COVID-19 Project Story Collection

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.”

Count our blessings

I am feeling better now and all I can do is to stay focus on the needs of our children, families and staff. I am doing just that while trying to keep up with daily update at the state and local level pertaining to the virus. I attended various online meetings using Zoom and I am enjoying them. This online meeting could be the new normal for us at For The Children Inc. It is a learning curve and we are learning as much as we can to continue to keep our children and parent engage. We are in this…
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Trusting God through it all.

Corona virus has impacted my life for the bad as well as the good. I’ve been out of work twice and hours have been cut. Me being a felon makes it even harder due to jobs being limited which had me wondering how would I pay bills and take care of my responsibilities. Now I’m witnessing my little cousin who has asthma suffer greatly which is hurting my heart. Despite the bad that has occurred the one good thing that has happened to me, is me witnessing how good God is. He has shown me all I ever have…
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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
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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
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Social solidarity

From Kristyn Cox in Delray came this beautiful post:Instead of social distancing,Physical distancing andSocial solidarity.Let’s make sure we are following guidelines, but staying connected through phone calls, virtual meetings, texts, and checking in regularly with our family, friends, and neighbors.
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Stay in the house

Due to the virus i have to stay in the house like everyone should be doing. Im over 70 years old so its not safe to be out and about. I just hope these young folks listen and stay inside so it can go away fast.
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EJSJB2020 (Story #NA)

When Covid-19 was first being pushed into the American news stream in March 2020 I was a sophomore in high school getting ready for spring break with my friends. Around this time people’s emotions were very mixed, some of us were freaking out 2020 had already been so chaotic (We had a World War 3 scare, several celebrities had died, storms were hitting, etc.). Some of us weren’t all that concerned especially us Floridians. Every year we get storm scares and the like, overtime we’ve adapted so that most of the time it’s hard for the mainstream news to…
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Surviving online learning during Lockdown 2020

When we think of fortune, we think of massive wealth, treasure hunts, gold mines, and fantastic hordes of gems and jewels. But this year, my idea of fortune is how I am feeling right now, today. Yesterday, I submitted final grades for my four classes of Speech Communication with 110 students. Also, I completed editing my roomie’s book on graceful aging.Today, I feel accomplished, relieved, and euphoric that, during a pandemic, I am still earning a living by doing what I love. I enjoy teaching young people how to communicate impactfully. In my classes, people age 16 to 50 learn…
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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.
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A Hard 2020!

The lack of family interaction has been a major impact in my life. I have a 3 year old grandson and my stepdaughter is due with another grandson in July. For risk of infection, we can only facetime or talk through the windows. I also have a daughter who is graduating May 2nd from FSU, who had her heart set on walking across the stage, ut can’t.
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Athletes need justice

My name is coach Walker I can say that this virus has impacts a whole lot .Also I’m 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 can’t even train them anymore and they all depends on me wow man what a life that sucks I can’t help my athletes out .
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#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #246)

As a freshmen in college , corona virus has deeply impacted me . My classes are online and my grades are dropping due to the adjusting of it all .
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Worst. Spring. Break. Ever.

Friday, March 13, 2020. The rumors are flying. Ironically, it’s the students who tell me that school is cancelled. It hit the Twitter feed and spread like wildfire. Seriously, the students told me a good five minutes before the announcement came over the loudspeaker. I’ve been on lockdown at home since March 13, 2020, when we were told by our administration to grab what we needed to work from home and leave campus. I haven’t been back. The transition to online learning has been fairly smooth for me, as our school was part…
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Crazy (Story #552)

I would have been the 1st in my family to graduate and go off to school but the virus had pushing everything back to the the point I’m really not even going to college nobody have faith in me anymore
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COVID-19 and Me

The virus hasn’t really had an impact on me. I am just taking precautionary measures when going out into the public. I keep hand sanitizer with me and wipes in my car. I come back home and boil lime peels/orange peels with salt to stand over in order to inhale the steam because I know that the nostrils and the throat are the two places that this virus can reside, it being the coolest two places. I have always been an introvert and just the week before I had got approved to work from home when needed and this was…
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# 15 I Don’t Sit Around Waiting For Nobody To Do Nothing For Mattie Wallace

