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.”
Safer at home in Lovely Jupiter
Everyone is home. Normally a good thing but my boys would prefer to be in school (one in High School the other in college). Its a challenge with the uncertainty of the future with AP and AICE exams cancelled. As well as SAT and ACT! But we are fortunate that my husband can do his job from home (and that he has a job!) and we have a pantry and fridge full of food. Im immune compromised with a sore throat and cough so every time I cough (which is often), my husband worries. I am not worried as I…
Multiple-family social distancing
When we first heard about social distancing it sounded overwhelming to think that we would be away from extended family and friends for an undetermined length of time. A good friend and I decided that we would combine our families and social distance together. We made a commitment that we would not expose ourselves or our families to other people outside of our 10 person combined family. This has afforded us the opportunity to have the children play together, go to each other’s houses for a break, get some work done when necessary and have social interaction with people other…
Horror movie
The corona virus has send me back home from school. I cant workout and things just are very hard because I am away from my friends this is very scary because people are dying.
Limited (Story #840)
The only thing changed is not being able to see my Dad side of the family as much as I use to. I live with my mom and my dad lives 1 hour away. I use to go every weekend but now they both are scared for me to travel with the fear of contracting the virus.
Mommy sorry
I have 5 kids I cant get to see all of them due to the virus I work 24hrs everyday for security and 2 of my girls birthday coming up this month this would have been the perfect year I could have celebrated with them and it hurts them so bad that I cant see them due to the virus ugh its sucks
#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
#Face time blues
I cant 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…
The walk of biblical Faith
Absolutely everything is turned up side down!!! An entirely new and different way of life!!! But because I am by the grace of God well learned considerably in scripture I am not alarmed none what so ever and that is the gospel truth!!!
Each other
If you could look at these last two months you could tell he been out rages run over coronavirus has been hitting hard and many people has been dying a lot of people has been in the hospital and a lot of people also recovered from corona I truly believe that this virus is a big impact and what do you learn from us has been about 2018 to 2020 has been crazy and I feel as if this virus is held his name I would like my community to reach out to each other about quarantine in quarantine in…
Tough Times
Immigration/Covid-19My name is Yadira, I have 5 children. Ages 16, 11, 9, 5 and 2 years old. Immigration detained me and my husband back in November 2019. I was in immigration detention for 2 weeks, my brother took care of my kids during this time. Once I was released, I was forced to use an ankle bracelet. My husband was detained for 2 months and then deported to Mexico. I am providing for my kids by myself. Before the covid-19 outbreak I used to work cleaning houses. But due to the virus I havent been able to work. Everybody is…
#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #255)
The pandemic Corona Virus has made it extremely hard to experience the typical senior year and college life . It has made income shorter due to closing of jobs .
#2 My Wife and I are awaiting the arrival of our FIRST STIMULUS
My Wife and I are awaiting the arrival of our FIRST stimulus payment with alot of anxiety.Some people are now waiting on the SECOND stimulus! Our income together does not exceed $800.00 per month. I was a concrete finisher and i was one of the best. I am an 83 year old man .And I still go out with contractors,when they give me the nudge. They,all.know me! I cannot afford to stop working completely. My wife deserves so much more. Booker and Geneva Wilkins told the world about their undying LOVE on June 26,1954 @ 4:00pm in Cordele,Georgia. They…
Face masks are sold out
Face masks are sold out in many stores due to the increased number of coronavirus cases in America. I have been trying to find enough face masks for my family, but so are other people who are trying to protect their families as well. I will continue to pray for all of those who have been infected and their families.
Athletes need justice
My name is coach Walker I can say that this virus has impacts a whole lot .Also Im a track coach for Fast lane track club . I train my athletes for them to compete on a beat level also to get them into a d1 college what that being said I cant even train them anymore and they all depends on me wow man what a life that sucks I cant help my athletes out .
#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #256)
Corona Virus has impacted my life in unbelievable ways. Due to corona I have no senior experience that I truly desired . All senior events canceled , which breaks my heart .
#13
I am 90 years old and continue to wonder why am I still here. In the 1920’s,there were alot of plagues due to a host of diseases that endangered Americans health. I remember my parents speaking of the dangerous health concerns and most of the health concerns would keep one in isolation for months. This so remind me on the Coronavirus, My Community immediately took concern and care over the impact that this would have on us. The clubhouse, pool and all activities were closed. I have the best neighbor in the community,she makes sure that i have all that…
#LifeDuringCorona
I haven’t worked in over a month. I stopped working on March the 13th. I am so used to going to work and now I’m not. Luckily I was able to pay all of the bills for April and March but God knows for May. I’ve been using this time to relax and brainstorm ideas for my business proposal. I’m working on my brand. This virus has given me a good time to do that. I am a busy body and I’m not used to being home and this is new for me and tiring and aggravating and overwhelming. I…
Glass half full and empty
The corona virus has really helped me and hurt me, I am with my family so that is good but I am away from football this is my upcoming senior year so I need to be getting the chemistry down with my receivers but I am unable to do that.
