Leaving Our Fingerprints

Age

66

Date

7/19/2020

Location

Ballston Spa, New York

When did the impact of COVID-19 first occur to you? How did your reaction to COVID-19 change between then and the first case in your town?

I flew to Raleigh, N.C. in March & noticed a few people on the plane wearing masks. I had no idea within a few weeks, ALL of the country & most of the world would be wearing them.

How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?

I have more money in my checking account. All I do is go to work, buy groceries, pay my bills, tithe to my church. I don't go to the movies, or the theatre or to concerts or out to eat.

How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?

I am sad I will not get to see my dear friend in Columbus, Ohio and her baby that was born the end of March. I am sad I will not get to see my son who is in the Navy in Fort Mead, Baltimore. I am HAPPY I get to see my daughter about 2-3 times a week as her college closed down & she is in Saratoga, living with her Dad. I have returned to my church (in person), pray, worship, I watch British Murder Mysteries (BRITBOX), listen to a book in my kitchen, listen to a book in my car, do a video chat with my Shrink once a month (NO COPAY !!! :) ) and take my antidepressants.

What have you noticed has changed in your community since the outbreak? What has surprised you?

At first the traffic was GREAT !!! Easy to get to work. I have continued to work through out the pandemic as I am a Senior Companion for Umbrella of the Capitol District.

Are you a business owner who has had to close? If you are still open, how have you had to adjust how your business operates?

n/a

Are you an essential employee? What do you do? What precautions are being taken at your workplace? What precautions are implementing at home?

yes. I am a Senior Companion for Umbrella of the Capital District. I have an elderly couple I grocery shop for & prepare, serve & clean up dinner for 3 nights a week. I also have a single woman who I see twice a week for 2 hours. I shop for her & buy all prepared food as her dementia is to far progressed for her to safely use a stove. I am the only person she see, aside from an occasional workman. I am constantly washing my hands & cooking surfaces. I wear a mask in public, at the grocery store, at my church. If I have company over to my house, we sit outside on the porch.

Are you an employee who has been laid off or furloughed? Were you able to get unemployment? Were you able to retain your health insurance?

n/a

Are you working from home? What adjustments or challenges are you experiencing?

n/a

Do you have children at home? How’s it going?

n/a

If you’re a student, was school canceled? Were you able to complete your studies online? Do you think you’ll be back on campus in the fall?

n/a

How are you using social media, the Internet, or digital platforms during the pandemic?

I am doing a FUND RAISER for STEM CELL THERAPY that I am having done on both my knees. I post updates of my family, my job & my STEM CELL THERAPY/FUNDRAISER.

Did you have to postpone any major life events? (e.g. Graduation, wedding, major birthday) What did you do instead?

yes. Am doing video chatting instead

Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?

yes. My kitty is the perfect roommate. I have had her almost 5 years. She is an inside kitty. Only downside: she will NOT do the dishes !!!

What positive things did you contribute to or notice take place?

LESS TRAFFIC !!! I have been contributing to a local food bank & donating my empty soda/water bottles to BENSON'S PET STORE in Clifton Park for the animals.

Did you or someone you know contract COVID-19? What was it like?

My brother in laws brother died from it. I had only met him once, many years ago. He had M.S. for about 40 years & was about 70 years old. He and his partner both contracted it.

If you lost someone during the pandemic, how did you celebrate their lives?

I sent my brother in law a sympathy card. There was not service or anything else.

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

n/a

What would you want future generations to know about the 2020 pandemic? How would you recommend they prepare for it?

I would tell them yes, there was a very contagious virus, and there were people & powers who took advantage of this & used it as an opportunity to control the masses. Do the research, question everything, put your faith in Jesus Christ.

How do you think this pandemic will change how we behave going forward? What will the “new normal” look like?

more government control......over EVERYTHING.

Is there anything else you would like to add that hasn't already been asked above?

n/a

Sheila

Covid-History Item Type Metadata

Age

Date

Location

When did the impact of COVID-19 first occur to you? How did your reaction to COVID-19 change between then and the first case in your town?

How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?

How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?

What have you noticed has changed in your community since the outbreak? What has surprised you?

Are you a business owner who has had to close? If you are still open, how have you had to adjust how your business operates?

Are you an essential employee? What do you do? What precautions are being taken at your workplace? What precautions are implementing at home?

Are you an employee who has been laid off or furloughed? Were you able to get unemployment? Were you able to retain your health insurance?

Are you working from home? What adjustments or challenges are you experiencing?

Do you have children at home? How’s it going?

If you’re a student, was school canceled? Were you able to complete your studies online? Do you think you’ll be back on campus in the fall?

Did you have to postpone any major life events? (e.g. Graduation, wedding, major birthday) What did you do instead?

Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?

What positive things did you contribute to or notice take place?

Did you or someone you know contract COVID-19? What was it like?

If you lost someone during the pandemic, how did you celebrate their lives?

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

How do you think this pandemic will change how we behave going forward? What will the “new normal” look like?

Is there anything else you would like to add that hasn't already been asked above?

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