Leaving Our Fingerprints

Age

68

Date

05/27/2020

Location

Cambridge Village, 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?

When I went to job training for a government job in March. I was put in a small room with about 30 other people. I moved far away from everyone. Of course, none of us had masks. We sort of laughed about all the old people in the room.

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

I was a substitute teacher, and I haven't worked. I don't know if I will go back to the job when schools reopen. And I loved it.

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

I read a lot and I don't get anywhere near the exercise I should be getting. I have made rituals. Up at 7. Eat at 12 and 6. I have actually lost about 12 pounds since staying home.

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

For the most part, the community has been great. Most people are wearing masks--it seems that older white men are the worst. Businesses have been trying to stay afloat and people are trying to support them.

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?

Right now I am working for the Census and I will start working for the Post Office next week. These are both essential and both are done mostly outside. I feel safe, but if I don't I will quit.

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?

I am retired and I have been paid by the Census right along, so I have not applied for unemployment. I am also on Medicare, so I haven't lost my insurance.

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

n/a

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

We have a 17 year old high school senior. She seems to be doing ok.

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?

My wife's family meets on Zoom at least every two weeks and we have a daily email group. We also have played trivia on Zoom with friends. We spend a lot of time on social media and the internet.

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

Out daughter's graduation. She will have one at the local drive in movie theatre, but it isn't the same. No parties and no senior prom.

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

We have two cats. The older one has become very clingy.

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

My community is trying hard to support local businesses.

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

Two people I graduated with have died, and our son's girlfriend's parents got it. Her father was very sick.

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

No one close has died.

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

I don't know.

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

I hope next time there is leadership from the top, so idiots don't not wear masks because "The President doesn't."

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

I have always considered myself a good hand-shaker. Good firm grip, but not trying to prove anything. That is over.

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

n/a

Jared

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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