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.”
#avoidandrecover
I want to go too fast-food restaurants but I’m not sure I can because the person preparing the food could have been infected with the coronavirus. I sometimes wonder if there is ever going to be a cure for the coronavirus because there are just so many cases. Many doctors and firefighters and other people trying to help people avoid and recover from the coronavirus.
#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!
Corona Troubles
Because of corona virus I am working less hours which affects paying bills.
Pandemic affect
It has caused an enormous amount of stress for me in many ways. And has impacted the lifes of my family and myself. with the schools being closed, Ive been forced to cut hours at work. Which has created another problem. (Financially ) I have also notice my utilities has gone up significantly due to the stay in home order. The kids are are not fully engaging into virtual learning. Most kids are hands on learners and are used to school like environments. witnessing my children which are a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grader confined has been…
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…
Stuck (Story #836)
The virus had me stuck in the bahamas because my people are too scared of me to fly back to Miami
A change needs to be made
The Corona Virus has impacted my Job and my schooling, it caused both my job and school to close down.
Triple C
Only thing or way corona virus has effected me is by having me work from home which is harder for me because I lose focus but hopefully we can get a cure and everything opens back up
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 Ive 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…
#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…
#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.
Athletes
The virus impacted my time working with class of 2020 and also 2021 athlete by training them before they went off to school and also coming into there freshman year of high school
#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.
Kid-anecdotes
I have been working from home due to the work schedule change with the pandemic. I have a friend who is a single mom, with 3 small children. Mom has not been able to get her wifi service connected and her 3 elementary school children were unable to participate in the virtual classroom setting or get their school work done on time. Mom also had the opportunity to work during those 2 days. I offered to help her for 2 days while she fixed her issue with comcast. In those 2 days I learned so much from…
#8 I’m not scared…Just be smart…Don’t ignore it!
In 2013,Mr& Mrs Cotant moved to Boynton Beach from Winters in Vermont. It was January 27,2020,that Pam’s husband transitioned. This has left an everlasting void in her life after 27 years of marriage.Pam says she has takes the COVID19 serious especiallu after watching the nightly news. She does not frequent any stores (shops on- line at Walmart).just the post office where I only drop letters.Late in the afternoons ,I spend time on my patio with a couple of friends.I keep myself occupied with Tai Chi (zooming through the Area Agency). In talking with my adult son, his…
# 27
Mr Percival Rowe is a 80 year old native of Jamaica. He and his wife Vinnette(59) live in a modest apartment in a hotspot in Boynton Beach. Mr Rowe says that the pandemic He doesn’t know if there will ever be a cure to this.Mr Rowe and Mrs Rowe still work for a living.i will take facial coverings by their residence.Any assistance given would be appreciated!
LOOKING FOR LIGHT
Hi my name is Darryl Sanders Jr. I am a freelance videographer/photography. I was firstly affected by the closing of venues due to the Corona Virus Outbreak which caused clients to cancel their events therefore forcing me to lose deposits from previously booked event. It has also effected my bookings because no one can have social gatherings for months ahead so i have no source of income to pay my bills at this time. Its also been hard finding groceries and proper sanitation products to keep my environment clean. Also my kids schooling has been effected been effected and i…
God is!!!
The Corona virus has effected me in a little way. I can’t go out to church like I use to but other than that I am truly Blessed to be here through it all.
# 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…
ANTIQUE DESK STORY
I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE LAST 2 WEEKS OFF W/PTO & USE THEM WELL. I CLEARED O/AN ANTIQUE DESK THAT REALLY NEEDED IT & NOW AM IN THE PROCESS OF SHREDDING OLD, UNNECESSARY DOCUMENTS.
# 39 SHE IS A GRADUATE OF FCC IN COSMETOLOGY
Ms. Kayleen Marti lives in Boynton Beach. She is 37 years old. Kayleen has a 2 year old son. He is very active.Ms Marti takes care of her older her neighbors.Kayleen is a graduate of FCC in cosmetology. She hasn’t taken the licensed yet.Ms Marti says she doesn’t have adequate childcare.She earns extra money by cleaning others homes on Monday and Friday. Ms Marti is very conscientious of the pandemic and she pratice social distancing.Kayleen Marti needs assistance with her ELECTRIC and WATER.
#LifeDuringCorona
I haven’t worked in over a month. I stopped working on March the 13th. I am so used to going to work and now I’m not. Luckily I was able to pay all of the bills for April and March but God knows for May. I’ve been using this time to relax and brainstorm ideas for my business proposal. I’m working on my brand. This virus has given me a good time to do that. I am a busy body and I’m not used to being home and this is new for me and tiring and aggravating and overwhelming. I…
Family Forst
My boyfriend just moved to Florida and was excited to find a job. But cant 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.
