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.”
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…
Hopeful for Change
Today I was at the gas station with my husband. We had our masks in my purse for when we would enter the grocery store. I also had hand sanitizer and wipes for when he finished pumping gas. I’m the furthest thing from a germophobe and I was actually impressed that I remembered not one, but two things that could allegedly protect us from falling ill. As I processed the need for these new objects that were now crucial from me to remember when I leave the house in addition to my phone, wallet and keys, I noticed something.An older white woman who was…
14
Well, I witness how we all came together as a community and help each other get through these difficult times. I am forever grateful and i am so thankful and happy to be apart of this amazing community.
The IT World in Present Day
Being an individual who has been in the IT industry for a number of years, it is awarding to see how technology is being used to keep the community and businesses going. It is also overwhelming for those in the IT field because their knowledge is the key to keep everything running.
# 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.
Corona (Story #655)
Coronavirus has any impact in my community a lot shops stores restaurants has been closed things are starting to open it slowly but they still going back a lot a bit cases work
#25 The Outbreak of Diphtheria and Malaria
She is a 92 yrs old …worked for the Dept of Health in Palm Beach Co.for over 30 yrs. She remembers the outbreak of diphtheria and malaria. When those became an epidemic everyone she said, had to be tested and were given medicine to take at home. But this is a mess. no breakthrough with medications nor vaccines,I don’t go like I use too. So being at home watching T,V. works for me ,When I am outside it is now for paying bills ,banking and sometimes grocery with my adult children.The Leadership of this country needs to be replaced.
Gail’s Story
the coronavirus has impacted my life because I can hardly work on one of my jobs. Sometimes I my go to peoples houses, sometimes I may go to the nursing homes, and sometimes might go to peoples houses. So, It was too much of a risk for me to hold onto that job for now because I have to be home with my grandchildren that I am taking care of right now, and as y’all know there is no school. So, I have to stay home with my grand kids most of the time. Sometimes I go to my…
N/A (Story #307)
I wouldnt say it impacted my life but it help be bond more an more with god an find out who I am as as a person.
#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!
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…
Blessing in disguise
Corona virus almost helped me more than hurt me, I get to heal my body but it really hurt everyone else. I am a student athlete so I needed the rest and it give me time to work on things that I lack, hopefully we catch a break with all of this
#64 The Mandatory Stay-In-Place
Mrs Fisher has been living in Florida coming from New York about 10 yrs, She was a strong disciplinarian as a mother of six.She was admitted to the hospital on March 28th. She tested positive for the Virus.and she was admitted to the ICU. She was admitted for 4 days and now she is home recuperating. It has been a long process. But she is a God-Fearing woman. She thinks the government should have protected us . The mandatory stay-in-place should have been in place !Her Grandson travels from Miami to prepare meals for her. She received 2 prepared meals…
Strange Virus
Corona had impacted my life in a very strange way, I did get to graduate since it was in December, I got my dream job but Im not even able to work because Of the virus sadly.
Corona trap
The corona virus has put me out of work with pay though, so Im good just worried bout my family and friends
#37 I have A Lung Disease
This lady is 82 yrs old. She lives alone. The Virus has affected her because she has a rare lung disease for 17 yrs. So,She is forbidden from going out. I am going to the grocery store for her on Saturday. This Virus is a problem with not knowing if you have it! She is not optimist when this pandemic will be over. Her neighbors are having parties. Otherwise, this is how the virus tends to spread.
#62 But For Now That’s The Way It Is
Mr. Rowe is 80 yrs old born and raised in Jamaica. He came here for a better life.He continues to wonder How did this happen? He has always had values of working hard. And America gave him that dream.He adheres to the law of staying in place. he doesn’t like it, But for now that’s the way it is.
Devastation
My job recently closed and I am unemployed. My house is very cramped because the kids can’t go to school. The stores don’t have the materials that I need to provide for my kids and family.This is devastating and I pray this would be over soon.
Future not bright
Stressed about the future. America is not handling this well. If something worse happens I’m worried we’ll crumble.
God Grace
I thank God because me and my family still alive bcuz without Him we won’t be here corona virus makes me cherish every moment of life bcuz an a minute u could loose someone you love
Didnt see it coming
I was laid off from my job.
#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…
#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.
The Fierce Women
Im pregnant and the Corona virus has stopped work for me and my child.. my source of income has been put on hold. Im afraid to give birth in these circumstances.
FAU Honors College Student Contracts COVID-19 While Working as an EMT
I am an EMT who was infected with COVID-19, this experience has forever changed my appreciation for life and my family. Earlier in the year when news of this virus first started emerging, I kept telling myself it would not affect us, that it would only be temporary. I am a neuroscience student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of FAU. My life was pretty normal at that point, I was attending classes, interning at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and working my regular hours on the weekends. Then spring break came around, my boss briefed us…
#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
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.
