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.”

With uncertainty comes fear

I’m a bit of a loner and introvert so the social distancing wasn’t that big of deal until I realized I couldn’t give my mom (who suffers from respiratory problems) the usual hug and kiss when I visit her. I also don’t go inside of her home in stand in the yard while she sits on the porch in fear that I may be asymptomatic and infect her with COVID-19. Usually our house is the social gathering spot for all children on the block, because I have a 7-year old, basketball goal and trampoline. My son cried when we moved…
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#44 My Son Is Extremely Strict

One of her formal neighbors,he has succumbed to the Virus, It has been so upsetting to know that the perils of this had to come to death. In a Society, that has knowledge such as ours.. I watch my Church on You tube with my Son and his wife. My Son is extremely strict on myself and his wife. It is hard not to abide by the rules and my Son’s rules. It maybe at it’s peak. America is hopefully stable.MY CHURCH HAS VEGAN MEALS DAILY AND MY SON GETS THEM FOR OUR HOUSEHOLD.
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With the flow

i’ve just been going with the flow and keeping cool. the only problem i’ve had is trying to keep busy so that i don’t die of boredom
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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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Sorry for everyone’s loss

I really don’t care about it as long as my family is good, I quit football so like it don’t effect me in that way anymore but it sucks that people have died from it
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Life gone

This corona bull made me not be able to haves graduation also I wasn’t able to participate in a pro day I feel like this had ruined my life literally
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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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4 (Story #131)

The corona virus has put an impact on everyone’s life losing loved ones , losing jobs and money The corona virus made it bad for me, my job cut my hours short less money more problems
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These days shall pass

The Coronavirus has had an impact on my life. It has changed the way we do thing on a daily basis. I lost a family member due to the virus and I have another family member in the hospital on ICU. The I was unable to attend the funeral because of the limited number of people allowed to be there. I was sad because I wanted to be there to show my support. Many people are walking around with the virus and may not know it. It’s challenging for folks in my community to get tested because there are no…
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Half full (Story #533)

The virus just giving me time off to think about my next moves and actually workout and catch up to where I need to be in everything Yea it is bad but I look at the glass half full
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Corona virus please don’t take more from me

I’m not able to be available to the people I serve in the community . Not being able to visit my father because he’s elderly is disappointing and saddening. My first grandchild will be born soon and there’s a great possibility that I won’t be able to be there. My youngest son graduated from boot camp in the US Army and I couldn’t attend. This virus keeps taking the highlights of my life away from me.
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N/A (Story #307)

I wouldn’t say it impacted my life but it help be bond more an more with god an find out who I am as as a person.
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Hardship

Hi, I’m Juanita Hernandez I couldn’t pay my bill this month because I’ve had a hard time since my two sons moved out. They used to help me out but I also became disabled and I cannot work. I have fibsios of the lungs, I’m always in chronic pain. Also, I have a case pending with social security but they haven’t approved me yet. It’s been hard on me and my family. I have a seven year old son, his father died three years ago of cancer and he used to help me out. My older kid’s father also passed…
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Coronas Unexpectedly inconvenient. J. Charles

Expect the best but be prepared for the worst. Just a simple phrase till it all hits home. This corona virus pandemic has effected so many including myself, in the most inconvenient ways possible. With no money being made, and so many Bills to keep up with, the stress is tremendous. Dont get me started on the anxiety of having to keep up with so many precautions. With the Elderly being more susceptible to this Virus, and me living with Elderly family members under my care is a horrendous mix. The stress of this virus is is putting me into…
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Wasted time

12 years of my life I’ve spent in school only to find out that everything i worked for would be on hold or canceled. My senior activities are no longer existent there will be no graduation and the rest of the year will be spent online.
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Bonding

I get to spend more time with my dad, who played the position i play. This gives us more time to bond and a chance for me to learn.
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Quarantine Chronicles: More Isolated & Domesticated Than Ever

I’ve been practicing social distancing and working from home for 3 weeks, and it’s been a tricky transition. My husband still leaves the house to work every weekday, so I’ve become responsible for our young daughter’s distance learning. I’m struggling to find a rhythm for working from home, giving my daughter and husband the attention they need, and doing more cooking and cleaning than I usually do. I’ve never been this domestic! And I haven’t yet figured out a way to carve out time and space to take care of myself personally. It’s a strange place to be…feeling both more…
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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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#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #255)

The pandemic Corona Virus has made it extremely hard to experience the typical senior year and college life . It has made income shorter due to closing of jobs .
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100 Days of Solitude

I wonder how much unlimited data on my phone plan really means. Ever since the beginning of this self-isolation era, I’m sure people have turned to their phones and their home wi-fi to ride this wave of corona virus-related news. I know everyone must be watching their Netflix, having Zoom conferences, virtual classes and virtual happy hours, and calling their people to ask them what they’re doing for the umpteenth time that day. As for me, I didn’t realize until now how crucial my phone has become to staying connected and keeping sane in a moment where staying home is…
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Quarantine (Story #669)

Coronavirus has really affected a lot of students with their schools near me there are many students taking online classes which haven’t taken online classes in a while or Coronavirus has really affected a lot of students with their schools dammit there are many students taking online classes which haven’t taking online classes in a while or dinner or not used to taking online classes and they are struggling I truly believe that there’s a method is quite on going I can actually help many people but many students had to take for being a position to be in taking…
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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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Strange Virus

