Leaving Our Fingerprints

Age

36

Date

05/16/2021

Location

Oneonta NY USA

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 saw it on the news and the fear it would spread through Asia. When it arrived in New Rochelle I knew we were going to have a problem.

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

I went through a lot of different emotions through the pandemic. I’m now divorced, solo dad who has to do everything. I’ve found more responsibility while at work with a promotion. But I worked for months out of my house. Now I feel more secure but the world does not.

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

I’m gaming a lot and trying to check things off my lists. Making time for friends and family really helps.

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

We had A big rift between our colleges and our community. I was surprised how deep it went and how rough an experience it was.

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 officiate weddings on the side. Thankfully love is not canceled. My job at the YMCA though that’s another story.

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

Our college did a lot to keep everyone safe, allow everyone to work at home, and felt like it cared.

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?

Our college did a lot to keep everyone safe, allow everyone to work at home, and felt like it cared.

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

I was laid off from my side gig. The YMCA had no choice. With how things are going for gyms and activities I am not surprised.

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

I have two children who spent the majority of lock down here. We’ve had a rough go of it in and out of school, missing friends, and missing what life outside has to offer. We look forward to getting back to some type of normal just for their sake a little.

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

I am streaming video gaming a Tunmore on twitch. I’ve seen many other platforms that I may not of used otherwise.

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

Never made it to Washington DC, but we are going to get there.

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

I would not have gotten through this without the cat at home. Major stress relief.

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

I feel like we cared about each other from afar a lot more. My children gave the sense of wonder and missed the school district which I never would’ve guessed. We appreciate our time with each other.

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

I had several family members contract the virus during the pandemic. No immediate family passed away but it was no walk in the park. When My ex got the virus the kids were quarantine with me.

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

I don’t know if I would’ve been able to prepare for anything. This is not the type of thing that happens all the time or you can even imagine how to feel. I would tell myself I need more toilet paper at home.

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

Just know that anything can happen, and you can get through anything. We got through itAnd the important thing is to learn from it.

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

I’m sure masks will be around for a very long time. We will see them in and out of airports on buses and at public events. I also know that some people won’t feel the same about being with other people again.

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

How did you smile? That’s something that people needed to ask themselves every day to get through this. Thankfully I am the type of person that loves to laugh. It’s appropriate the last outfit I wore to work before the pandemic took it away for a year plus was an outfit inspired by the joker. Because there are many days I laughed in a way that was probably unhealthy but it got me through it.

Owen

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?

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?

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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