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.”

Deaf Dog Finally Rescued

While working from home due to Coronavirus, we decided we would go to Big Dog Ranch Rescue and foster a dog. Early into quarantine we brought home a 3-year old deaf pup from the ranch. This dog had only ever lived in a house for a week, spending most of his life in between shelters. He was super shy and friendly, and had something special about him. Over a month later, we are happy to say that we are foster failures. Our pup has our hearts and is the goofiest dog ever. This quarantine has given us the time necessary…
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Elderly not forgotten

I am grateful and appreciative for the support of community in ensuring that the elderly are taken care of. Meals are delivered several times a week by various individuals. Neighbors are calling to offer encouragement and comfort. This is specially needed because some elderly ones live aloneOr no longer have relatives leaving nearly by or because of social distancing to care for their needs.
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Athletes

The virus impacted my time working with class of 2020 and also 2021 athlete by training them before they went off to school and also coming into there freshman year of high school
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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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Free us

Corona has sat me and my twin brother at home this was supposed to be a big year for us both, I feel like they need to just let us go back to school because corona isn’t even thought of right now with all of this going on
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#covidstory

My grandfather had a stroke and was in the hospital for 15 days, only my grandmother could visit because of covid restrictions. I have three younger sisters, all who do online school, while my grandmother was visiting my grandfather during the day, I had to watch my sisters. It was an extremely stressful time and he still isn’t 100% recovered.
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Corona trap

The corona virus has put me out of work with pay though, so I’m good just worried bout my family and friends
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#5 Laws Of The Community

Must adhere to the laws of this viral pandemic, not only are our Communities in which we live are in crisis but our world is in pandemonium. Due to health issue,I have been in what some call quarantined for 2 years. But this has affected my neighbors from visiting and my physical therapy regimen on a weekly basis. Because,I suffer from a stroke. I hear of elders in the neighborhood and childhood acquaintances dying from this Communities of the world epidemic. Our national leader is so busy trying to become re-elected, he has not recognized the need to become…
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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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# 13 Her Frony Needs A Make-Over It is dangerous to walk over!

Mrs Dowdell just celebrated her 86 birthday on May 19th. She was elated to have a parade of phone calls from her Church in honor of her birthday! Mrs Carmetta lives alone and has for over 20 years. Long ago,she buried her husband and son.She has a niece who lives in Virginia that she can go live with at any time but shy away. Her niece earnestly adores her Aunt. Mrs Dowdell contributed to her receiving a Law Degree. Every August,she travels to Canada to visit her two sisters (78 yrs & 77 yrs), brother(85 yrs) and Grandson. But…
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# 28 Our Hands Are Cuffed

Miss King is also a lifelong resident of Boynton Beach. Jackie had her house built next door to the home where she was raised. Her sister,Angela, lived in the family home(next door to hers) until 2018. Angela died in the home. Jackie is still reeling the affects of her sister’s death. You ,very seldom ,saw one without the other.Jackie volunteered with the CCC delivering Healthy Meals to seniors,visits them in nursing facilties and hospitals and Jackie is very passionate about the care and self-worth! Mrs King transports them to pick-up medication and grocery shopping.Jackie has two sons Selwyn(39) and…
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My shoe game

There were some new air maxes that I was trying to purchase, but due to the stores closing I’ll just have to wait until they reopen.
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1 (Story #671)

I can’t go to work, in able to visit my friends or family. When I go to the supermarket prices are higher than normal. A lot of items are unavailable in the stores and on line.BS2020AC
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Oh well

I’m happy this virus happened lol I’m sorry about the fatalities but I didn’t want to be at school and I don’t really hang around with my teammates, t the virus is the last thing we’re worried about now as we can see
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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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# 20 He is Cute

Mrs Lillie,88, says that she cannot go to Church nor Wal-Mart. She has lost a cousin Lue Green,66 to the virus. Mrs Darville is proud to say that she beat one of the deadliest cancers Pancreatic Cancer.She cares for her only son,Virgil Darville,56,,who is paralyzed. He is as independent as he can be. you might see him in his motorized chair riding around Boynton Beach.Mrs Darville talks about how we are being punished the cause and effect of hatred and cruelty towards each other. She enjoys watching CNN with Don Leonard. He is cute
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Pandemic (Story #372)

When I first found out about the corona virus, I thought that It was going to stay in China and not spread to the United States, I had no idea the horror that lied ahead. Firstly, I heard that It was in my country, then my state, then my county. Soon enough, a kid that goes to palm beach county schools ended up with the corona virus, so the governor decided to close all schools in Palm Beach County. This news came to me with a shock. I was in my math class when doing my work when my teacher…
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#10

