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.”

FAU needs to do better

The impact has been one of stress and financial implications. I think that FAU could be better with assisting their students who are impacted by changing the grading policy. Essentially we were billed the same way as if we were under normal conditions, and the help they offered in allowing students to change to a pass/fail process, did not help at all for the students who plan to continue to graduate school. Also, I wish to state that if school is opening on an in person basis for the fall, I will not register. I hope that the online format…
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Family Forst

My boyfriend just moved to Florida and was excited to find a job. But can’t find any openings. My sister works as a waitress. She lost her job as they closed. I am very fortunate to still have a job and am fortunate I can help them through this time, whether that is buying fresh veggies or paying for rent this month.
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#39 What are we going to do?

He and his wife have lost 3 family members to this pandemic (one in Guyana & 2 In New York).They are asking themselves What are we going to do about getting food? I suggested that they contact Helping Hands in Boynton Beach for USDA pick-up.Their adult children are bringing in the grocery and yaking care of all responsibilities of the household.The Husband cut his hand and on top of that has encountered a Heart triple by-pass surgery. So,He must adhere to the Covid19 regulations.
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Strange times

While in this pandemic i have lost my job and been at home every-since. I currently the stimulus check and is in no need. I just hope everyone is staying healthy and safe.
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My darkest days

It’s Ben worst two weeks of my life and my mom passed away I had to bury her. The pastor cancel so did the church then cemetery was giving issues also , my mom service went from 10-1pm to barely 11:30 I was hurt and I had to make turn away because we got stop by the police they only let 10 family members in only 10 mins this is worst feeling in the world , the virus has ever ybody scared to leave the house not even show up to my mom funeral
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#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!
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Rods Story

The corona virus has impacted my work life. My hours have been cut and my work days have been shortened, I have no money to pay bills.
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Corona Disaster

The corona virus has changed everything, I can’t work my kids can’t go to school. I am a track coach and our whole season is cancelled this is very hard on me.
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#NEEDHELP

The way COVID-19 has impacted me is by not having needs or goods to feed my family.
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#besanitary

I have to wear a mask wherever I go because of where I work. I make sure to use Hand sanitizer after I’m done working and I also make sure to take extra long showers before my family gets home. We all also take our temperatures to make sure everyone is healthy and hasn’t been infected.
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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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The Helper Needs Help

For me COVID-19 has been one of those life events that creeps in slowly, unaware of the toll it will take until the damage has been done. I am one of those people that looks out for others and takes care of everyone else before I take care of myself. This global pandemic has taught me that behaviors like that take the largest toll because you don’t see the consequences until they’re upon you. In March, at the beginning of quarantine my first priority were my mom & my son. My son was quarantined at home with me and my…
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Lockdown

It is very tiresome to have to stay isolated. It’s also scary to think I may catch the virus.
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Stacy’s Story

Covid-19 has thankfully had less of an impact on my life than it has on many others. My family is safe. We are financially secure. Although I would like to visit the beach and parks, I understand that doing so may negatively impact the lives of my family and others. I am thankful to have such a loving family, a safe place to live, and the resources I need to live comfortably. This virus has directly impacted extended family members and community members. I pray for the safety of all.
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#34 (Story #197)

I was frightened by the symptoms given for the Covid19 due to me having a cough, But I am alright..I leave alone but have many friends here in Boynton. She is 85 yrs old and has always held her own. She tends to adhere to all safety rules . She however, could use cooked meals .She would like to begin again visiting loved ones in our local Nursing homes.
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#31 It’s Very sad

She has been at home for appx 2 mos. .Her 61 yr old daughter supplies all her earthly needs.She has custody of her 17 yr old granddaughter,who is a teen Mom (18 mos old) and her 16 yr old grandson, Their Mother died when they were young children. She has buried a husband and now is 74 yrs of age. Her thoughts on the Corona Virus are that It is very sad.
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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.
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#22 SHE IS PETRIFIED

Mrs Lovenia Bea McCray has been living and caring for her Father, Elmore,96. as if he and she are husband and wife. There are times she says that he needs chastising. His panic attacks are severe until she walks in the door from out doing chores…five minutes later he is on the phone laughing and joking to the best of his abilities. Mrs Bea was scheduled to take a trip to Jonesboro,Ga to celebrate the High School graduation of her granddaughter the end of June from Elite Scholars Academy. Her granddaughter,Tamara,attends the #1 ranked High School in Clayton County. Tamara…
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Before

Everyday I wake up before I go to work, I have to put on a mask and a pair of gloves. I now carry around hands sanitizer everywhere I go. I keep my distance around other people. This is different than before the virus arrived. I didn’t have to worry about things like this. It is scary.
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Staying heathy

The virus has affect alot of my community senior and lot of the kids having to be inside alot .myself lose work and found working is hard to go out and look for work .and trying to keep bills payed and staying healthy.
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#33

he has lived in Boynton Beach for appx 10 years. He is a caregiver for his wife. She has chronic illnesses and very seldom leaves the house, He is very active with the distributing of foods to locals from his church. He had a cousin living in Detriot that died from the Virus. He says the leadership of this Country has drowned us . I guess we got to pray it out off this Country, he said.
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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…
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#TryingToAdapt

The virus has affected me in many ways. I have to get used to a new way of life. Working from home. Wearing masks everywhere I go. Wearing gloves to pump gas. Not being able to shop or eat in restaurants without worrying about whose by me. Not being able to cough in public without everyone looking at me crazy. The new norm is difficult to adapt to. It’s a learning process. But I understand that it’s all for our safety.
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The Unexpected

