RuthAnn
Covid-History Item Type Metadata
Age
56
Date
6/21/2020
Location
Malta, 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?
The first I heard of COVID-19 was February 29, 2020. While scary, it seemed far away in California and Washington. By mid-March when New York became the epicenter, it became very real - and my first reaction was fear.
How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?
I take less for granted. The past three months I have been alone - and I think twice before venturing out for anything (even just a walk or a trip to the grocery store).
How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?
I am feeling very alone. Even with the few trips out, with everyone wearing masks there are no smiles and minimal human interaction. I try to get out for a walk everyday, which helps relieve stress somewhat.
What have you noticed has changed in your community since the outbreak? What has surprised you?
In my community I have noticed many more people out walking - and many more fur babies than I ever recall seeing before!
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?
No. Although I work in healthcare, it is an administrative position that is not considered essential.
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; but I worked remotely prior to the pandemic so there was not much change for me. For my colleagues, however, working remotely was new - and adjusting to virtual meetings seemed awkward at first. I also find my colleague use instant messaging more than email.
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
Did you have to postpone any major life events? (e.g. Graduation, wedding, major birthday) What did you do instead?
My daughter's college graduation did not occur. We had a very small celebration instead.
Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?
No animals yet. I tried to adopt during the pandemic and every dog I was interested in was adopted out before my application was approved. I was looking for company and a walking companion ... but that hasn't worked out yet.
What positive things did you contribute to or notice take place?
Hallmark gave away "thank you to everyday hero" cards, and I send those to essential workers to show my appreciation. A local woman was celebrating her 100th birthday in a local nursing home and her son asked for people to send her cards because she could not have visitors - and I sent her a card.
Did you or someone you know contract COVID-19? What was it like?
A friend of mine, and both of her parents downstate. It was very concerning as the parents were hospitalized and being elderly were in a high risk group - however they all have recovered now.
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 wish I had given more thought to my purpose in life. Being non-essential I feel as if I have wasted too much time on "success" instead of on what is truly important - like family, relationships and happiness.
What would you want future generations to know about the 2020 pandemic? How would you recommend they prepare for it?
The 2020 pandemic was an eye opening experience ... it really changed life the way we knew it. I think the best way to prepare for it - or any life changing event - is to slow down ... really consider what is important in life ... be a good person, live every day to the fullest and find your happiness.
How do you think this pandemic will change how we behave going forward? What will the “new normal” look like?
I hope the "new normal" will lead to appreciation for all that life has to offer.
Is there anything else you would like to add that hasn't already been asked above?
The one "constant" throughout this pandemic were daily updates from Governor Cuomo and his staff. These briefings were not only informative, but also reassuring because information was shared and decisions were transparent and made based on data with the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers in mind. The Governor's office sent out a daily newsletter that included a "deep breath" moment which helped tremendously by bringing a spark of positivity to what often were very scary and dark days.
Dublin Core
Title
RuthAnn
Publisher
Southern Adirondack Library System
Language
English
Type
Covid History
Identifier
11717553094
Collection
Citation
“RuthAnn,” Leaving Our Fingerprints on History, accessed April 25, 2024, https://fingerprints.sals.edu/omeka/items/show/90.