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.”

#5 Laws Of The Community

Must adhere to the laws of this viral pandemic, not only are our Communities in which we live are in crisis but our world is in pandemonium. Due to health issue,I have been in what some call quarantined for 2 years. But this has affected my neighbors from visiting and my physical therapy regimen on a weekly basis. Because,I suffer from a stroke. I hear of elders in the neighborhood and childhood acquaintances dying from this Communities of the world epidemic. Our national leader is so busy trying to become re-elected, he has not recognized the need to become…
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Love

THe virus cause something I love to be taken away from me, football. Its starting to get hard training for something that might not happen. It caused a little depression.
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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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How COVID-19 Has Been Impacting My Live :

COVID-19 has turned my life a bit upside down, as it has for many. My boyfriend and I both work in tech, for two different platforms in the hiring industry. When the Stay at Home regulations began across the country, my company was flooded with cancellations. We specialize in restaurants and hospitality, so it’s understandable that as a hiring tool we’d be one of the first services cut as these companies try to stay afloat. My company is a very small startup, so this hit us hard from the get-go. We immediately cut salaries across the board and cancelled bonus…
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#togetherwecandividedwefall

My 92 year old father lives with me full time. His daily routine includes exercising in our community pool at the building where we reside. Unfortunately, there are people coming down to Florida on vacation to escape the pandemic up north or for what reason, I am not sure. But what they are failing to realize is they are putting our elderly and compromised at risk. They are not self quarantined. I have been quarantined for several weeks as I have a responsibility to my father and to the other compromised individuals who live…
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Living with the New Normal

I am working from home, which is a benefit. My children are learning digitally, which means that I have to also teach them academically. For my husband it gas changed his day to day and how he does things and being mindful those who are around him. We have a new normal. Lastly, no real social gathering and meeting with friends.
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Struggling through the pandemic

My household is made up of my four children ages 11,8,4 and 7 month old along with my husband and I. I stay home to take care of the kids while my he works. My husband works in landscaping, but his hours have been shortened more and more due to the pandemic. This has left us unable to catch up or pay rent. He has been trying to find work and was able to work twenty three days but his boss did not pay him for the work he did so now we are six months behind in rent. This…
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Restaurant (Story #645)

Coronavirus has run to pick and pack in my life I’m a big guy and I love to eat I play football at University of Central Florida and with everything I’ve been closed out all the good restaurants I’m currently losing weight which I’m 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 don’t 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 Can’t can the…
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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
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The walk of biblical Faith

Absolutely everything is turned up side down!!! An entirely new and different way of life!!! But because I am by the grace of God well learned considerably in scripture I am not alarmed none what so ever and that is the gospel truth!!!
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Figuring this coronavirus out

I am working fulltime from home and simultaneously caring for my child, my pets, my home. I am in need of household products but the stores are packed with people and short on supplies.
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Social Distancing, Telecommuting and learning new virtual platforms/skills

I have been practicing social distancing and telecommuting for about 6 weeks now. I have learned new skills and tried virtual programs I had never used before to continue work with my colleagues and participate in virtual meetings via Zoom, Microscoft Teams, and Amazon Chime. I have not gone to visit my parents that are elderly in Orlando to not put them in risk. I do miss them, but we have been able to keep in touch via calls and Zoom/Facetime. These are uncertain times… it’s hard to plan large meetings and events not knowing what things will be like…
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#life

I believe that all this is, is fear. You can’t live your life in fear. What is meant to be is meant to be. I can’t wear gloves or a mask, cuz if god wants me gone I’m gonna go. I won’t live my life in fear, cuz your life can all of a sudden…. just stop.
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Financial crisis

It has severely cut the hours I am able to work. I do not receive pay for the hours I am not working. Therefore, it’s caused a lot of anxiety and stress about how bills will be paid long term. I’m wondering how I can get another job in this time of crisis. Even if it means working at McDonalds.
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#40

There is nothing that can be done about the Virus especially under this administration, I follow the rules. I have plenty to do at home. Although, I go out when I need too. Hope and praying is the key,I lost my 84 yr old oldest Sister to the Virus on March 25th and she will have graveside services on April 20th. It took awhile because her husband was also diagnosed with the Virus . He is a survivor.Her two(2) daughters are essential workers , She has one as a traveling Nurse in Georgia and the other works as a…
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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…
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Home Alone.. with kids

Currently I am working home full time while trying to maintain 3 school aged kids. My youngest is in 1st grade and had limited reading/spelling and computer skills without needing constant attention. This is very frustrating.
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New COVID life

