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 (Story #571)
Getting better with family
10 (Story #681)
I was forced to move out of my housing at my educational institution. I had to stay with friends that I met while in school, Alcorn State University, until I gathered enough money to afford a plane ticket back home.
Shifting for good.
This life altering event has already impacted my life in many ways. Some changes will have a short lifespan, while others will be part of my new norm. As a business owner, I have been hesitant to fully embrace the work from home model. My associates have always had the option, but I was strongly holding onto my office and my in-person meetings. Now I see that there is a better way. A more productive way that allows me to spend more time with my family and spend less time in a car contributing to traffic and pollution. My new…
Housing Assistance
Hello there. I am a recently divorced Mother of three beautiful Daughters. I have been a long time business owner in the county of Palm Beach. I am at my wits end. Due to COVID19 The Beauty Lounge thats my business is inside of was temporarily closed. That was my only income. I do not receive child support or any other help financially. Furthermore, As of this evening I have not received my stimulus check, have not received any type of Covid unemployment although applying numerous times. Although my business is allowed to re-open this week I am an…
#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…
Education (Story #108)
Coronavirus has affected me in many way one of them are me going to school And get my education these online classes are really not effective way for me to learn
Trusting in God and Being Wise
Coronavirus has restricted me from leaving the house. Its actually made me have to spend more money on grocery. We have to prep more food for the house. I am still working. I work in a job that involves entering homes. My supervisors are being more strict and cautious. We ask people how they are feeling sick wise before we go in. People can lie and I just have to rely on my best judgment. I always wash my hands, wear a mask, and not touch my face before going in. As soon as I get off I shower and…
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.
#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…
Coronas Unexpectedly inconvenient. J. Charles
Expect the best but be prepared for the worst. Just a simple phrase till it all hits home. This corona virus pandemic has effected so many including myself, in the most inconvenient ways possible. With no money being made, and so many Bills to keep up with, the stress is tremendous. Dont get me started on the anxiety of having to keep up with so many precautions. With the Elderly being more susceptible to this Virus, and me living with Elderly family members under my care is a horrendous mix. The stress of this virus is is putting me into…
My Story (Story #938)
My StoryI am Janette Lopez, Im a single mother. I live with my mother, sister and 12 year old son. We all four caught the virus covid 19. Till this day we are still recovering. Unfortunately, Im not able to work yet because I am still sick and taking medications. My family and I are very grateful for this foundation. Thank you for paying my previous months rent. And for continuing to support my family and I through the month of June. I am very grateful, Thank you for everything. Janette Lopez
#8
I never thought that I would have to be in protective gear like gloves,facial covering to run to the grocery to pick-up a few items and to come home an cautiously take off all the clothing you wore to the grocery store and disinfect your car, home and more importantly your body after arriving back from the grocery or any place else. This is like a nightmare that could have been avoided by all leaders agreeing to freeze the movement of its people in a timely manner.
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.
#12
It is so much arguing in our Government,just too much bickering for our Country to come to any definite decision much sooner as to how to get the American people SAFE, It has taken weeks and weeks to get us where we need to be,,,As a result many have died with the Government carelessly handling our LIVES. I,myself have been,so to speak quarantined for years due to 4 strokes. But,I get along fine. My daughter brings be whatever I need and handles my bills,
#59 They Know They Will Pass
The nation has become unstable. Which is due to a multitude of opinions as to when America should open up for business.You’re unable to go anywhere. I Have lived in my family’s home with my Dad all my life. I am a Middle-School Science Teacher.. Her student population is 94.However,she has only 51 students logging on for distant learning. She saidthey know they will pass this school year.She has some immune issues. So,she has to be extra careful. She is a caregiver for her 81 yr old Father.He has a mild case of dementia and has under gone surgery.
Living between homes while taking care of family.
I live in a single family home. I had to move my mother in with me due to her lease being up during the covi-19. We have been unable to find a new place for because of the coco-19 which has caused our area to be closed to a number of months. Our Realitor was closed as well as any office businesses for apt complexes. Because I had to move in my mother, I am now living between two homes due to the lack of space in my single family, already over crowded home. My husband stays with his mother…
Growth
It has allowed me to better myself physically mentally and spiritually.
Work or Kids?
I’m home with my kids a lot, trying to work and keep them on a schedule that’s close to what they would do at school. It’s really hard to do work and pay attention to the kids and I find myself getting really short and unpleasant, yelling a lot. It’s hard to let go of what I want to accomplish at work but I can’t do both and the priority should be me being present with my kids.
