Leaving Our Fingerprints

Age

68

Date

10/16/2020

Location

Kingsbury, 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?

Back in March, 2020, when intense restrictions and closings were first introduced, I thought it blow over quickly and it was an overreaction. I changed my mind about the overreaction when my niece, a health care provider, caught it a few weeks later. And I finally resigned myself to the fact that life will never go back around mid-summer.

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

I'm not as active, physically or socially.

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

I'm lonely. My partner works but I'm retired. The dog only provides so much company. I've recognized some mild depression in myself. I haven't exercised like I should/could due to lack of motivation. With some easing of restrictions, I've managed to get out a little (lunch outside with a friend, for instance) and any little thing is very exciting for me.

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

Keeping in touch with friends and family from a distant. Zoom has been useful for that. And as a (poor) substitute for live music. A lot of artists have been offering online events and I've been thankful for that. It's not the same but it will do for now.

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

We had a trip to Croatia planned for May as a celebration of our 25th anniversary. Obviously, that was cancelled. We were lucky that we got our money back.

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

My dog is a lousy conversationalist but does give me love and affection. She was already in the house when this all happened.

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

We donated a chunk of our stimulus check to causes we have always supported.

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

My niece got Covid at work, caring for other Covid patients in a hospital setting. She gave it to her husband. They were ill for about 3-5 weeks. It was scary since it was early in the crisis and most news of patients was very dire.

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

Listen to science. Don't let the issues get politicized.

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

Living distantly will be the new normal. Less hugging and physical contact. Glad I'm not single.

Lil

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?

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?

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

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