My life hasn’t drastically changed; However, my family’s has. My mom works 2 days a week, which has no real effect, she worked for amusement. Yet, my dad who I normally only see on weekends, he works 9-midnight 5 days a week, has been home either all morning or all night. Its also strange to see my brother home this is the longest he’s been home in years. My mom is very thankful for that. As a senior I’ve been very disappointed with how this year has turned out, no graduation or prom, but at least its over. Thankfully my…
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#9

Mu Mother is 86 yrs of age. She is currently in a nursing facility in New Jersey. It is a relief. She is unable to facetime nor text me . I yearn to hug her and visit with her. Bringing her all of her hearts desires to the facility. I speak with by phone 3 to 4 times per day. I am under quarantine per my doctor due to me helping other elders by transporting them to the hospital for care and church attendance. This has hindered me from ordering food from the grocery stores and getting prepared meals. The…
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Starting adult life on the wrong foot |EJSLW2020

Due to COVID-19 many youth may be happy or relieved because they can partake in schooling online which means more time to sleep, flexibility and convenience. As for me being an 18-year-old senior I do not posses those same feelings. COVID-19 put me at an odd limbo, I will not only miss out on events that are the culmination (prom and graduation) of high school but college as well. COVID-19 put an unwanted and unexpected gap in my transition from adolescence to adulthood and to add insult to injury the government has yet to devise a plan for college…
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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, I’ve connected to new people in ways that feels more purpose driven on both sides, which wasn’t necessarily there previously. I hope the motivation lasts.
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#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,
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Corona can’t stop me

Surprising corona haven’t stopped anything for me besides being at actual school with my teammates, I still workout everyday and travel
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# 12 I Have Never Seen Such Times As These

Mrs Ginger is a recent widow who was also born and reared in Boynton Beach. Mrs Ginger taught Elementary school during segregation and integration. She says she has continuously witnessed turbulent time with the various protest and virus. Mrs Colebrooks says she has never seen such times as these. She’s still in rehab with her fractured hip . She has two adult daughters taking great care if her.Mrs Colebrooks can use any financial assistance available to her.
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#45

At my home,we have been preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. My house is petrified of the effects of this Virus. we are confined only to the perimeters of our home. In February,we made sure that my daughter (who lives elsewhere),Mother-in-Law and Nephews were taking care of with all the cleansers,disinfects, and supplies needed for a pandemic as discussed with us by my brother-in-law that lives in England.Remember our national leader says that this is a HOAX.
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My story (Story #NA)

When corona first started i had to start working 1 day a week because my store was slow, the only reason i was able to provide for me and my kids was because of my boyfriend lyfe , but on October 10, 2020 he was shot and killed , the person who killed him didn’t know lyfe it was wrong place wrong time , its been almost 2 months since then and now day by day i have to struggle to put food on the table for my kids or how im going to pay the bills . Before lyfe…
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#rip2020seniors

COVID-19 has impacted my life by changing the entire nature of my senior year. The last semester of your senior year is meant to be the most rewarding and memorable part of high school. Having my graduation, prom, senior nights, and grad parties taken from me has been extremely difficult to deal with. I have found myself struggling more and more with what I like to call corona depression, everyday is a challenge but I’m glad to be taking said challenge. Luckily I have been able to go back to work and I feel as though I can finally see…
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Regular

My life hasn’t changed at all really. Other than not being at school, I still do the same thing i would if there wasn’t a virus, maybe it is because i’m not very social
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# 11… The Freedom Just Isn;t There To Do Like You Wanna

Dan White is a single 69 years old. He was born and raised in Boynton Beach.He loves his community and he has proven it by volunteering with organizations that are close to his beliefs. Dan is a College Graduate and takes no jokes about being a FAMU rattler. He says that the pandemic has been very threatful to Boynton Beach for everyone that has transitioned as a result of the Virus.He has known each one of them since childhood . Dan lives in a retirement community. Dan,sadly,mentions that he has no social life. The freedom just isn’t there to do…
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Gloves

Covid 19 changed the way people walk around. On my way to florida, we had to wear a mask all from North Carolina.
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#FIGHTAGAINSTCORONA

They way corona virus has impacted my life is by making it hard to purchase things to put in my household for my brothers and sisters to eat.
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Family Survival during Rona-19

I came to GA from FL to find and purchase a home on 3/4. I am living with my daughter, son in law, granddaughters & visually impaired great great grandson. I am in awe at the team we have become. We game plan on our needs of mask, disinfections, toilet tissue, food, walks, essential errands and entertainment.
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Dynamic Pandemic

It made me realize that hard times are real & life is so much more serious.
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#19 Who could be that MEAN?

