affect them emotionally, pysocologically as well as the fear,concern and anxiety it causes their family. The story of the Doctor facing a custody battle to keep her child in her life is heartbreaking. Yet she is willing to still put forth the effort to help others.
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#23 I need a Haircut

I am my 93 yr old Father’s caregiver. I am 71 yrs old. My Father’s sister is hospitalized with the Corona Virus in South Carolina along with her daugher and granddaughter. I have a cousin in Georgia afflicted with this virus and another cousin in Mew York who died Saturday. His wife is also hospitalized and her condition is grave. I need to loosen up but I am until to do so presently. Safety [s a major concern using wipes , sanitizer and facial mask are as necessary as grocery staples. She is coping with her Father’s Dementia, He is…
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#67

I am petrified and overwhelmed about what we have gotten ourselves into. I am a Bahamian and I have been in Boynton Beach for over 50 years. This, I cannot ,fathom. I came here for the best of everything, I do not enjoy cooking, the virus has made eating out a thing of the past. the government should not be opening up pblic gathering spots sos soon at least until most have been tested.
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Good and Bad

Covid-19 made a significant impact on my life by having all the stores rise the price on good. I am unemployed and since there are high demands on hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, Clorox disinfecting wipes, Lysol disinfectant spray, and masks, I am unable to provide as much safety for my family. Customers/consumers are not allowed to go into stores or get served if we do not have a mask on, which sucks because I sometimes forget to bring my mask with me every time I need to go out for groceries or accessories. It’s also negative because I…
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Home alone

My grandson is unable to attend public school. This is placing alot of stress on him. He is an only child and have very few opportunities to be with other kids his age. This is not natural for a child his age.
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# 33 Kayleen Is a Neighbor and Maria’s Caregiver with no cost attached

Mrs Maria is a 77 year young widow for nearly 2 years. She is only fluent in Spanish. So, therefore,Kayleen tel# has been given to you for a better understanding. Maria has been affliliated with the CCC for ten years. Her daughter,Yolanda, works full-time. Kayleen is a neighbor and Maria’s caregiver with no cost attached.Mrs Maria slipped and fractured her hip in February.Mrs Maria is doing well with her physical therapist that comes to her home. She is walikng unassisted at times. CDC will bring her healthy meals beginning July 6.Mrs Maria will need assistance with her Electric and Water.
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the fear of life as we know it

The corona virus has made it difficult for myself and my family to stay calm simply because it’s changed the dynamic of life. My family members are older, which makes them more susceptible especially considering they have preexisting conditions. My great aunt, grandmother, mother and grandfather have all recently in some way fell ill. Although there are other forms of illness, the pandemic and lack of knowledge behind the coronavirus has instilled fear that any illness could be fatal. It makes my grandparents afraid to leave their homes, worry about their friends and family and it’s harder to find basic…
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Triple C

Only thing or way corona virus has effected me is by having me work from home which is harder for me because I lose focus but hopefully we can get a cure and everything opens back up
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Story #630

The coronavirus has impacted my life in many ways. It has taken the life of my loved ones in Switzerland, Italy and England. Due to the distance between my family members, it made it even harder to support each other during this time.At the same time, my family in Florida have been in the midst of moving during this pandemic, which affected my classwork and mental health.
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You don’t what you’re missing until you are forced to see it!

The corona virus has made me realize that money and material things are worth nothing if you don’t have the health to enjoy it! I have also realized how precious it is to be able to stay at home and not go to work, allowing me to spend more time with my family. The small things that you really didn’t take note of that matters the most.
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9542001803

They are a lot of people with out job, food they need help please
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The cornoa virus an unexpected life experience

The corona virus has impacted me because I have to stay in the house more and I am usually an outgoing person. Another way it has impacted me because I am unable to go to work, and I work in the cafeteria at a middle school. I am also having to babysit my 3 year old grand daughter because her daycare is closed.
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Covid-19 (Story #939)