Hope for That Free Get Out of COVID-19 Card
I was first tested on April 17, 2020 with a POSITIVE result. This meant that I could not return to work, Protocol is that need two NEGATIVE tests before I can return to work. On May 2, 2020, I tested POSITIVE again. I was speechless. On May 7, 2020, ditto. What could I say? On May 22, 2020, I was now tested for the fourth time and YES! NEGATIVE!!! I called all my supports with the wondrous news. I spent 45 minutes with my Boss planning out my work schedule (I had not been inside the jobsite for…
My son doesnt live with his family anymore wptv news
Since the coronavirus has started my son has been going to his grandmas house Monday through Friday. The amount of work he gets from school at 6 to 8 hours my husband and I dont see him until the weekend. And my son was OK with it at first but now he goes into the bathroom at his grandmothers house and cries he doesnt want to be separated from his family and hes literally shipped out of his house all week our family unit has been divided as I work full-time and his dad works full-time and neither of us…
Recovery (Story #654)
I truly believe that the government has a curve in a faster way of quarantining but they just want to tell us macaroni to be in my city is so small I think that this outbreak is causing a big impact in my community and we has worn out we are really not quarantining right way and people are losing their jobs money being lost and people are praying on the government stimulus chats I feel as if we need to come together as a community to talk over things and try to have a better way of quarantining because…
#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…
#tellyourstorypbc
They cut the hours off my job
6-feet-apart
2 months into the corona virus pandemic, people were ordered to stay about 6 feet apart from each other. When people want to go inside of stores, the have to wait in long lines so that the store cannot be overcrowded. Due to the very dangerous pandemic, people are scared to even leave their homes and go visit their family members. This is very scary because when their family members inevitably pass away from the virus, they have to say goodbye over the phone, and I can imagine that this would be a painful experience.
Laid Off
The Caronavirus impacted my life by me not working. Ive been paid off.
EJSJB2020 (Story #31)
I have to find funds to fed my family and going to the stores is a scary thing. Work has been slow and when trying to support others its hard because of the distance we have to keep
Mom & Twins…Netflixing & Chilling
It caused my kids and I to spend more time together at times we wouldn’t.
# 25 We Need To Be Running To Chruches With Powerful Prayers
Mr Leonard Thompson says that this a wake-up call to all Christians. America is in serious troubleAll Churches were closed. Gods doors were closed . We needed to be running to the Churches to pray powerful prayers His Church Lakeside Baptist never closed. At this time,Mr Thompson says he doesn’t need any assistance.
Death in the family
Today I feel totally heartbroken. My neighbor informed me that his daughter died from the virus. We had just talked about her a few weeks ago after he told me that his daughter had it. The last time that he talked to his daughter, she told him that she was ok and not to come to visit yet. I swear this virus doesn’t discriminate. She died as a result of caring for others with the virus in the hospital that she has worked in for more than 20 years. She followed the 14 day protocol…
Cant work ! Cant eat.
I cater for a living.social distancing,has pretty much eliminated my ability to earn income to support my family.
Stuck (Story #295)
This pandemic has changed the way I move about. It has, in a way affected my freedom. I still have a choice to move and go as I please but the chance of getting the virus is not one I want to take. Im a person that doesnt do much anyway but this situation has me doing nothing. I would truly like to move freely without the worry of getting sick from the coronavirus.
#effectsofcoronavirus
The coronavirus effects me because I can’t work as much as I used to because I work in the health field and it isn’t safe so I make less money than I used to and also my grandchildren are out of school and they can’t stay home alone.
Palm Health story
The request for assistance comes from the lack of funds available to cover the rent due to an injury I suffered and put me out of work for over 3 weeks. I injured my shoulder which left me unable to work and left a big gap in our income. My wife also being pregnant and due to the current pandemic being unable to work, puts us in a tight squeeze in order to make the payment possible. We would kindly appreciate any assistance which can be provided in order to make the payments due. Thank you so much for your…
# 27
Mr Percival Rowe is a 80 year old native of Jamaica. He and his wife Vinnette(59) live in a modest apartment in a hotspot in Boynton Beach. Mr Rowe says that the pandemic He doesn’t know if there will ever be a cure to this.Mr Rowe and Mrs Rowe still work for a living.i will take facial coverings by their residence.Any assistance given would be appreciated!
