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.”

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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##hardtovote

I saw on the news that the united states have the most confirmed coronavirus cases in the world. Even more than china where it is rumored to have originated in a lab. This makes it very hard to vote because many people like to go and physically vote. However, this could be a problem because while people vote they could be infected with the coronavirus.
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Tough Times

Immigration/Covid-19My name is Yadira, I have 5 children. Ages 16, 11, 9, 5 and 2 years old. Immigration detained me and my husband back in November 2019. I was in immigration detention for 2 weeks, my brother took care of my kids during this time. Once I was released, I was forced to use an ankle bracelet. My husband was detained for 2 months and then deported to Mexico. I am providing for my kids by myself. Before the covid-19 outbreak I used to work cleaning houses. But due to the virus I haven’t been able to work. Everybody is…
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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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#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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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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Work (Story #120)

The way the corona virus has affected me Iis my work for 2 weeks now I been job less because my job has been shut down now I’m struggling to pay my bill
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Missing my Mermaids

I am a Aqua Zumba Dance instructor. Every Sat. I go to 55+ Communities and teach Zumba in the pool. My Mermaids love the class and look forward to it. I feel terrible they are missing maybe the only class they can do. The ages range from 50-90. Hopefully, we can resume the pool classes soon. My Mermaids make me happy and I make them happy.
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# 37 Staying Out of the Vius Way

Mrs Beulah Hunt is 85 years young. She has had bouts will some serious health concerns. Mrs Beulah has a strong will which keeps her afloat.Boynton Beach has been her home her entire life..She says that she is staying out of the way of the virus. Ms Beulah only goes out as needed.Where she worship has not opened its doors yet and she saysthat’s fine!There is a need for assistance with Electric and Water.
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Ruined

Corona really sucked and it’s keeping my family out of work and me away from football I feel like my life is ruined.
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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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Number 1.

Lost hours of work. That involves money paying Bill’s. Buying grocery.
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new normal

In my new job, i have a new appreciation for technology to keep the lines of communication open. I don’t feel totally isolated with working remotely.
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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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A caring husband

In my story covid19 and my wife being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian and colon cancer. With her not working and me unable to work due to Covid have placed us in a bind. Please assist
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Ruinings

The corona virus had ruined everything literally. I can’t work because my job is closed, I feel like the corona will change the world forever and we need to do some thing quick
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Medical

Due to the corona virus i have been stuck in the house and not able to go out and get my medication.
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Covid sucks

Corona virus has ruined everything for me literally, parents can’t work so idk how we are going to get money and I am away from school so I’m not doing what I love most
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High school

How this corona virus impacted my life it impacted my life cause it stoped the education that I needed I would never feel to see how it feel to walk on a high school graduation stage I would never even feel successful about high school because the virus took Track & field away from me
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Peace through the Storm

So far my family has lost 3 members, for the most part everyone is staying safe as possible. Major change to work life.
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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 that’s 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…
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# 31

Brenda Lowe was born and raised in Boynton Beach some 71 years ago. She is married to Eddie Mr Lowe is very cool and mellow.When you see one you pretty much see the other. They enjoy walks,fishing and babysitting their grandchild.Mr Lowe’s are both diabetics. They will have delivered meals from Faith Based CDC BEGINNING July 6.The Lowe’s are willing to except any assistance for water and electric.
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#effectsofcoronavirus

The coronavirus effects me because I can’t work as much as I used to because I work in the health field and it isn’t safe so I make less money than I used to and also my grandchildren are out of school and they can’t stay home alone.
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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…
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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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No Traveling

It has affected me by the lack of traveling that I could do before the coronavirus. It has also affected me by not being able to take my dog to the dog park. People are not taking the proper procedures and are not wearing protections in local places such as grocery stores.
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I Needed to Change

Aside from losing my job and having anxiety on and off, from the fear of catching the virus, I have been doing quite well. We have only spent money on food and supplies. It’s surprising how much frivolous spending we used to do. I have had more time to be with my family and to work on myself. I have been doing yoga, writing, and reflecting. I am committed to continuing the healthy habits I am cultivating. My heart hurts for everyone who has suffered from this virus. I believe that it is our duty, to those that have and…
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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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#7 Very Fortunate

In all my 63 years, I never thought that I would see Americans let alone my neighbors and people who I grew up with walking around in facial coverings. This corona virus has devastated this Community and Nation. How can a country bring down the prices of oil/gas and food. And not be able to take care of the population of homelessness in times like these. I do not want to point fingers at our national leadership, He does realize a need to stop the spread of this devastating life -threatening virus, I have do mot have any food insecurities,my…
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#54 So Fearful

The biggest impact for me is that the peoplel we take for granted,We don’t see now!So fearful,that every time my phone rings,someone will tell me that someone else in our community has succumbed to the Corona Virus.There is no stability nor control!
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Let it stop

I can’t believe how long this has been going on. I’m ok I go where I need to. The only thing I really concerned with, is when the open up the beaches again. I just hope that number doesn’t go any higher.
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Unknown Mystery

I’m trying to stay in and be obedient. I go to the store about every two weeks. It’s every scary. I don’t like wearing the mask. I make sure to put it on going indoors. I am a hairdresser. I’ve been out from work for three weeks. I’m getting behind. I was thinking about May 1st but I may not. A lot of my clients are older and cannot come out. Many call to say they are worried! I don’t like to sit still very often, so I’m hoping . Our church is closed, so Ive been watching on YouTube….
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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 did we get here?

