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.”
Limited (Story #590)
The virus causes limitations. This is the first time im visiting Belle Glade/Pahokee, and all ive been is in the house. I was hoping to explore more than i seen
Living for my sister
post covid my sister was incarcerated and left her 4 kids out in the world im a braider so business got slow and unfortunately I caught covid19 still while tryin to maintain n care for my nieces and nephews things got really hard but couldn’t loose hope and through prayer and family help we made it threw.
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.
#41 We don’t Drive
My husband and I are 90 and 91 yrs old. We don’t drive .Our daughters and granddaughters are doing it all for us. It is such a burden not being able to tag along with my daughters,I do admire what out national leader is saying. After all. he is doing the best he can do!
#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #249)
The corona virus has essentially ruined my senior year. It took away my opportunity to walk across the stage, attend my prom, and my senior trip. I also recently lost my job due to the corona virus as well.
9542001803
They are a lot of people with out job, food they need help please
#storelimits
Many of the restaurants that I got to allow pick up and delivery which makes it convenient because we won’t have contact. Many stores end up getting so crowded that now many stores have limits on the number of people allowed in stores.
#fullcapacity
So many people have died and many been infected. There aren’t enough supplies for hospitals and many hospitals are at their full capacities and don’t have room for any more patients. I try not to think about what would happen if I or someone in my family caught the coronavirus.
#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…
God Truly Provides
I lost my job, my kids and I are home during the day but my husband is an essential worker. We have not been without.
# Dinner Time
Coronavirus has made a huge impact on my family, we are spending more time together, eating dinner together etc.
#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!
Life gone
This corona bull made me not be able to haves graduation also I wasnt able to participate in a pro day I feel like this had ruined my life literally
#72
My husband and I stay home. We are care-takers for my 95 year old mother. After,she was hosptalized for heart failure . She is unable to meet her personal needs. I,often, think of all those in our community who have died of this dreadful virus, We are strong and will stand with our community. My sister attends to the needs of my household. My Mother birth 14 children,
# 26 She has served her community well
Mrs Schley is lifelong resident of Boynton Beach and a proud ST Paul AME member whose Aunt sold the present property to the church for $10 in 1951.. She has also served in the pulpit as a Minister at ST Paul AME.Mrs Mildred lost her youngest child ,Vernell (37) in August 1996. She was left with 4 sons and 1 daughter. Mrs Schley has served her community well as a beautician(mine as a child),a paraprofessional at one of the local Elementary schools near her home. Mrs Mildred walked to work.When you heard her laughter you could point to…
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…
#dontfreakout
I was already working from home but now my whole family is with me!
#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 .
hunkered down
I’m holed up with family at my parents house. No contact with anybody outside immediate family. spending lots of time online. Was going to the beach until public beaches were closed by County order.
#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…
Society is down bad
Brought me closer to the fam, I get to work on all my skills a little more, corona really isnt what Im thinking about about tho because racial injustice is much more important
The Coronavirus Journey
Being tested POSITIVE for the coronavirus is a grueling journey.The protocol for this outcome was isolation in my room for at least two full weeks. After that, I would have to be tested until I received two consecutive NEGATIVE results before I could return to the workplace. My room is upstairs and no one was allowed to entire without a mask and gloves on. The sources of nutrition were left at the bottom of the stairs for me, and once I was finishd eating, the dishes were put back on the stairs for removal. I felt like a leper. Slowly,…
Abbeys Story
Having to maintain my job, pick up a second job to help where my wife lost income, and trying to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Social distancing (Story #328)
With this corona virus I havent been able to go out and get my medicine from the doctors so my daughter has been trying to get everything i need.
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…
# 31
Brenda Lowe was born and raised in Boynton Beach some 71 years ago. She is married to Eddie Mr Lowe is very cool and mellow.When you see one you pretty much see the other. They enjoy walks,fishing and babysitting their grandchild.Mr Lowe’s are both diabetics. They will have delivered meals from Faith Based CDC BEGINNING July 6.The Lowe’s are willing to except any assistance for water and electric.
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 Couldnt Pay For My Phone Bill. I Couldnt 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.
Less working
Paying my bills stoping my job
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.
#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…
Restaurant (Story #645)
Coronavirus has run to pick and pack in my life Im a big guy and I love to eat I play football at University of Central Florida and with everything Ive been closed out all the good restaurants Im currently losing weight which Im 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 dont 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 Cant can the…
Need a little bit of money
I bearly have time to go shopping and my work is almost closing
Pros and Cons
Corona has had a positive and negative impact on my life. Negatively because of the loss of income, positively because it allowed me to reach out to my love ones more often and show my concerns
Family (Story #571)
Getting better with family
#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.
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
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/
#NEEDHELP
The way COVID-19 has impacted me is by not having needs or goods to feed my family.
Hope still lives
During the pandemic I had to stop working but my husband continued to work. Since we were living on one paycheck we couldn’t pay our bills or even take care of basic necessities like food and gas. But youth empowered to prosper started a food pantry that helped us soo much that we didnt need to buy food. We could focus our funds on paying Bill’s and etc. I then started to volunteer because of how they have helped my family. and assist others with getting food. though I filed for both unemployment and food stamps but…
Brought Others Together
People are staying in side, taking correct safety procedures. It’s not as overwhelming because I can get off work and still provide for my family.
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.
#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.
1 (Story #879)
It has impacted me in ways of not able to work, due to no school so therefore no one to keep my son while i work.
#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…
Gone too soon….
I am use to staying home, even during weekends (prior to covid 19). The quarantine part was not that difficult to adhere to. I know for a fact what has impacted me emotionally and psychologically the most…the social distancing, not able to go to church, visit family in New York, but most of all is hearing of close relatives and friends in New York City/New Jersey whom have lost a loved one. I have a very close friend who lost her husband and younger brother all in a month. It is just all too surreal… the massive amounts of lives…
Medical field
I work in the medical field and dealing with the corona virus has made my life very difficult these pass days. I work 12 hours a day at a nursing home making sure nobody is sick. Every day i am nervous about bringing any thing from work to my kids.
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…
#74
I am a working man .This virus and the neglect that proceeded it is not right. This has cost everyone living in America. I value every word repeated by the government. I adhere to the stay at home laws.America has rose to this terrible virus. It is deadly!
#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.
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…
Refresh the page to see another random set of stories or view stories by date.