Leaving Our Fingerprints

Age

46

Date

6/21/2020

Location

Hartford, 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?

March 23rd. I don't know of any cases in Hartford.

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

I am now unemployed and my daughter and I have been home full time since the school closed in March.

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

Very stressed. We're doing a lot of yard work and home projects during this time.

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

People are generally very friendly around here, even with strangers. They still are, but it's more difficult to express when you're wearing a mask. I've noticed people making an effort to express friendliness via physical gestures and making sure they "smile with their eyes".

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?

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?

Yes. I was able to get unemployment, but it took a while. My health insurance is through my husband, who was able to keep his job, although at a reduced salary for now.

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

n/a

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

Yes. Hartford was very lenient with their homeschooling, presumably due to the lack of internet in many parts of the school district. My daughter is in high school, so was able to complete most of her assignments without help, although she did ask for help with some. She was able to stay on the Principal's List for the final quarter.

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

To keep in touch with friends and family as well as keep up with the news.

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

n/a

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

We considered adopting a dog, but apparently so did everyone else. There aren't a whole lot out there right now available for adoption.

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

Our family has spent a lot of time together. My husband worked from home for over two months while my daughter and I were also in the house all the time. We get along well and were able to do things together that we don't always have time for. Our yard is finally getting in shape after too many years of not having enough time. Home projects are getting done. I talk to my father on the phone more than usual, so we've been more in touch, too.

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

n/a

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

To always stay stocked up on toilet paper.

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

That our grandparents (or great-grandparents) who lived through the depression were right. Don't waste things. Always have a stocked pantry. Today we can add: stock up your freezer, as well. Nothing insane, though. You don't have to go full "prepper," but have enough to get through a week or two before you have to start worrying.

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

I don't think masks will go away soon. I'm glad I went to a few concerts in the past two years for the first time in decades, because I don't see those coming back quickly. I don't see the anger going away quickly, either. There are so many angry people in our country right now for so many reasons (this is written after the protests began, but I'm thinking more of the pandemic than the protests). I think people will continue to be angry, and that's a shame.

Kristen

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?

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