Boring
It made my life so boring, all i literally do is play the game, workout, or on facetime. I want to facetime literally, in person.
The Big Chill
It is allowed me and my family the ability to slow down and take a breathe. I hope the rat race never starts up again.
Its ok
The virus really made me great bad habits more because I have more time. I cant get a job to make money which sucks but overall Im not tripping
Corona virus please dont take more from me
Im not able to be available to the people I serve in the community . Not being able to visit my father because hes elderly is disappointing and saddening. My first grandchild will be born soon and theres a great possibility that I wont 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.
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.
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.
FAU Honors College Student Contracts COVID-19 While Working as an EMT
I am an EMT who was infected with COVID-19, this experience has forever changed my appreciation for life and my family. Earlier in the year when news of this virus first started emerging, I kept telling myself it would not affect us, that it would only be temporary. I am a neuroscience student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of FAU. My life was pretty normal at that point, I was attending classes, interning at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and working my regular hours on the weekends. Then spring break came around, my boss briefed us…
#29 This Is a Plague
She has the pleasure of her Grandson living with her. He helps her get out early mornings to get grocery taking advantage of Senior Early Shopping hours. The Virus has impacted her family due to her having essential workers a Son(in the Army) and Granddaughter(in the medical field). she noted that the national Leadership has known about this virus since letting Americans take their monies from the stock market in November of 2019. She ,now attends.er Church over the internet like so many others. And she reads her bible daily as a way of total entertainment.She sustains her way…
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…
Family time (Story #765)
Corona has really impacted my life, my mother is out of work the only good thing I get out of it is the time spent with my family
Everything shut down
This virus has made life really boring .
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…
#4 The Only sure thing about the Virus is that it Kills
Mrs Arvila says that her life has been affected minimally by the COVID19. But,I am not as educated as I would like to be on the virus itself. But,what I do know that if we adhere to the ways referenced to US the spread would be difficult to transmit.Like wearing or not wearing your mask . ALOT OF PEOPLE THESE DAYS ARE NOT WEARING THEM. Perhaps,the community needs to give them away freely. Because .this can affect all of us in the community. We must stay on the same page especially the elderly like myself. I have shared…
N/A (Story #416)
The Corona virus crisis make everyone scare of each other, now most people are unemployed with no income and unable to huge my friend and family. I pray that everything most gone so we can go to our normal life
Life gone
This corona bull made me not be able to haves graduation also I wasnt able to participate in a pro day I feel like this had ruined my life literally
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, Ive connected to new people in ways that feels more purpose driven on both sides, which wasnt necessarily there previously. I hope the motivation lasts.
Starving
I live on a limited income. I ran out of food yesterday after going five days of eating only one meal. I have no money or food stamps. I have no car. The bus is my only transportation. I am considered high risk due to underlying health problems. I have no mask or gloves. I am terrified of going out unprotected. Many of the food pantries have closed or I cannot get to them or there are specific instructions on accessing them which I cannot meet. Example: This link came with a notice of a food pantry that will be…
Mother prayers
Hello my name is Rita brown Smith the virus impacted my mother funeral with no family could come see her laid so beautiful to rest as she fought for her life 97 years on this earth lord knows I miss my mother
To hardships
My family income due to the virus is impacted as our only source of income is lyft
My friends story
She is moving slow, and I don’t get it. She tells people her business and she doesn’t come outside anymore and there is no air and her house. I am telling her if she is sick she needs fresh air even if she doesn’t wanna spread the virus.
Worried
It makes me worried
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…
#61 Stay Home
Ms. Rowe feels as though the Government can do a little more. Doesn’t know where this comes from. Its’ real out here! People are trying to stay home , The streets are deserted,She is a health Care worker. and sees the devastation of this disease.Her advice STAY HOME!
My Own Pandemic
Not only has corona virus impacted my life by keeping me outside, but my stepfather passed away just over 3 weeks ago (not covid related). To say that this has been a year from hell on a personal level is an understatement. Overall, I am okay, but its been rough. Classes transitioned to an online platform for me at the FAU Honors College and countrywide. Its just been tough. I know it can only get better from here and this too shall pass. That being said, however, losing someone you love and have loved for so long hurts.
You dont what youre missing until you are forced to see it!
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.
The Glades (Story #659)
Coronavirus has put a big outbreak in my community stores shops restaurants even stores have been closed are still open and not in close in early I really feel like to my community is losing a lot of money quarantine it is not the best way to go right now we are not pointing in the right way I think we should come together as a community to talk to each other they find out a better solution I have you go about this coronavirus I truly believe that we need to find a better solution because we have a…
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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