Sara
Covid-History Item Type Metadata
Age
64
Date
06/26/2020
Location
Albany, 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?
One son works in the medical field. He had been sharing information with us earlier in the year. I realized the full impact when NYS began to shut down and the overarching fear there was not enough medical equipment and beds for the critically ill.
How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?
I acknowledge that I am lucky, as I can work from home and can afford food. I am now sharing my home with family members who left an area of the state that was a hotspot. I am putting fewer miles on my car, working longer hours and have learned how to wash my hands properly and won't leave home without my mask.
How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?
I watch mindless TV shows, cook more complicated meals, and have plans to tidy up the house (which I have failed to do). My stress ebbs and flows - like waves.
What have you noticed has changed in your community since the outbreak? What has surprised you?
People in my neighborhood are more friendly. However, there have been a lot of shootings in other parts of the city. Also the mental health toll on friends and family.
Are you working from home? What adjustments or challenges are you experiencing?
Having four people work remotely within the frame of my home is challenging. There are issues with bandwidth, privacy and suitable desks and chairs.
Do you have children at home? How’s it going?
My adult child returned home. It is going fine - it is good to know he is as safe as he can be during a pandemic.
Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?
My dog gets more attention and more walks.
Did you or someone you know contract COVID-19? What was it like?
I learned that they had contracted COVID-19 after their recovery. It made the pandemic "real".
If you lost someone during the pandemic, how did you celebrate their lives?
John Prine was one of my favorite composers, performers musicians. His early death to COVID-19 was heartbreaking - I listened to his music and read articles that celebrated his life and accomplishments.
What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?
I wish I would have known how long this would last. I am very fortunate - and I realize that I have access to broadband and the equipment to do my work and connect with family and friends.
What would you want future generations to know about the 2020 pandemic? How would you recommend they prepare for it?
Appreciate your friends and family, prepare the necessary paperwork (living wills, health care proxy, wills), try to have your financial information available and shared. Figure out what is most important and focus on that. Finally, remember it is ok to laugh, even when things seem to be dire.
How do you think this pandemic will change how we behave going forward? What will the “new normal” look like?
People will work differently than before, and I fear a great toll on the economy will happen as a result of redirecting state and federal funds.
Is there anything else you would like to add that hasn't already been asked above?
It is almost a perfect storm happening in June 2020. The pandemic, hopefully social justice will occur,and end systemic racism and the divisiveness that is happening in the country. I fail to understand why people refuse to wear masks. I suppose they are the same people who refuse to wear seatbelts? Unfortunately, as the economy continues to fail, I am almost as fearful for our society as I am for the loss of life due to the virus.
Dublin Core
Title
Sara
Publisher
Southern Adirondack Library System
Language
English
Type
Covid History
Identifier
11734180080
Collection
Citation
“Sara,” Leaving Our Fingerprints on History, accessed December 30, 2024, https://fingerprints.sals.edu/omeka/items/show/133.