Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Anne M, Co. Cork [1]

Contributor

Anne M

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

15 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES

I have been 'on top' of the evolving situation from the beginning. I suppose, with a scientific background I was interested. I worked in the Food Industry during the Foot and Mouth outbreak and felt it was a little similar in ways. I felt and still feel that people are very gullible and believe everything that they are told. My fear was and still is; what we are NOT being told

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

Well, my work nowadays is mainly administration type work and I also work in career services. It is interesting that there is absolutely no work with CV's etc. at present even though people must be looking for work...or maybe not as the payment for not working may be attractive. I start my day every morning with Mass streamed live from St. Colman's Cathedral at 9.00am. It is interesting to see the numbers 'attending' is increasing daily. However, there is a 'core' group in or around age 50 - 60. Following that, I fill my day with various activities like flower arranging, gardening and cooking. I walk around 2.00pm and have a chat on the phone with my sister, who walks at that time too. Dinner is prepared and eaten around 6.00 / 7.00 and TV is after that. Bed at my all year round time of between 10.30 and 11.00pm. We had Easter this year so did a roast dinner. However, no pub! No birthday yet but my brother will be 65 next week on the 22nd. He had a party planned. We will give him a little surprise 'Garden Party' as forecast is reasonably good.

Q. 3 GROUPS

My son is 29 and I think that age group are definitely missing the social scene. However, I have noticed and commented on how well they are adhering to the restrictions. They should be commended really. My older sister - 69 is living in the US and is finding it very difficult. She is really missing her social life and is depressed in ways. She really needs to have people around her and does not have any real interests which is a bad mistake when it comes to being restricted to home. I know that there are many people in the same boat. I have 2 elderly friends in their 90's in Nursing Homes and they are coping really well. I speak to them both at least weekly and they always are upbeat and positive. Amazing really as they both are mentally perfect and listen to the radio and news so they are aware of the crisis and the effect on their age group.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

It is the main topic of conversation with everyone. What did we ever talk about before? The future is really not discussed too much other than ...WHEN will we return to NORMAL? A lot of people are afraid of the economic effect but again it has not dawned on others. Irish Flag is flying in lots of windows. On the 26th of March, we all stood on our doorsteps at 8.00pm and clapped to show our support for the Frontline Workers. On Palm Sunday, we were asked to lay some Palm on our doorsteps or outside somewhere. Some people made wreaths like Christmas ones for their doors. I put a piece on my railing with a simple cross made from kebab sticks. On Holy Saturday, April 11th we all 'Shone a Light' outside. It kind of brought people together and was emotional. Everyone finishes up communications by saying 'Stay Safe'. Rumours....my son only said about 10 minutes ago that the pubs would not open until January…. OMG, this is Ireland

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

My son and one of his friends have played 2 remote concerts for the residents at Cobh Community Hospital streamed live to the day room. Hour long concerts and can be viewed on Facebook Friends of Cobh Hospital page.....these were really enjoyed and viewed in lots of countries worldwide. I am involved with a group making cotton face masks for use by Community Care Workers. I am using my late Mother's Singer sewing machine. It is a hand operated machine which she bought about 63 years ago. She passed away last June aged 94 and I am so pleased to be using it to do this as she would have been the first one to do such a deed. I hate going on about my son but he is actually walking a neighbours’ dog and also doing some shopping for us all. He is in the Army so I suppose it is in his nature and professional capacity to help. I do think that the priests are doing a great job at present with online Masses and prayers. I was walking by the Cathedral today and there was a funeral service taking place. I spoke with one of the undertaking staff and he told me that there was only 10 people allowed at the Mass and all had to maintain social distancing. This was very hard for the family. However, it was being streamed live for other people to see/attend. Whilst it was disappointing it was as good as it could get and compared to other countries, not bad at all.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

Covid 19! What will I do next? Must be ready to sit down and watch the 6.00pm News every day in case I miss anything. How many dead today - how many new cases? What will the government come up with? What about the Nursing Homes whom I think have been treated very badly?

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

Brought people together to help one another more. Definitely made people slow down and appreciate nature. We are fortunate that the weather is so good and that we live in such a beautiful place on Cork Harbour. The future - I think we will return slowly but surely to the same madness and preoccupation.....we just forget things. However, I do think that we will be economically hit and pay-back time will come for the working class people who will be taxed and taxed and taxed.

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

No - I think it is a good survey and well done on getting it going. It will be of interest for sure in the future to some people

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

For me - it has given me time to do things at my own time that would usually have to be fitted in to my normally busy schedule. It has given me the opportunity to pray more and get Mass daily. I don't really go out that much socially except for a few drinks on Sunday with my sister. We go to a country pub and I do miss that! I am very upset about our elderly people and how they were treated. People in direct provision centres and prisons got priority over our own elder lemons. I think this will be discussed when this is over but it will certainly be too late then. I would say to future readers if they ever are faced with a Pandemic and they have any influence to take care of the old people in the Community.

age

51-69

gender

Female

Relation

Anne M. Co. Cork [2]