In my 83 year of living, I have never known so many people that I have a connection with dying from this virus. Ii appears that the government knew of this pandemic way before now. The whole country should have been shut-down months ago. I am unable to get around like I once did, My wife and I are miserable with the company we use to receive on a daily basis. She is one of the best cooks around. So we always had folks stopping in on us. I miss that! However, if we must go out we do…
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Hard work

Due to covid-19 I been working a lot more as an essential employee.The outside is closed but Walmart still has me working.
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# 23 Unless We Take Heed

Mrs Annie Moss is a soft spoken 92 year old lady of small stature. She has lived in Port St Luce/Fort Pierce area with her son Jeff for approximately 5 years. Mrs Moss desired to live with her son after a medical illness. Mrs Annie has fears that the virus is here to stay. Unless,we take heed to the masking ,hand washing and staying away from crowds. Mrs Moss has many children and grandchildren living in the immediate area. She was referred to the Faiyh Based CDC for weekly meals starting July 6.
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Starving

I live on a limited income. I ran out of food yesterday after going five days of eating only one meal. I have no money or food stamps. I have no car. The bus is my only transportation. I am considered high risk due to underlying health problems. I have no mask or gloves. I am terrified of going out unprotected. Many of the food pantries have closed or I cannot get to them or there are specific instructions on accessing them which I cannot meet. Example: This link came with a notice of a food pantry that will be…
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big body

It really only changed the amount I workout. I probably workout 3x as much as i would normally.
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9 (Story #293)

As a single mother of 4 this virus have a big impact on my family and I’m sure that’s with everyone else as well, but with my children who have asthma it’s hard to tell them no they can’t go outside and play, or go to the store with me, with their learning disability they stuffing with their learning because I’m not specialized in that field, so I could only do what I can, but it’s frustrated when I can’t help them or can’t get in contact with their teacher’s right away, my job cut my hours but I’m grateful…
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This sucks

The corona virus gives my body time to heal, but my family is unable to work so I am mad about that because we still have to eat and provide for the kids that live here
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Restaurant (Story #645)

Coronavirus has run to pick and pack in my life I’m a big guy and I love to eat I play football at University of Central Florida and with everything I’ve been closed out all the good restaurants I’m currently losing weight which I’m happy and sad about I like to die Nana eat my food so to see some of the restaurants opening up but came down and I still don’t get to enjoy my food I want to quarantine and has been taken at all upon me and I just want to eat good again Can’t can the…
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Anti-Coronavirus

I’m stuck in North Carolina and can’t travel to Florida to see my family and friends.
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Got me a job

The virus has impacted me in a good way sort of . I have found a job at a warehouse due to the need for workers and is waiting on a stimulus check.
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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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Regular

My life hasn’t changed at all really. Other than not being at school, I still do the same thing i would if there wasn’t a virus, maybe it is because i’m not very social
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Our COVID 19 Journey

The Corona Virus certainly has affected my life in so many ways.As it has every one in the world.Our family life has changed dramatically. I am not able to visit my adult children and their families for family dinner,or celebrate my children’s April birthdays. I like to play with the grandkidor just spend time with them.Now wectalk more on the phone , provide calls.Our family was not able to have a family dinner for Easter.We have also discontinued going to church weekly, we do virtual service or Conference calls.I attend a weekly Bible Study classes each Wednesday morning we…
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Don’t Take the Little thing for granted.

The days are just not the same. You think you have time to do it all but when something like this hits, you wonder what have I been doing with my time. The Corona Virus has impacted me in ways that are simple but yet so meaningful at this time. The little things that I take for granted like going to the grocery store or dropping by to get a bite to eat is now obsolete. Social distancing from my family and friends have been the worst. I can’t even see my mom like I want right now for the…
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#61 Stay Home

Ms. Rowe feels as though the Government can do a little more. Doesn’t know where this comes from. Its’ real out here! People are trying to stay home , The streets are deserted,She is a health Care worker. and sees the devastation of this disease.Her advice STAY HOME!
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27 behind god

I was laid off from work, March 20th due to the covid 19. It’s been over a month out of work and I filed for unemployment. I haven’t received my taxes yet it’s a 6-9 week wait for that, and I haven’t got my stimulus check either. I have about $100 left to my name and I have a few bills due at the house to help out with my portion. Struggle to pay bills and keep food in the house, I take care of my mother because she’s partially blind, she’s get SSI every month but even with that…
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1 (Story #62)

This virus has impacted my life because my 84 year old Mother is unable to receive her continuum of care after fracturing her hip on December 25,2020. Her care has been interrupted due to her not being able to continue the care of physical,occupational and home health care.My Mom was scheduled to continue her therapies at a rehabilitation facility . However, due to the virus the facility has closed its doors.
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Family time (Story #765)