Corona had impacted my life in a very strange way, I did get to graduate since it was in December, I got my dream job but I’m not even able to work because Of the virus sadly.
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# 32 Mrs Moody Is 90 Years Young

Ms Moody id suffering with the onset of a cognitive impairment. She lives alone. And solely depends on the neighborhood and her church to get by. Ms Moody is 90 years young. She loves asisiting with Senior and Church gatherings.You can see her riding around her community on her scoote dsily as well as going to the local store.The pandemic she says stays its distance from her.Please assist this 90 year old jewel with Electric and Water.
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#27 This is the last Place I Thought The Virus Would Spread

Because it is recommended that she stay in place due to high risk symptoms. She says that her illnesse has limited her movement for years. Isolation has been her issue. However, she would take a trip to the closet Nursing facility to visit her Mother. Now, she speaks to her Mother by phone only. I suggested that she call the facility to inquire if the virus has spread there. She has had a list of her church members succumb to the virus. She named them one by one. This is the last place, I thought the virus would spread!
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# 38 Mrs Green Says She Is Doing Her

Mrs Clara Green has been widowed for 35 years young. She has a vibrancy that will knock you off your feet! Mrs Green says that she is Doing Her at 76 years young! The Leadership opened the community too soon. And things are getting worse. Just take a look at Boynton beach a designated HOTSPOT!My advice is the Leadership should have allowed things to cool down.It is keeping the death toll on the rise.She has acquired a brand new lexus and she hasn’t driven it far at all, call her for a ride!Mrs Green has been widowed 35 years.
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#Face time blues

I can’t go talk to my friends. I love going to the store and meeting new people. I want to have fun, but I have a child to take care of so…
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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
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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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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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#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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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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Bryant Park W.P.B.

I live in downtown Lake Worth Beach… I’M SINGLE..SENIOR CITIZEN..AND GENERALLY A VERY POSITIVE PERSON…TAKE CARE OF MY MOM IN BOYNTON WHO’S 92.. LOVE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND LOVE MY LAKE WORTHS BEACHSIDE COMMUNITY… MONEY’S STRESSFUL RIGHT NOW FOR MOST PEOPLE..AS IS THE FEAR OF CONTAMINATION… WE ARE NEAR THE BEACH (JUST A BRIDGE) BUT AREN’T ALOUD TO GO THERE.. I’M A SINGLE SENIOR LIVING ON NOW VERY DIMINISHED RESOURCES OF MONEY..WITH LOANS TAXES ELECTRIC ETC. IN A ONE BEDROOM RENTAL OF ONLY 450 SQ.FT. …I’VE SEEN EVERY MOVIE I OWN .. READ ALOT..FB ALOT.. COOK, CLEAN,FOOD SHOP,…
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My shoe game

There were some new air maxes that I was trying to purchase, but due to the stores closing I’ll just have to wait until they reopen.
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Together Always

My wife, daughter and I spend more time together than ever. Reason being, is that we work together and now with the cancellation of school, my daughter spends the days at work with us. The coronavirus pandemic has not been all bad.
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8

Cory 19 impact my life is that I’m home not working can I pay all my bills miss all my friends social distance miss my family so it’s a lot to deal with but you know we have to do what we have to do and make sure that we are safe
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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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My son doesn’t live with his family anymore wptv news

Since the coronavirus has started my son has been going to his grandma‘s house Monday through Friday. The amount of work he gets from school at 6 to 8 hours my husband and I don’t see him until the weekend. And my son was OK with it at first but now he goes into the bathroom at his grandmothers house and cries he doesn’t want to be separated from his family and he’s literally shipped out of his house all week our family unit has been divided as I work full-time and his dad works full-time and neither of us…
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Worse

The virus got me away from my job and school which are the only things that keeps me sane. I am very disappointed that the states are opening back up because it will only make things much more worse
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Jobless

The pandemic has cost me my job. It has made life difficult to provide for my two daughters. One that is a college student and one that is a rising senior. The Virus made life difficult because of the many bills and the shortage of money/food coming in for my family. It is also negative because many jobs are scarce because of COVID-19.
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Anti-Coronavirus

I’m stuck in North Carolina and can’t travel to Florida to see my family and friends.
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Elderly not forgotten

I am grateful and appreciative for the support of community in ensuring that the elderly are taken care of. Meals are delivered several times a week by various individuals. Neighbors are calling to offer encouragement and comfort. This is specially needed because some elderly ones live aloneOr no longer have relatives leaving nearly by or because of social distancing to care for their needs.
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Bummer

I had plans to move to Michigan to live with my boyfriend but he had to move home and now we are living with family. It’s not fun.
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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.
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Seniors Co’2020

The Corona Virus has impacted my life in many was. It really hit us class of 2020 seniors we not only have to weeks of and tons of school work on line but we won’t be able to enjoy our senior year how everyone else have No grad bash no grad night no prom and the most important thing that ment the world to most of us something that we all worked hard to do was walk across that stage. And because of Covid19 we won’t be able to do any of the following. This was our 2020 senior year…
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COVID 19 struggle

The beginning of 2020 started of great and then as we got more and more into 2020 everything went down hill. COVID 19 came around and changed everything. My family and I have been struggling ever since. Bills have been piling up and hours have been cut from our jobs so we’re not making as much money. We make it work here and there but sometimes it gets hard and we can’t make it work. We need some other form of financial assistance to help provide for me and my family.
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