Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Úna, East Cork

Contributor

Úna

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

21 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Overlooking the sea in Youghal.

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES

Had a sense of great concern for Chinese who were afflicted first. I didn't think for one moment it would spread. Even when it came to Italy and Spain I felt 'safish'. I began to listen to reliable news channels & WHO for education and facts. It soon became very apparent that this virus was no ordinary "flu". It was scary. I don't remember exactly when I started thinking "how can I be of assistance!” This was the beginning of March. On Thurs 12th March, as coordinator of the Adoration Chapel in Youghal I consulted with the Parish priest about closing it (rota of adorers prayed there from 6am to 11pm daily). The following day Friday 13th March it was announced that the four churches were closing until further notice. Mass would be broadcast on local Radio Station daily Monday to Friday at 10am and 7pm on Saturday. The Churches remained open for individuals to visit until 23rd March. Apart from social distancing. Vulnerable people and over 70's were to "stay safe and stay at home" Lockdown was in place.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

My daily routine was Cancelled. My daily schedule consisted of early mass... regular walks particularly on the promenade. Weekly Pilates class shopping. Regular looking after granddaughter and attending various committee meetings and playing Bridge once or twice a week. I co-facilitated a self-advocacy group in care homes twice monthly. Met friends for coffee every week.

Q. 3 GROUPS

Two members of my family are at the Frontline. In hospitals and my daughter-in-law is CNM1 in a Nursing home. That is a great concern. One daughter had to self-isolate. One son had to do our errands. (My husband and I) as we are "cocooned". Another son has to look after 3 children aged 13, 8 & 6 and work from home.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

Family members who have to shop talk about how wonderful shop assistants are at all the stores locally. However they constantly complain about the number of people who don't comply with social distancing. They find it very worrying. I ring my grocery list into my local supermarket and it's delivered next day. Wonderful.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

As I'm cocooned I only know what family and friends relate. They tell me about some members of community who have reached out to neighbours and collect and deliver for others.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

One of the advantages of social media. On the first Monday after lockdown a group I'm involved in Bridge club engaged like never before. We warmly exchanged light-hearted chat. Swopped stories and videos. Some very hilarious. It passed the day so quickly. Personally I knew I couldn't do this all day every day. I would have to build some structure to my confinement. Nonetheless it was very thought provoking. It was also a great kick-start to the days ahead. It gave me heart to go forward to whatever lay ahead and make a positive plan or a plan to be positive or both.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

I'm thinking possibly those who were very consumed with themselves and self-centred may be enlightened. By and large I think people are good and will benefit in hindsight to appreciate life and living!

Q. 10 IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT SPRINGS TO MIND?

What springs to mind...a saying “It’s an ill wind that blows no good". Every day is a good day. It's okay to feel sad. There are many shocking plights throughout the country and the world at large. I'm thinking particularly asylum seekers and people in African town lands. Syria to name a few. I can only pray for them. Their plight saddens me. Deeply. I feel so helpless.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

I am so glad to have my Faith. Thank God. I am blessed. I cannot think beyond today. I really can't express what impact this experience has on us. Today has been wonderful.

age

70+

gender

Female