Leaving Our Fingerprints

Age

16

Date

5/21/2020

Location

Halfmoon, 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?

A close friend of mine living in Korea was diagnosed on March 7. I realized then that this really happens to anybody, and I immediately started to become more cautious, even though there weren't many cases here yet. Once we had enough cases here to close school, I really became cautious about who I was around, what I touched, etc.

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

I haven't met up with any friends in over 2 months, I wear a mask everytime I leave my house, I wear gloves when going to grocery stores, and I limit leaving to go shopping to 1 or 2 times a week. I've been biking much more often and I've used my extra free time to learn the piano and guitar.

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

I'm feeling alright, though I wish I could have face to face contact with some friends. I miss a lot of people dearly, and we don't have the capacity to do video calls. In terms of stress management, I take frequent breaks to keep my mind on something else. I write, read, and play video games to keep myself occupied. Afterwards I will continue what I had been doing, if there was something.

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

Many businesses, organizations, and stores have reduced their hours or closed for in store activities. School is no longer in session on campus, which has sincerely affected me. I wasn't exactly surprised to see everything close, seeing as this is a serious matter.

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?

I'm not, but my sister is. She works in an assisted living in Colonie with senior residents. Everyday they take their own temperatures 3x in a shift, they're required to wear gloves and masks, and they must keep their residents apart. No visitors are allowed either. When she's home, she keeps her scrubs in a bag rather than her laundry basket until laundry day to keep those "outside germs" separate.

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 still have my job at the Clifton Park - Halfmoon Library. I didn't apply for unemployment due to my age. I also don't have health insurance, but both my mother and sister have me included on their plans.

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

I participate in video meetings once a week for work, which we are paid for. Otherwise I don't do anything else other than read and reply to company emails.

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

I'm the youngest, with my sister being 7 years older. We are doing fine and have no issues with stress or problems.

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?

Yes, school was discontinued. All classes are required participation online, with the grades changed to either EOL or NYL. It's difficult at times to complete assignments due to internet connections, but I manage to work on my work. I believe that school will return for next year, or some sort of structured schedule for our classes to continue.

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

I use Twitter to learn about the world and how they're coping with the pandemic.

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

My best friend, Sangwoo, lives in Michigan and had to cancel his 19th birthday party that he was ready to hold. I was pretty disappointed for him, but we promised to meet up once it's safe to hold the party.

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

We have 2 cats, 2 birds, and a snake. None of our pets have been affected, other than receiving more attention now that we're all home.

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

I donated some masks for my sister to take to her work.

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

Yes, my close friend in Korea. He described it as the common cold honestly, and wasn't badly affected. He felt better with OTC medicine, though this was early on in the pandemic. He's doing much better now and has a clean bill of health.

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

n/a

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

I don't believe that there's anything more to know, as this is a learning process. Even if we knew more, it wouldn't change the outcome.

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

I don't think it should be a central problem honestly. It's not as bad as previous outbreaks, and the symptoms are fairly tame compared to past diseases. If something were to happen like this again, I hope people learn from their mistakes and take distancing precautions.

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

For a while, we'll be extremely cautious about who we meet and the things we touch. After a year or two, the majority of people most likely will go back to how they were before the pandemic.

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

n/a

Lyndon

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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