Leaving Our Fingerprints

Age

65

Date

01/14/2021

Location

Albany

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 was diagnosed COVID positive in January 2021. I ended up in the hospital due to lung involvement. This was a wake up call, because you can not bargin with the virus.

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

Even taking care, social distancing, masks, washing, Covid is very invasive. Not sure how my lungs will heal, but I’m ready to meet the future.

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

Staying positive, thinking about future hair styles and completely over whelmed by the love and support of my amazing family and friends. I am incredibly supported by wonderful people.

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

I’m trying to stay positive, but I am shocked by some shallow peoples reaction. I’m not ashamed by my illness, but it’s my story and my choice to make it public. Boundaries people, privacy. To be honest, I know I’m one of the lucky ones, and will never take it for granted. The hospital staff, brave and dedicated have shown me respect, care, and empathy.... so many critical patients on this floor. I thank them and listen if they need to share.

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?

I believe I will continue to work remotely because I can and because of underlying health issues. Again, I know I have privileges- good health insurance, sick leave, medical professionals in the family helping to work on my treatment plans. I also work with the very best group of colleagues and we will figure it all out.

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

N/A

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?

Yes, staying focused and getting a filing system going. Afraid of letting some details get skipped, but since getting ill, realize there is now a real, I can get it done later and that’s ok.

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?

Being in the hospital, my interactions have been with my room mate, and the medical staff. Thank goodness for my cellphone. Strange, I’m glad I could not have physical visitors- it was peaceful.

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

Yes, but I now have a future and plenty of time to figure it all out.

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

The love people sent my way. Powerful

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

The hardest emotional part was saying goodbye to my husband when he dropped me off at the hospital. I was surprised how calmly I took the news about how seriously ill I had become.

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

Yes

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

I wish our country handled this differently, I wish people acknowledged the seriousness of the virus. And I want to scream, social distance, wear a mask, wash your hands.

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

Keep up to date, the impact will be long lasting, do your best and forgive yourself

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

For me, it could be physical issues. I hope people will embrace rather than deny.

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

I am told, that I can not spread the virus on to others, at for that, I am grateful.

Sara

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?

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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