Mrs Wallace boastfully states that on September 01,I will be 93 years old! It is with that being said,Do you think that we should do something special for her? Mrs Wallace says that she has never had a hospital stay and she and her adult children are trying to make sure that she doesn’t have one with this virus.This is awful for the Country and everywhere else! I go out to buy grocery and doctor visits only!Just make sure you keep your hands clean and wear a mask. Mrs Wallace is still in charge of her home(where she has…
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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 it’s hard because of the distance we have to keep
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1 (Story #62)

This virus has impacted my life because my 84 year old Mother is unable to receive her continuum of care after fracturing her hip on December 25,2020. Her care has been interrupted due to her not being able to continue the care of physical,occupational and home health care.My Mom was scheduled to continue her therapies at a rehabilitation facility . However, due to the virus the facility has closed its doors.
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the fear of life as we know it

The corona virus has made it difficult for myself and my family to stay calm simply because it’s changed the dynamic of life. My family members are older, which makes them more susceptible especially considering they have preexisting conditions. My great aunt, grandmother, mother and grandfather have all recently in some way fell ill. Although there are other forms of illness, the pandemic and lack of knowledge behind the coronavirus has instilled fear that any illness could be fatal. It makes my grandparents afraid to leave their homes, worry about their friends and family and it’s harder to find basic…
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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…
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#48 Nothing is in our Hands

I am a cancer survivor. I also have respiratory concerns. I have learned during this pandemic to use technology to communicate with my Kingdom Hall family. I an using zoom and facetime . which makes me feel accomplished! The message is to continue to be obedient and working together with and friends, I am 75 yrs of age,I do need assistance with eye medication. I will make a referral for her at a local family owned pharmacy. Her food needs are being met by her sons.Lastly, she says,:Nothing is in our hands.
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Social distancing (Story #328)

With this corona virus I haven’t been able to go out and get my medicine from the doctors so my daughter has been trying to get everything i need.
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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.
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No Income

My job has cut down hours and I went from working an average 35 hours payroll to only 6 to 10.
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COVID-19 Changes

I have a pre-existing health condition that effects my lungs, so I had to move back to my hometown to adjust my ability to control my exposure. In doing so, I had to continue paying for an apartment I could not use, and I had to leave my job because it was no longer safe for me to work and I was not given a remote work option. I also had to repurchase items such as clothing and textbooks because I did not think that I would be away from my apartment for months when I originally left.
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#3 She is still reeling from its affect

Patrick talked about the wait time for Boynton Beach to become a testing site, The wait time he felt was ridiculous especially because it is considered to be a hotspot. One spot was hot for one too many deaths. He blames the local and state government for its response time, Patrick was ruled negative on his COVID19 testing. He drove an 85 year old neighbor to the hospital with a slight case of the virus in March. She is still reeling from its affects. The price of meat has sharply gone wild. And it has affected his ability to purchase…
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#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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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;…
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#23 I need a Haircut

I am my 93 yr old Father’s caregiver. I am 71 yrs old. My Father’s sister is hospitalized with the Corona Virus in South Carolina along with her daugher and granddaughter. I have a cousin in Georgia afflicted with this virus and another cousin in Mew York who died Saturday. His wife is also hospitalized and her condition is grave. I need to loosen up but I am until to do so presently. Safety [s a major concern using wipes , sanitizer and facial mask are as necessary as grocery staples. She is coping with her Father’s Dementia, He is…
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COVID – 19

Due to the COVID-19 my last day of work was March 13th, it’s been tough because my bills haven’t stopped. But thankfully I’ve made it through, and I’ve been able to survive.
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2020 When the World Stopped Spinning So Fast

It seems we have fallen down a rabbit hole into some other dimension. Watching the world suffer from a distance and feeling like it is never going to end. My son is missing out on the end of 5th grade, safety patrol trip to Washington D.C., his spring soccer season, and just his regular daily routine. I am fortunate to be able to work from home, but I’ve become a teacher, guidance counselor, recess playmate, and lunch lady too. I am not complaining about one moment, my cousins 24 year old normally healthy son is on…
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Grandchildren education