Space. I need my space. I need space to unwind, to educate my children, to do my work, to support my family, to make space for connections of loved ones. My space has gone from the world to my home. It is constricting, overwhelming, frustrating, scary, fun, new and so much more. There is no normal. The days blend, the hours blend. It could be worse. It is worse for so many others. How can I help but still be true to myself, family and networks? My family needs space.How did we get here?
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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
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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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#6 Prepared Meals

The virus has not given me an opportunity to visit my wife my of over 40 years. SO.i must solely depend on the nursing facility to care for her, not being able to lay my eyes on her is very frustrating for her as well as for me. I, not only miss her, voice but her gently calling my name and praying with her, This virus should be calm by now. But the leadership of this country is does not place value on our lives. I.must depend on charitable organizations for prepared meals and it is a mystery to know…
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Coping With Corona?!

Well, I got Corona. So, that has had a huge impact. I’m 26 days with the virus, and it’s been pretty rough. My business was also deeply affected, as our summer and fall enrollments were stopped in their tracks. I’ve also had many happy surprises and some awesome successes. My team got our students pivoted to an online learning environment seamlessly and well before the public schools did. I bought a new car from my living room and saved on my monthly payment. I’ve made some new friends, found some new business colleagues and discovered some new music online. Overall,…
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#18 The Great Unknown

Her favorite cousin’s husband transitioned at a Nursing Home in Chicago,ILL from the Corona Virus.The impact right now is extremely overwhelming for her. She is unable to see her 11 yr old and 13 yr old Grands. Her Son,who is unemployed, due to the Virus, Because,he is employed as an entertainer.This virus,she says, has changed her entire life! she is so baffled. This has so swiftly taken over our lives, It.s like a World War …The Great Unknown! So,she continues her gardening to attract the most beautiful Florida butterflies including my favorite,The Monarch. This is a hobby that…
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World on fire

Corona Virus caused me to not have a pro day which really hurt my chances of getting a shot at the NFL. The corona virus is the last thing we’re worried about right now because the world is literally on fire and our president is a lunatic
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Appreciate what you have.

The corona virus has pushed me to be more open minded about other people’s situations. Often times we go through life not taking in the perspectives of other people’s lives. So hearing what other people are going through has made me appreciate the things I have in my life . I have learned to not take the small things for granted and be mindful that what I might find as an inconvenience for me may be a blessing for someone else.On one of my virtual staff meetings I heard that people were having difficulty in household in pbc with…
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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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Pros and Cons

Corona has had a positive and negative impact on my life. Negatively because of the loss of income, positively because it allowed me to reach out to my love ones more often and show my concerns
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#Staypositive

I know that the coronavirus is causing many people to panic I’m trying my best to stay positive. I will try to remind as many people as I can to where masks wherever they go and make sure they go and make sure they don’t go to places that are packed.
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#51 Nobody Has Changed Their Ways

When I First heard mention of the Corona Virus ,I was scared, I began to call everyone of my Church members to share with info on the virus. In early March. I self-quarantine. I was unable to keep anything on my stomach and i couldn’t sleep. I thought this was a suicide mission for those that lived in the heart of Boynton because they aren’t adhering to the order set forth by the City or County to protect your face…No One wears facial protection on my street. Nobody has changed their ways.It will die down> Hopefully,we will come out…
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My story (Story #560)

The coronavirus has clearly affected everyone in so many way. In my case, I have had a lot of time to truly think about myself. Before this pandemic started, I was not in the best mental state. I had a lot of family problems and really needed a break from all of it. While the quarantine is making me stay home with my family, I have a lot of time to decompress and focus on me and what really matters. Family problems still happen but I feel I am able to cope with it all a little better due to…
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The Impact of the Corona Virus on a College Student

The corona virus has impacted my life in the way that I have been unable to attend church regularly on Sundays nor Youth Group on Fridays and I really miss it. Also, it has been difficult in the transition to online learning last Spring semester, but it has gotten better now at the start of my Summer semester. Also, I really miss going out to play soccer with my friends and eat at restaurants, however, I am thankful for the precautions that the government has taken to keep us safe.
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