# 30 She Is Delighted To Be Receiving $195 in Food stamps
Mrs Janet Harris (80) is a native of Michigan. Mrs Janet came to Boynton Beach nearly 30 years ago to raise her son and daughter.Mrs Janet says she has worked 3 jobs to finally pay off her home in Boynton . She has had cousins in Michigan die from this pandemic.Mrs Harris says she reflects on home and misses it so during times like these.She is delighted to be receiving $195 in Food Stamps monthly.Mrs harris could use assistance with her water utility.
Store without production
There are less customers coming to my store and its hard for me to provide fore my family, people aren’t staying home and many are getting sick. My sister lost her job, We aren’t getting new products because of the shipping is refusing.
Staycation Casa de Parr
Being a foster home, and the schools being closed has brought unexpected stress into our daily lives including our work schedules
Traversing Uncharted Spaces
2020 was a year of FORCED creativity as a result of a global health pandemic causing entire countries to shelter at home to prevent the spread of the virus. While shut in at our homes, we witnessed the horrific murder of Mr. George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a White police officer which erupted in a racial pandemic which has been suppressed as a result of hundreds of Black lives taken, senselessly. In addition, there was an emergence of technological advancements, proficiencies, and accelerated growth as we shifted our minds and hearts to execute the…
Bonding
I get to spend more time with my dad, who played the position i play. This gives us more time to bond and a chance for me to learn.
#life
I believe that all this is, is fear. You cant live your life in fear. What is meant to be is meant to be. I cant wear gloves or a mask, cuz if god wants me gone Im gonna go. I wont live my life in fear, cuz your life can all of a sudden…. just stop.
big body
It really only changed the amount I workout. I probably workout 3x as much as i would normally.
#35 Social Gatherings
My adult children have been catering to my needs to prevent me from leaving the house I am 72 yrs old with chronic symptoms. I miss my social gatherings with others my peers.MY CHILDREN ARE HANDLING THE GROCERY,ANY OTHER MEALS NEEDED, AND BILLS THAT NEED PAYING.i do miss my meals being delivered.
No change
The virus really did not effect me that much, other having to wear a mask and gloves while im at work. I never really hung around a large group of people so social distancing was easy. I really see no difference
#Change=Resiliency
As a mother, wife, employee and community stakeholder, balancing the needs of others is a way of life. The corona virus has amplified these needs given that families are home bound. This means that my role has changed to becoming a pseudo teacher to my child who is learning virtually, while at the same time attempting to get work done with constant distractions throughout the day. A few upsides include cooking with my son in the middle of the day, playing a game of Connect 4 or kicking the soccer ball around. When cabin fever becomes unbearable, I usually get…
COVID-19 in the City by the Sea
May,20202020 had begun so happily as all New Years do! A two week visit with our daughter and one year old granddaughter had been a joy! February birthday celebrations , Valentine love and of course intense Black History remembrances! Whispers of a deadly virus in China had caught my attention from the MSNBC news coverage since mid January. But that was somewhere else for someone else to be concerned with. In passing, I asked my daughter to be careful going through the airports from Md. on February 2 with my granddaughter because of a new virus outbreak amongst travelers.As…
#14
I ,actually, feel that I had the virus after a 10 day cruise in December of 2019 which took me and my girlfriends to Aruba and Panama. I got home immediately saw my Doctor and was given antibiotic with bed rest…I was unable to leave the house for two weeks. So,now, I feel immuned to this virus. I am self-quarantined and have no fear. I am appalled at our government for there lagging feet to stop the spread.
Mother prayers
Hello my name is Rita brown Smith the virus impacted my mother funeral with no family could come see her laid so beautiful to rest as she fought for her life 97 years on this earth lord knows I miss my mother
Less working
Paying my bills stoping my job
Is this the New Normal?