Fidelina FloresHi, I’m Fidelina Flores I was forced to stop working on March 18th due to the covid-19 outbreak. I have three kids, an 11 month old an 8 year old and an 18 year old. I used to work at a restaurant called “Las Flores”. After a couple of months of staying home I was able to go back to work, but only for one day. My employment income decreased drastically leaving me and my family in a very hard financial situation. My husband also got his work hours reduced. He is working just three days a week because…
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EJSJB2020 (Story #NA)

When Covid-19 was first being pushed into the American news stream in March 2020 I was a sophomore in high school getting ready for spring break with my friends. Around this time people’s emotions were very mixed, some of us were freaking out 2020 had already been so chaotic (We had a World War 3 scare, several celebrities had died, storms were hitting, etc.). Some of us weren’t all that concerned especially us Floridians. Every year we get storm scares and the like, overtime we’ve adapted so that most of the time it’s hard for the mainstream news to…
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Serve to Fill

I have been very fortunate to still be able to receive an income throughout this trying time. It has definitely been difficult to not be with my students or visit my loved ones. My mother and boyfriend both work in the hospital so it’s a constant struggle when cleaning and worrying if I got everything clean enough and not making him feel alienated in the home. Wanting to give back as much as possible is my main concern. When I’m in service, I feel my most purposeful.
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New Normal: there is some good!

This deadly virus has completely impacted interactions with social distancing. Balancing between work and home schooling my son has been challenging and rewarding all at once. My son is extremely active so I was apprehensive about keeping him engaged but I have been pleasantly surprised. The challenge isn’t so much home schooling as much as finding activities post-virtual school, that don’t involve leaving the house, outside of watching TV and reading books. He has taken an interest in cooking which has been great and we have come together as a family, breaking bread and playing board games together.
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It’s Okay To Pause

Instead of becoming consumed by irrational fear (healthy fear is good, as it keeps us safe), the Coronavirus has all but forced me to stop and reevaluate both personal and business goals that I otherwise wouldn’t have taken time to think about. At first, I kept trying to keep up with all of the other business owners who were making massive pivots to adjust to the online switch. I was feeling really stressed out about it, until I realized that this wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing at this time. I was meant to be planning for the…
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Something Scary

The coronavirus has impacted my life in a terrible way. Many if my friends and loved ones are unemployed due to the Coronavirus and are forced to adjust to a different lifestyle.
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Social solidarity

From Kristyn Cox in Delray came this beautiful post:Instead of social distancing,Physical distancing andSocial solidarity.Let’s make sure we are following guidelines, but staying connected through phone calls, virtual meetings, texts, and checking in regularly with our family, friends, and neighbors.
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Self

My immediate family has been impacted financially across the board. As of yet, we have not suffered any sickness from the pandemic. I really miss seeing and hugging family members. We video chat frequently but it’s nowhere near the same. My hours were greatly affected at my job. And because of the uncertainty of when I would work next, I had to scurry around to come up with another solution to try and stay afloat money wise . That, along with being a full time mother of a 7 year old with autism who I now have to…
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#Face time blues

I can’t go talk to my friends. I love going to the store and meeting new people. I want to have fun, but I have a child to take care of so…
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Corona vs Humans

The Coronavirus Have Impacted My Life While I Was In College. Coronavirus Has Stopped My From Going To College For The Following Spring Semester. It Also Stopped Me From Running Track My First Year Of College. After They Sent Us Home It Was Hard To Find A Job. I Couldn’t Pay For My Phone Bill. I Couldn’t Workout With Friends Without Being Protected Because You Never Know Who Has It. Coronavirus Separated Me From My Friends And Family. It Has Cancelled All Vacation Plans I Wanted To Go To And Still Want To Go.
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#6 Prepared Meals

The virus has not given me an opportunity to visit my wife my of over 40 years. SO.i must solely depend on the nursing facility to care for her, not being able to lay my eyes on her is very frustrating for her as well as for me. I, not only miss her, voice but her gently calling my name and praying with her, This virus should be calm by now. But the leadership of this country is does not place value on our lives. I.must depend on charitable organizations for prepared meals and it is a mystery to know…
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Work (Story #120)

The way the corona virus has affected me Iis my work for 2 weeks now I been job less because my job has been shut down now I’m struggling to pay my bill
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