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.
Football
Hi Im from Miami Florida I go to school at UCFHi Im from Miami Florida I go to school at UCF him for the bills see you I hope this year coronavirus dont impact my football season due to the counseling NBA season I would like to play my singing year I truly believe that coronavirus has put outbreak and put a pause on the world freezing everything NFL and NBA season has been a whole NFL has been questionable in college football has taken a toll that Ive been online classes sense since the virus has hit around…
My Strength
It was scary not knowing how we would take care of and provide for our families. Especially when not all creditors were willing to work with you. Going from consistent financial means to zero so fast was alarming to say the least. It shocked us. Our family became homeless and divided up and living in separate places which was extremely tough for all us and praying and hoping we were safe and not exposed to viruses of any sort actually. It weighed on us emotionally financially mentally, etc. Not having the means and not knowing when or what you were…
#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!
#10 PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO COME AROUND EACH OTHER
Donald is also a native to Boynton Beach. And all of his siblings live in the city( a party of 5).The virus really shook me up .you need a mask everytime to dart the door. There is no cure in sight and once there is it will need to be tested. How long? This virus reminds me of the escription from the Bible of Leprosy. PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO COME AROUND EACH OTHER.You have to look at it like everyone has it.Donald says he is 62 years of age and lost a decent paying job. And my savings is…
Trying to be still with the virus
The corona virus has impacted my life in many ways:1. I was supposed to have surgery on April 22,2020 to help repair my vision, but it was postponed.2. My daughter now has to do therapy sessions at home with masks on.3. I am also not able to work because due to risk of being infected or infecting my client.4. My family is also affected by the corona virus because everyone is feeling overwhelmed.
Virus (Story #658)
Coronavirus has impacted the whole entire world everything has been shut down for over two months things are starting to open up by quarantining need to take a more bigger effect in every community it is there are still cases are there and I feel like the government just need to make sure I stay on track of the cases and let everybody know I also feel as if the government is doing a pretty good job with the stem of this chat so how do I send it out and how people is gone for what the money we…
# 15 I WAS PREPARING SAUAGE AND EGGS FOR OUR BREAKFAST
On the Morning of March 25th, Mr Heath was making breakfast for he and his wife(Susie) While he was preparing sausage and eggs.Mr Heath overheard Mrs Heath repeating the 23rd psalm. He walked back into the room and shook Mrs Heath to let Mrs Susie know that breakfast was ready. MR HEATH IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 as well as her 2 sisters(Mary and Carolyn) Who live in the Heart of Boynton. The sisters arrived at the home expeditiously awaiting 911. Mrs Susie died as a result of the Virus. Mr Heath was called back to the hospital for testing…
Senior year ruined
I am so mad that my graduation got ruined. This sucks totally! This virtual graduation ceremony is a bad idea. I rather wait until it is safe to be out again and give us the graduation that we deserve. Thanks Corona for ruining my senior year!
# 35 I Would Buy The Movie Tickets And They Would Buy The Popcorn
Ms Cleveta Robinson is a 73 year old single woman with a strong constitution. She is a native of Jamaica. Cleveta says she is following the rules for this pandemic. She has been COVID-19 tested Mrs Robinson says that she has warned her family members about the impact of this pandemic and hopes that they take heed. Mrs Robinson enjoys early morning walks and hearing the birds sing. Although, Cleveta would enjoy some romance in her life, She says I would buy the movie tickets and they would buy the popcorn,NOT GOOD!SHE COULD USE ASSISTANCE WITH HER ELECTRIC AND…
Pandemic affect
It has caused an enormous amount of stress for me in many ways. And has impacted the lifes of my family and myself. with the schools being closed, Ive been forced to cut hours at work. Which has created another problem. (Financially ) I have also notice my utilities has gone up significantly due to the stay in home order. The kids are are not fully engaging into virtual learning. Most kids are hands on learners and are used to school like environments. witnessing my children which are a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grader confined has been…
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.
A family of four making a difference during coronavirus
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/family-of-four-making-a-difference-during-coronavirus-hadassah-health-volunteering-action/
#Quarantined
I cant go nowhere and I have to Be in the house all day.
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…
Money
Covid 19 has allowed to do something I wanted to do for awhile, and that is get a job. The reason I wanted one is because there is a lot of stuff I want but it is not going to come for free. I could ask my mom but I don’t like the feeling. So now I can provide for myself and her a little.
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