The corona virus has made me realize that money and material things are worth nothing if you dont have the health to enjoy it! I have also realized how precious it is to be able to stay at home and not go to work, allowing me to spend more time with my family. The small things that you really didnt take note of that matters the most.
Concern: Paying the bills
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 a hemodialysis patient on treatment 3x weekly for the last eleven years, I am always mindful of my health. Along with kidney failure, there are several other co- morbidities to consider as well. Patients started getting educational handouts about the CORONA (COVID-19)virus. Look for fever,sore throats,shortness of breath and coughing. Although you might have these symptoms you could also be fine, asymptomatic, but still able to pass it on to others.!The virus seemed to be an invisible foe hanging in the air, living on surfaces and who knew what else. Even though I seemed to be in the high risk category, (over 60 with other underlying health issues) you put your faith in God and go on. It all seemed possible. Life seemed do-able as it had always been. BUT it all changed starting on March 11 when the World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed the novel (COVID-19) Corona Viral Infectious Disease 2019 was a Pandemic. On March 12, all dialysis patients were required to wear facial masks and complete a screening inventory sheet before entering the building. Temperature checks normally done at the treatment chair were now done at the door. Anyone with a temperature of 100 or more would be turned away.It was uncomfortable to wear the masks for the four hour duration of treatment but after two months, it seems like a part of getting dressed. It wasnt long before people wore masks and gloves to pick up groceries with sanitized wipes at the ready.Everything started moving so fast. People started forecasting that the virus was spreading quickly and the government was going to shut us down and shut us in. Everyone started panicking going into the retail stores to get sanitizers,cleaning solutions,toilet paper, paper towels and food!Delrays lockdown began on March 30 (curfew in the city was from 9p-6a…later changed to midnight – 6a) to end April 16 and statewide onApril 2-May 2.The mandated shut in orders or lock down seemed extreme but did seem to help stem the tide of virus cases and not overwhelm hospitals with the sick. Hospitals nationwide suffered from a shortage of personal protection equipment and ventilators for COVID patients.Testing for the virus had a slow start here. The first Palm Beach County testing site launched on March 31.The federal government issued social distancing orders (6 feet minimum between you and someone else) and no gatherings of ten (10) or more. This mandate closed bars,restaurants and churches!On April 23rd our 45th President, Donald J. Trump, wondered out loud to the nation if ingesting Lysol or Clorox bleach could kill the corona virus internally or using ultraviolent rays internally to kill the virus!Our state government, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, seemed slow to react to this pandemic. It seemed to the observer as if the revenue the state expected from Spring Break visitors,golfers and beachgoers mattered more than keeping Floridians safe. Our state was among the last to lock down and among the first to talk about re-opening. The Miami Herald is on the governor now about the misleading COVID-19 death reports (especially from long term care facilities) to make things appear more rosy than is true.As I write this over 83,000+ Americans have died. Each of those 83,000+ were individuals with stories just like mine. Those of us who live now wear masks,others choose not to. Some are still choosing to stay at home while others could not wait to get outside. People have been willing to stop and speak (at a distance)and are more willing to lend a hand. They tell us to brace for a 2nd or 3rd wave of the virus soon.A workable vaccine may be 12-18 months away.Over 30,000 Americans are unemployed because of the virus. There is food insecurity for some. Children are all home schooled, church is carried out online and no one knows when or if this situation will change.Florida has over 41,000 cases of COVID-19 and over 1700 dead (as of 5.12) only God can help us!Many more hurdles ahead…
Family apart
My son who normally goes back and forth between our house and his moms house isn’t around and it’s tough on me and his little brother and sister. His step dad still works in construction and both houses agreed it was best not to take any chances right now.
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 aesthetician and my business will be forever changed. The reopening of my business Will be incredibly slow in order for me to keep everybody including myself my family and my clients safe and healthy. Even with the re-opening I cannot possibly catch up on all the income I have lost. My bills are overflowing . I have had no income since the first week of March. I have kept on top of what I could from the little bit of money I had but have not been able to pay the rent of my home in three months going on a fourth and face evection.I have reached out for help and applied for any and every sort of relief that I could. I am writing this story to reach out. I cannot sleep at night wondering if we will be out on the street soon. I love my county and I know there has got to be answers or help for us somewhere. Thank you for reading. ~Mikaela
Life is an everyday experience.
The Corona Virus has changed my life drastically. It has created a new way of living, a new norm, as well as a sense of caution and panic within me. I am unable to do things that I normally enjoy doing, such as going to the movies, mall, out to eat, traveling, etc. I am forced to practice a new lifestyle that I am learning how to do day by day. Its a surreal feeling to know I cant pick up a gallon of milk from Publix without a mask on, or pump gas without gloves on. Its even a big deal to cough and sneeze. People give dirty looks and stare, or walk away. So many new rules to follow. Its tough, but I understand the importance of all the guidelines in place. The virus has also made me more aware of where I sit, what I eat, what I touch, where I stand, and even with whom I do these things. I am more aware of my surroundings. I wash my hands more frequently. I am very cautious. I am also using this time to spend more time with my teenager daughter. This experience teaches us to enjoy what we have, before what we have becomes what we had.
Less working
Paying my bills stoping my job
Bills
My job was making things and product hands on THATS how I was making money by making clothes and plenty other things but less movement and stores clothes less money
Family (Story #564)
Bonding with my daughter and family but seems like we cant get alone without us traveling being as a family
#Night job
I work at night. I stay home dont go out side unless I have to. I take my dog for a walk and enjoy life at home. I spend time with family and friends they come by and see me. I buy paper towels and tissue paper to give to the elderly people that dont have or cant go get it.
#Senior program
When will this all be over. Im cooped up in the house with my children and Im ready to leave. The senior citizens program at the youth employment center would help a lot right now.