Corona has really impacted my life, my mother is out of work the only good thing I get out of it is the time spent with my family
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#9 SHE DOESN’T sOCIALIZE

Juanita Marshall grew up in Delray Beach and moved to Boynton Beach appx. 5 years ago. She appears to have missed her belated Mother enormously. She has two sons that live with her . One son,Chris has been diagnosed with a mental health diagnosis. He oldest son, Todd ,has gotten a full-time with WM after he worked faithfully for years at a temp agency. This has helped lessen the families financial burdens. It was years ago, that we assisted this family with furnishings,towels and bed sheets after they were infested with bedbugs. The bedbugs started as, Chris,the younger son,…
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#19 Who could be that MEAN?

This is one of the most compelling stories . She did not realize how devastating this Virus is/was..Until it took her oldest Sister.s life on a Wednesday in the middle of March. Her sister did not wake up that morning. She thought who could be that MEAN?? This is not an act of the ALMIGHTY. She is very agitated with our national leader. Because,our national leader mentioned that the Virus started in January of 2020. This is false information, she states. By the way, her sister’s husband also tested positive for the Virus. But he is a survivor.Her…
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# 32 Mrs Moody Is 90 Years Young

Ms Moody id suffering with the onset of a cognitive impairment. She lives alone. And solely depends on the neighborhood and her church to get by. Ms Moody is 90 years young. She loves asisiting with Senior and Church gatherings.You can see her riding around her community on her scoote dsily as well as going to the local store.The pandemic she says stays its distance from her.Please assist this 90 year old jewel with Electric and Water.
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#rip2020seniors

COVID-19 has impacted my life by changing the entire nature of my senior year. The last semester of your senior year is meant to be the most rewarding and memorable part of high school. Having my graduation, prom, senior nights, and grad parties taken from me has been extremely difficult to deal with. I have found myself struggling more and more with what I like to call corona depression, everyday is a challenge but I’m glad to be taking said challenge. Luckily I have been able to go back to work and I feel as though I can finally see…
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Unemployed

The virus caused me to experience unemployment. I was unable to get/maintain a job during this time. I am also stuck at home without anything to do. I don’t like going out with masks as well. It just makes it harder to breathe and talk in them.
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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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Progression

On the good side, I can now spend more time with my daughter and perfect my craft. I’m using this time to make sure I have the best season possible.
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Let it stop

I can’t believe how long this has been going on. I’m ok I go where I need to. The only thing I really concerned with, is when the open up the beaches again. I just hope that number doesn’t go any higher.
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# 26 She IS A GEORGIA GIRL

Vera Jenkins had an emergency procedure on May 29th .It involved her intestines being wrapped around her stomach. She is currently living with her Granddaughter, Tamika Hadley, who is providing care for her. She has lost her husband and 2 adult children within a five year span.Mrs Jenkins has triumphed over those tragedies stronly holding on to God’s hand.She has a 2 year old Great-Grand,Imani, Whom she calls her own. Arriving in Boynton Beach,, Mrs Vera has lived here since the 1960’s. Mrs Vera married a brother as well as her sister I enjoy her her oul dish of…
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new normal

In my new job, i have a new appreciation for technology to keep the lines of communication open. I don’t feel totally isolated with working remotely.
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Inconvenience

All of my VA appointments have been canceled and I have no way of getting any pain medications for my Leg or shoulder. My surgery has been postponed until further notice due to the coronavirus. Also, the lack of essentials such as toilet paper, rubbing alcohol, bleach, and hand sanitizers at grocery stores. Wearing a mask when going out to public places can be irritating.
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Menace to society (Story #279)

At target, waiting for my grocery order to be put in my trunk. They have a great system. There is a huge sign saying Anyone going in the store must wear a mask. Person after person is entering the store including a woman with a baby in a cart from the parking lot. I asked the staff why they were allowed to do that and she said they couldn’t really enforce it and they are slammed and don’t have time anyway. We don’t know how to behave as…
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# 24 She is Determined To Walk

Ms Shirley Owens has lived in Boynton Beach since July of 1992. Shirley is determined to walk, She has suffered two strokes. Immediately after.her strokes in 2017. She was wheelchair bound. Mrs Shirley has come to terms with her prosthetic eye. She is involved with one of the best Health Care Systems in Palm Beach County PACE. Mrs Owens is very high spirited and a real conversationalist.especially those talks involving her son. Mrs Shirley’s son retired from the Navy 5 years ago. He is now employed with the California Sheriff’s Office as a leader in Cold Cases. Mrs…
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