This is one of the most compelling stories . She did not realize how devastating this Virus is/was..Until it took her oldest Sister.s life on a Wednesday in the middle of March. Her sister did not wake up that morning. She thought who could be that MEAN?? This is not an act of the ALMIGHTY. She is very agitated with our national leader. Because,our national leader mentioned that the Virus started in January of 2020. This is false information, she states. By the way, her sister’s husband also tested positive for the Virus. But he is a survivor.Her…
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Deaf Dog Finally Rescued

While working from home due to Coronavirus, we decided we would go to Big Dog Ranch Rescue and foster a dog. Early into quarantine we brought home a 3-year old deaf pup from the ranch. This dog had only ever lived in a house for a week, spending most of his life in between shelters. He was super shy and friendly, and had something special about him. Over a month later, we are happy to say that we are foster failures. Our pup has our hearts and is the goofiest dog ever. This quarantine has given us the time necessary…
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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.
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9542001803

They are a lot of people with out job, food they need help please
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I don’t know

Kids home eating all day light in water bill getting sky high…
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#32 I Am Humbled By All My experienes

If I had been going out and about this stay-at-home would be uncomfortable. I have been home for years so it doesn’t bother me. My husband passed in latter March after 57 yrs of marriage,he just fell over from heart issues. My girls and I have to prepare for a tribute to him that consisted of 30 persons. I fractured my hip on December 25th and rehabbed for 50 days. Home Health Care came to my home after my rehab stay. And I have not been able to return for more rehab at the facility due to the virus. So,I…
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College life

Im in college and the corona virus has sent me back home closing campus. I lost my job on campus and now has to depend on my parents. Also the college students don’t qualify for the stimulus checks for some reason.
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# 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…
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A New Reality: The Journey of a Second Grade Teacher Through the Pandemic

Hi. I’ll start at the beginning. I’m a elementary school teacher. A little more than two weeks ago I started to feel bad. Like I had the flu times 10. I wasn’t surprised because my children have been sick for over 3 weeks with the same symptoms as we’re talking about now. One I sent to the nurse had a high fever, wheezing, could barely stand up. He went home, and went to the hospital where they kept him overnight. He was out the next two days, then back in school, still…
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#5 What Car Parade?

It is with great delight that I bring back Mrs Lovenia Corbin and her father,Elmore McCray. Mr McCray celebrated 95 years of life on May 14th with a parade of cars cruising by his home on Saturday the 16th and blowing cars horns to the max! Lovenia asked her Dad on Sunday,Dad did you enjoy the parade of cars for your birthday,Mr McCray answered , what car parade?He did not remember the car parade sadly she said. But.he remembered his girlfriend not being their!!! She does spray her furniture with lysol after she goes out,leaves her shoes at…
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#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.
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#god is good

I be having these body problems cuz all this weed I be smok’in. Since the corona virus came they let my a** off so.. you know what that means. I got so high (he went on for an hour straight then he told me he has a disability he has seizures and then he started talking about god )
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# Renee’s Quarantine Chronicles

It has really impacted my life because not only am I a full-time high school teacher, I’m a mom of 2. Since being home all day and working full time, I have also become my son’s 8th grade teacher, my 3-year old’s preschool teacher, the cafeteria lady, the guidance counselor, and the janitor. These are all things I do regularly, but it wasn’t ALL day 24/7. It has made me worry about myself or anyone in my family catching the Corona Virus and how devastated I would be if that happened. However, On a positive note, it has allowed…
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What love Is?

The coronavirus has made me appreciate how valuable life is. Never before this generation experience a global pandemic of this magnitude. We can’t take for granted the seriousness of is situation we are in. To see health workers risk their lives to save others is truly a real expression of love. It must affect them emotionally, pysocologically as well as the fear,concern and anxiety it causes their family. The story of the Doctor facing a custody battle to keep her child in her life is heartbreaking. Yet she is willing to still put forth the effort to help others.
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#21 She called Me Today

Mrs Erma Christie,89. called me today. She called to let me know that things just have not changed for her. Mrs Christie say that she was out on Friday> This was a visit to an orthopedic surgeon for an opinion on hip surgery. She has agreed to have this surgery. I spoke with her on her resilience and determination to conquer anything adverse situation. Mrs Christie comes from Jamaica and is very rooted in her culture. She and her daughter,Yvonne Jack, have lived together for many years. Ms Jack recently retired from Morse Life. She is currently working a part-time…
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