The corona virus has impacted my life because my daughter isn’t able to go to school but my job is still open because I work in the medical field. Therefore I have to find someone to watch her while I’m at work. I am also not sure how long my job will be open or if I will get paid.
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No change

The virus really did not effect me that much, other having to wear a mask and gloves while i’m at work. I never really hung around a large group of people so social distancing was easy. I really see no difference
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My scarry life

The corona virus impacted my life,I was scheduled for my nclex exam at the end of March.The virus shut off the nursing examination,I was so determined to study.Now,with unemployement stayed everyday at home stressfull watching the news,make me more scared also the future of my children in this world.In my community, the office is shutted down,the people are scared each other.
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#13

I am 90 years old and continue to wonder why am I still here. In the 1920’s,there were alot of plagues due to a host of diseases that endangered Americans health. I remember my parents speaking of the dangerous health concerns and most of the health concerns would keep one in isolation for months. This so remind me on the Coronavirus, My Community immediately took concern and care over the impact that this would have on us. The clubhouse, pool and all activities were closed. I have the best neighbor in the community,she makes sure that i have all that…
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Cant work ! Cant eat.

I cater for a living.social distancing,has pretty much eliminated my ability to earn income to support my family.
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Built to last

Well the virus hasn’t impacted my life directly, but people has lost job, loss loved ones and is living in fear of the unknown.
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Be aware

The way Corona virus is has affected my life is the last past month been very difficult because there’s nothing really open and you can’t really do anything.We pretty much are barricading indoors and I haven’t had anyone close to me affected with it but there are people out there who are and we need to take a situation like this very serious. We should actually listen to what they are telling us about washing your hands, stay indoors and wear a mask when you’re going out.
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10 (Story #64)

The coronavirus have infected my life a lot I am very depressed I do the crossing guard for the school and I’m not getting paid and only the teachers getting paid they say we going to go by April 15th but that’s no guarantee because I’m I got a very good feeling it’s only a month left for school to May 30th so they probably not going to even go back I don’t know how I’m going to pay my next bill I don’t know what the next time you coming from because most of the crossing guards get pensions…
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#20

She had planned to spend sometime with her cousins in Miramar. However, because of Miramar’s Stay-at-home Order,she was unable to spend some quality time with family during the Easter Holiday.She is an 85 yr old widow. However, she has a strong support of family in Virginia and Canada. It is her niece, in Virginia, that orders grocery for her based on what she likes and prefers. She is adhering to the ordinances that have been set forward by the State, And has no strong opinion on the proposed outcome of the Corona Virus settling. Her neighbors keep a watchful eye…
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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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The end of the world (Story #415)

I’m a diabetic person I’m very scared but in the mane of Jesus this virus will go far away from me and my family. Now I seating every day no work no money , this virus arrives like Bigger storm No time to do nothing and save anything my biggest problem i got bill to pay .
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#70

The virus is the nastiest thing that has plagued America.There is no more face to face socialization,no gatherings,events and worship.Who would have thought this?No place should stand alone . States opening their doors should not be. For united we stand divided we fall….. I am bound my other’s caring for me.
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My life in the struggle

My struggles started when I lost my child on October 1,2019, my world was turned upside down then this pandemic it does not make anything better my son contracted the COVID-19 and also my cousin who I’m currently living with so it was real scary not knowing what to expect but I prayed and asked God to give me the strength to go through what this pandemic has to offer. Let me back up a little when I lost my daughter I behaved in a lot of my bills .
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My New Pass Time

Have found myself using much of the spare time cutting out patterns to make masks.
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The days that have shaken my life

The greatest impact is that it has kept my family away. I can’t see my grandchildren or hug them and that is the biggest disappointment ever. I have had several great friends pass away and I have underlined health issues so I can’t attend church or go to any funeral services. I really don’t want to go out or interact with other people. I already have breathing issues, so coronavirus would not be good for me. A lot of the essential things I need from the grocery stores are out. My friends can’t get them either. Such as Clorox,…
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#34 (Story #198)

He and his wife of over 50 years moved here from New York. They both have recovered from lung cancer. It is very important that they adhere to the ordinances set forward locally,statewide and nationally.Their daughter lives about 4 miles from them . She does all of their shopping and errands .They were receiving meals from CCC for appx 7 years. But, no meals today!
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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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We need a solution

The corona virus has put me out of work and now I’m home with my bad kids. But this is a really scary time for the world and we need to act and find a solution quick
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Tired

I am just trying to survive, I can’t work because I am disabled and just not trying to catch the virus. I hope i don’t have it or get it, I pray to god everyday.
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What’s Next

Hello I am a sophomore at airport Palm Beach State and I truly believe this coronavirus mess is really serious I watch my community take this as a joke take this virus as a joke and when things hit the fan that was a large number of cases floating around my community I want to let my community to know that we need to stand strong quarantine the right way and 30 cases up as well to make the World open up we need to start within our community first and I will help with that would like to help
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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.
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Laid Off

The Caronavirus impacted my life by me not working. I’ve been paid off.
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#66 (Story #269)

Ms Northern is a care-giver. She supports the needs of her older brother . He is diagnosed with dementia. She says,her their feelings are pretty bottle up.It’s a struggle to deal with her brother wanting to go to daycare. But, because of the virus he is not presently attending. She is fearful of going to the grocery store so one of her churhc-going friends goes for her.She is a cancer survivor.
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