The virus
Coronavirus an impact in my life amazingly yes cause a big outbreak on the world and causes everything on furloughs for about two months as things dont open up quarantine I have been taking place in my community and which have been lied to but still maintain there is a large number of cases in my small community of matsuri Belglade Florida I believe that we should I come to get as a community to take some over to come up with better ideas of quarantining because obviously is not happening I truly believe that we have to take this…
#4 Man Has Failed Us
Man has failed us. God’s will must be done. I have never heard of so many dying in our Community as with this mess,the corona virus, it has taken a neighbor of over 40 years and that is unthinkable for me. We have raised children together enjoyed each other’s birthday and special times together. Life has changed greatly by wearing these uncomfortable mask,gloves. I will be celebrating 85 years of living eight(8) days from now with noone to share it with. I enjoy doing and going places. And cooking for those less fortunate to have a meal especially this…
#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…
Pandemic (Story #214)
With the whole pandemic going on i been in the house trying to stay safe. Ive been watching the news and see everything thats going on in my community and its crazy to see something like this.
EJSJB2020 (Story #NA)
COVID 19 has made an impact on me and my family. Weve been struggling to keep up with our bills and provide for my family and I. My hours at work have been cut back due to COVID and I dont get paid as much as I did before COVID. So trying to provide everything for my family is kinda hard.
#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…
A change needs to be made
The Corona Virus has impacted my Job and my schooling, it caused both my job and school to close down.
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.
#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 .
Not sure where It comes from
Paula was born and raised in Boynton Beach 63 years ago.on July 6….It is so ironic that her youngest grandchild was a born on this very same day almost 3 years ago. Paula believes that everyone should be tested. My sister and her daughter have been hospitalized for the virus.It is a sad situation because my sister has just be approved to become a kidney transplant recipient.Not sure,if this virus is man-made or where it comes from and how many actually have it.Paula ahs been referred to CDC Faith Based for Electric bill assistance.
Sisters + Cars
My sister lives in West Palm Beach and I live in Jupiter. She doesn’t drive and last week she had symptoms similar to the ones for coronavirus. I reached out and told her if she wants to go get tested to let me know and I can drive her but we have to make an appointment, find a mask and some gloves for us to not spread it between each other. I am glad that I am here for her and I have a car. But it had me thinking, how else are people that do not have transportation and…
A caring husband
In my story covid19 and my wife being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian and colon cancer. With her not working and me unable to work due to Covid have placed us in a bind. Please assist
Corona (Story #910)
Hello my name is Michelle Rhoden since Corona had came along I had been forced to leave my job to watch my grand baby my husband work all day and he manage to pay all bills for the house due to me having no income coming in I have a hard time paying for things that we need for the house baby clothes and diapers. I would love to be able to help my husband out for our household I have no help from my daughter whats so ever.
Family (Story #571)
Getting better with family
Lost (Story #656)
Hello my name Raymond and I feel as if coronavirus has struck the wrong fast I truly believe that this virus has impacted a lot of folks across the room alarm many people have died because it is bars and they have taken a toll on Panna Road I feel as many people has thought it wasnt that serious but now as a bigger picture been two months under quarantine and I have open mini eyes sorry for the families that have lost
Sharing purpose.
Now with Coronavirus waking people up and they are more motivated to explore gardening, growing foods and thinking about food and diet as sources of diseases. Because of this, Ive connected to new people in ways that feels more purpose driven on both sides, which wasnt necessarily there previously. I hope the motivation lasts.
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.
#40 I gave her flowers while she was living:
She is adhering to the ordinances of the land. However, She has osteoporosis and she is a former business owner, She has always been recognized as the first African-American florist in Boynton Beach. She has lost a friend of 52 yers to the Covid19, she has fond memories of her , She plans to name a garden in her memory. She also named others who have died from this PANDEMIC and attend her church.She is a
Overcoming
It takes me away from my kids because I have to work due to the fact that I am a RN. My son wants to workout but he cant its all a process that we have to over come
Budding friendships
My two year old son was really enjoying school and playing with our neighbors outside. He was just starting to play with others and enjoy people’s company. Now, we have to tell him ‘no’ when he sees them playing next door. He wants desperately to join them and it feels awful to deny him that socialization! We’ve tried to play in our backyard while they play in the front. He can still see them through the fence, but we keep a good distance away.
100 Days of Solitude
I wonder how much unlimited data on my phone plan really means. Ever since the beginning of this self-isolation era, I’m sure people have turned to their phones and their home wi-fi to ride this wave of corona virus-related news. I know everyone must be watching their Netflix, having Zoom conferences, virtual classes and virtual happy hours, and calling their people to ask them what they’re doing for the umpteenth time that day. As for me, I didn’t realize until now how crucial my phone has become to staying connected and keeping sane in a moment where staying home is…
Hardship
Hi, Im Juanita Hernandez I couldnt pay my bill this month because Ive had a hard time since my two sons moved out. They used to help me out but I also became disabled and I cannot work. I have fibsios of the lungs, Im always in chronic pain. Also, I have a case pending with social security but they havent approved me yet. Its been hard on me and my family. I have a seven year old son, his father died three years ago of cancer and he used to help me out. My older kids father also passed…
#52 ‘she doesn’t Like Being Alone
In Georgia,I have had ten of my cousin’s transition as a result of the Corona Virus.She is very panicky about her Great-Granddaughter,Imani,going outside. She has become very over-protective of her loved ones And she doesn’t like being alone as noted by her Granddaughter.Although, I am not employed . She likes coming to my home daily and that is fine!.
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