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.”
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?
Easter church service
Due to the corona virus they have shut down all the churches to practice social distancing . Today was easter and for the first time in my life I wasnt able to go to church service.
Bills
My job was making things and product hands on THATS how I was making money by making clothes and plenty other things but less movement and stores clothes less money
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…
It Gets Better Later
The corona virus has impacted my life by ruining my senior year i couldnt really enjoy school for the remaining of the year we didnt have no senior prom , grad bash , And most importantly not even graduation. Corona virus even killed one of my close friend mom it was a devastating moment because it came out of no where and it was to late to even cherish the last moment we had with her . It continues to impact my life because the world has been caged in and its like you cant enjoy life no more .
Gratitude Amidst Chaos
As a State employee, it has been quite disorienting. I’ve begun working remotely, faced the stress of many technical issues while trying to process and respond to various incident reports of those with special needs – from covid-19 cases, deaths, elopements, behavior issues, and incidents that are unspeakable as well. Alone. No colleagues to turn around and vent to, a usually very accessible boss is now over her eyeballs with communications with State and Legislature officials. My church family as I affectionately call them, as they serve as a bigger support system than my blood family, we are no longer…
# 36 She Doesn’t hink the Virus Will Ever Go Away
Carol Woodside is an 82 years young native of Kentucky. She has lived in Boynton Beach for over 20 years.Ms Carol has trouble with the use of her legs. So her,mobility, is or can be an issue. ms Woodside continuously has Doctor’s visit to find the cause of her leg issues.She lives alone and never gives up on her just cause.She doesn’t think the virus will ever go away< And she has nw figured out that when she needs to go somewhere she has to go. Ms Woodside has no living relatives in the area.Ms Carol had an issue…
# 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!
Challenging
The Corona virus keeping from joining correctional academy I want to join so its holding me back and Im little scared coming out my house everyday knowing my life at risk.
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.
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. Its not fun.
Nursing home life
I live at b a nursing home. We can not receive visits. Our daily life is just about as normal as a nursing home can be. They are making sure that all of our helpers are not ill. They take our temperature twice a day and. Limit our clients are contact.
Home alone
My grandson is unable to attend public school. This is placing alot of stress on him. He is an only child and have very few opportunities to be with other kids his age. This is not natural for a child his age.
Im broke
Man this corona virus really sucks Im out of work and have no money. I really cant deal with this seriously man I am so thankful that my parents are still working and could help me, we need to find a answer for this
#37 I have A Lung Disease
This lady is 82 yrs old. She lives alone. The Virus has affected her because she has a rare lung disease for 17 yrs. So,She is forbidden from going out. I am going to the grocery store for her on Saturday. This Virus is a problem with not knowing if you have it! She is not optimist when this pandemic will be over. Her neighbors are having parties. Otherwise, this is how the virus tends to spread.
#Whats going on
It hasnt changed much since Im homeless. Im just scared because I dont know whats going on.
Hope
Corona virus has helped me more than hurt me, my body gets to heal Ive had a lingering shoulder injury so now I get to let that heal. I am sad that I cant be at school around all my teammates and friends but I hope we get a cure and they dont cancel the football season nor push it back
Disabled
The virus has impacted my life by not allowing me to go anywhere. I have things to do and was planning on moving to Gainesville but now its all on a stand still due to the fact that everyone has to stay home.
Wow
The virus impacted my life with me going to college early to experience college football but instead we was sent home for nothing
Teen mom
Hello the corona impacted my life as a teen mother. How? Because I couldnt have a experienced of my 1 child a baby shower also I couldnt take no pictures or anything then Im having my baby in this virus is even worse I just pray god watch and protect over me
Growth
It has allowed me to better myself physically mentally and spiritually.
No Track. No soccer.
The corona virus affected my life because it cut off my track season for school and soccer season for the AYSO organization. I know have to work twice as hard to get a track scholarship to schools and now have limited school options because many colleges/universities cut their track programs.
Pandemic (Story #214)
With the whole pandemic going on i been in the house trying to stay safe. Ive been watching the news and see everything thats going on in my community and its crazy to see something like this.
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.
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
Education (Story #108)
Coronavirus has affected me in many way one of them are me going to school And get my education these online classes are really not effective way for me to learn
Abbeys Story
Having to maintain my job, pick up a second job to help where my wife lost income, and trying to stay mentally and physically healthy.