My grandchildren are now taking online classes but my daughter is an essential worker she’s a care giver and while she’s working i have my grandchildren the education online is not really hands on so i don’t think it’s really benefiting my grandchildren
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#16 No vaccine

It’s getting adjusted to staying home that bothers me .I go to the gym daily, enjoyed attending church and senior activites w/field trips. The lonliness is driving me crazy at 76 years of age.But it is for the safety and good of the community. The streets are empty and I love walking but I will remain safe in my house, The only place that I must go ; is to get grocery for only me. Florida is heavily populated with Seniors and the Governor should have made the rules more stricter sooner. Because,there is no vaccine.
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New Normal

The corona virus has caused me to work from home utilizing technology to work and interact with people. Although it’s been nice to be able to work from home, I realize that I am not prepared for a crisis of this magnitude and I am a single person. I went from eating out to buying groceries and eating from home. Being from Florida, you are accustomed to preparing for hurricanes but this takes it to another level. Living in western palm beach county, I am concerned that our communities are not prepared for a health crisis…
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#26 I Just Don’t Know

She had a total knee replacement 3 yrs ago . She has suffered with pain and the ability to not be able to be independent at the age of 73 yrs old as result of her knee surgery, She has been limited movement and has been at home for the exception of Dr.’s appts .Her feeling about the virus are I just don’f know. Her daughter provides her all her needs .She feels extremely safe at home.
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#14 There is Nothing We Can Do About It

Cat Hinson says immediately when asked about the affects of the virus It is boring,not use to sittingin the house.!Mrs Hinson has been settled in Boynton Beach since 1969 coming from Belle Glade with her late husband(Phillip and son,Efrem). That’s where quite a few Teachers taught especially African-Americans,Mrs.Hinson stated. She is originally from West Palm Beach. She earned a degree from Bethune-Cookman University. She, just recently, celebrated another year of life turning 85.She misses ushering at church,attending numerous community events. Mrs Hinson still drives and visits her sister,Mary in Riviera Beach on Fridays.Cat hopes it gets netter . her fear…
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9 (Story #293)

As a single mother of 4 this virus have a big impact on my family and I’m sure that’s with everyone else as well, but with my children who have asthma it’s hard to tell them no they can’t go outside and play, or go to the store with me, with their learning disability they stuffing with their learning because I’m not specialized in that field, so I could only do what I can, but it’s frustrated when I can’t help them or can’t get in contact with their teacher’s right away, my job cut my hours but I’m grateful…
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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.
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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…
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Unemployed Wife

My wife can’t work because she is a school nurse and she isn’t getting paid. She has to P.T.O and when she runs out she can’t get paid anymore. She tried to file for employment but it’s hard for website to process anything. It’s taking along time to receive it’s about the employment kids can’t go to DFYE, pool etc.
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Serve to Fill

I have been very fortunate to still be able to receive an income throughout this trying time. It has definitely been difficult to not be with my students or visit my loved ones. My mother and boyfriend both work in the hospital so it’s a constant struggle when cleaning and worrying if I got everything clean enough and not making him feel alienated in the home. Wanting to give back as much as possible is my main concern. When I’m in service, I feel my most purposeful.
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Hard work

Due to covid-19 I been working a lot more as an essential employee.The outside is closed but Walmart still has me working.
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#22 I Have Enough To Care For Me

This is the most cheery,vibrant 91 yr old ,I know… She only hangs around those who’s attitud e reflects her own..positive and meek. I am a social butterfly so I do miss going to brunch every Friday with my 5 girlfriends(who live on the other side of town) . Even though, she goes out everyday with friends to a commonplace called a greenspace she says she would become depressed if she could not go out daily. She refuses to not dance to her own beat! She has enough to care for herself. She never thought she…
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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
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A Not-So Gentle Reminder to Slow Down and Connect

I feel like I should be more concerned about the Corona Virus but I can’t help but feel a certain sense of calm around the whole situation. Maybe it is the connectedness – everyone is in it together and thinking of neighbors and loves ones. Because we are limited in where we can go, our home is filled with family time. Board games, pool time, and yoga have dominated the past weeks. When I walk my dog, everyone says hello now – or at least respond to me when I say hello (which I normally do). The sense of Unity…
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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…
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