As a working parent of a grade school age child and caregiver of an elderly mother I have experienced a increased amount of mental, emotional, and financial stress during the COVID-19 situation. I’m trying to find new ways to establish a routine that feels normal and make sure that everyone’s needs are met. Carving out a time to attend to work responsibilities at home while having a child at home and engaging him in meaningful activities is a challenge. Also, making sure that my mother is kept medically safe by limiting visitors and stress triggers is a task. I don’t…
#Dammit Man
Zuri and I were speaking to Shannon.(The man we have come to know as Dammit Man)As we sat and talked with him, he started to say non-sensible things to make us laugh, but he wouldnt do a proper survey. A few days later, I got a phone call from my neighbor the news that he had died. She said that Dammit Man had spat on the tall blind man not the short one and he smacked him in the head with his cane. I refused to believe her, due to the fact that I had just seen him not to…
With uncertainty comes fear
I’m a bit of a loner and introvert so the social distancing wasn’t that big of deal until I realized I couldn’t give my mom (who suffers from respiratory problems) the usual hug and kiss when I visit her. I also don’t go inside of her home in stand in the yard while she sits on the porch in fear that I may be asymptomatic and infect her with COVID-19. Usually our house is the social gathering spot for all children on the block, because I have a 7-year old, basketball goal and trampoline. My son cried when we moved…
IT’S NOT EASY #2
It has isolated me. Serious breathing problems,asthma,COPD,congestive heart failure and a nerve condition with hands diagnosed as CRPS. If I was deemed positive for the virus,I probably would not live and thst brings tears to my eyes. I am use to going out 3-4 times a week to the grocery store to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables due to a special diet that has been recommended. The grocery stores are now considered to be the wrong places to go! I have recommended her to FSF which will deliver fresh fruit and veggies to her door as well…
Displaced Badly
The new bill said we don’t have to move but I was already in the process of moving. I had to get loans and borrow money from others. I had to get a trailer from home depo and My phone was stolen behind locked doors. Someone came inside my home and stole it. In the predicament I need one to communicate with family.
Ms. Naica Stories
Because of the coronavirus I have to work from home. One of my best friends dad got the virus and its kinda scary to know that someone that I know got the disease.
#73
Testing did not start soon enough.Those that need testing will never be tested.They really don’t have transportation. Therefore, they will not be called back to work if they are working. Many,who need food aren’t receiving it, Why? because, you must have a car to be in lineShe does not have faith in the statistics being provided.The Farmers and migrant workers live clustered(she has an admiration for this group of people).It is here! It will never leave this earth!
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;…
My New Normal
This new normal has been somewhat difficult for me. I am a people person that always greeted everyone with a hug. I work with children and I always greeted them with a kiss and a big hug. When my children see me they come running with arms open wanting that hug and kiss. They dont understand social distances. Having to learn how to use Zoom, Google Classroom and Google Meets has been a challenge. I have gracefully accepted my new normal.
Children
Due to the corona virus i have to watch my kids at home. The price of food these days is crazy and i do not receive government Assistance. Not saying i dont want to feed my kids im just saying they need to get these kids back in school.
Starting adult life on the wrong foot |EJSLW2020
Due to COVID-19 many youth may be happy or relieved because they can partake in schooling online which means more time to sleep, flexibility and convenience. As for me being an 18-year-old senior I do not posses those same feelings. COVID-19 put me at an odd limbo, I will not only miss out on events that are the culmination (prom and graduation) of high school but college as well. COVID-19 put an unwanted and unexpected gap in my transition from adolescence to adulthood and to add insult to injury the government has yet to devise a plan for college…
Help (Story #652)
Lately coronavirus has been a big impact around our little less corona bars are really slow the roads down and put a word in brown the right to pause at what people really realize how serious one virus can infect the world I really feel like this is just an outbreak in sight and example to show my community in my government how we need to come together and help people out
Cant work ! Cant eat.
I cater for a living.social distancing,has pretty much eliminated my ability to earn income to support my family.
College
I was in college and had to pick everything i was doing up and move back home for the while. Its all something new to us so i just hope everyone is staying safe.
Coping With Corona?!
Well, I got Corona. So, that has had a huge impact. I’m 26 days with the virus, and it’s been pretty rough. My business was also deeply affected, as our summer and fall enrollments were stopped in their tracks. I’ve also had many happy surprises and some awesome successes. My team got our students pivoted to an online learning environment seamlessly and well before the public schools did. I bought a new car from my living room and saved on my monthly payment. I’ve made some new friends, found some new business colleagues and discovered some new music online. Overall,…
Education in the world
This virus scared me and helped me realize more is going on in the world than I know. It showed me I was unprepared for the change and the time. I experienced unemployment. It was not pleasant. The lesson I learned in life was I need to research whats going on in the world and to be more responsible and cautious. I would consider the virus negative because of the horrible effects of it but I would also consider it positive because it is causing people to wake up and come together as a whole, while practicing social distancing.
Corona cancel school
The corona virus has taken my kids out of school, they are having a hard time adjusting to the virtual school learning, I am working so I am away from them
#shutdown
Many stores have recently shut down and there are still many things I need to get in order to be prepared throughout quarantine. When I do leave my home there aren’t really many people outside or in stores. The coronavirus has changed everything even how people shop. Now many people order things online and have them delivered a lot more due to this epidemic.
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