I miss graduation
The corona virus made me miss My senior Graduation which sucks, I am transferring schools so it really didnt effect me that I wasnt at school with my friends anymore
#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #249)
The corona virus has essentially ruined my senior year. It took away my opportunity to walk across the stage, attend my prom, and my senior trip. I also recently lost my job due to the corona virus as well.
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,…
Tree Stump to a Palm Tree
Coronavirus has made a drastic effect on my life but I wont allow it to defeat me. Earlier this year, I was overjoyed with the news of becoming a father. With my hands tied with school, college requirements, also football workouts; I knew I hand to make a stand for what was to come my unborn child . Sacrificing my studying and mental relaxation time, I went out to find a job. When sudden pandemic changes came into affect, I was devastated. My job shut us out and we didnt know what day we would return. With little to no…
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.
Making the best of it
As a college student majoring in research biology and chemistry, classes are only a small part of my college career. What really separates you from others in the research world, especially in the sciences, is the hands-on experience you gather working in various laboratories and internships. Because of this, the pandemic has completely stalled my progress. I was unable to complete the hands-on research I started this semester, and I couldnt finish the programs I had started in Student Government either. Additionally, my summer plans went upside down when the summer research internship that I was accepted to cancelled their…
Covid Hardship
I Francisca Maria Meza Lopez, am not working. My husband works three to four days per week, due to the covid-19 pandemic he’s not working often. Please forgive me for bothering you regarding this matter, but i need help. i have three children, two boys and a girl that’s one month old. I am in need of diapers, baby wipes, food and detergent to wash their clothes etc. Please forgive me for asking this way but i need your help. God bless you.
New Normal: there is some good!
This deadly virus has completely impacted interactions with social distancing. Balancing between work and home schooling my son has been challenging and rewarding all at once. My son is extremely active so I was apprehensive about keeping him engaged but I have been pleasantly surprised. The challenge isn’t so much home schooling as much as finding activities post-virtual school, that don’t involve leaving the house, outside of watching TV and reading books. He has taken an interest in cooking which has been great and we have come together as a family, breaking bread and playing board games together.
Number 1.
Lost hours of work. That involves money paying Bill’s. Buying grocery.
#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.
#73
Testing did not start soon enough.Those that need testing will never be tested.They really don’t have transportation. Therefore, they will not be called back to work if they are working. Many,who need food aren’t receiving it, Why? because, you must have a car to be in lineShe does not have faith in the statistics being provided.The Farmers and migrant workers live clustered(she has an admiration for this group of people).It is here! It will never leave this earth!
#fullcapacity
So many people have died and many been infected. There aren’t enough supplies for hospitals and many hospitals are at their full capacities and don’t have room for any more patients. I try not to think about what would happen if I or someone in my family caught the coronavirus.
# 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.
Progression
On the good side, I can now spend more time with my daughter and perfect my craft. Im using this time to make sure I have the best season possible.
Palm Health story
The request for assistance comes from the lack of funds available to cover the rent due to an injury I suffered and put me out of work for over 3 weeks. I injured my shoulder which left me unable to work and left a big gap in our income. My wife also being pregnant and due to the current pandemic being unable to work, puts us in a tight squeeze in order to make the payment possible. We would kindly appreciate any assistance which can be provided in order to make the payments due. Thank you so much for your…
Laid Off
The Caronavirus impacted my life by me not working. Ive been paid off.
Waiting on a Change
My family and I have been affected in a few ways. First, I lost my job with first transit( Trolly) second, my car broke down and it was our only means of transportation. 3rd my son (17) suffers with mental health issues and wasn’t able to get his 30 day meds, instead they gave him 15. Now we are waiting on a appointment so he’ll be able to get the rest of his meds, and as you know no one is taking clients. We both suffer from anxiety, and he also suffers with severe depression. Inspite of EVERYTHING that…
Virus (Story #430)
The virus impacted my life by changing it totally. Right now, I am suppose to be in college taking classes. Instead I am at home talking online classes. My outside activities are limited because of the stay at home order the governor issued. The virus impacted my mood, I am getting more depressed when I am locked inside.
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….
Quarantine (Story #669)
Coronavirus has really affected a lot of students with their schools near me there are many students taking online classes which havent 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 havent taking online classes in a while or dinner or not used to taking online classes and they are struggling I truly believe that theres 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…
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.
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…
#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…
Refresh the page to see another random set of stories or view stories by date.