Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

David, Cork City Suburbs [2]

Contributor

David

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

28 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

Q. 1 STAGES

Up to mid-March I felt the whole issue was overhyped. It wasn't until the numbers began to grow and the prospect of everything shutting down in Ireland became likely that I began to realise how serious it was. Checking the news every day to see the latest figures for Ireland and other parts of the world has become a grim ritual.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

Some days are better than others when it comes to routine. I've found myself getting up later. I start out the day by watching some TV or Netflix or Amazon Prime. I try to fit in at least some time for educational activities, like watching a recorded webinar or reading some articles. If the weather is good then I will sit outside in the back garden or bring the dogs for a walk.

Q. 3 GROUPS

I've noticed that most of the groups I am in contact with are taking it seriously and isolating. There is a lot of creativity and new opportunities. A lot more online gatherings and finding ways to connect online.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

It's very weird not having regular in person contact. Stuff like handshakes was taken for granted. Any communication I have now outside of my immediate family is virtual.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

When I visited the pharmacy recently, they had a path laid out when you first entered and markings on the floor to encourage social distancing. The counter was blocked off with a clear screen and the card reader was covered over with plastic wrap. I've seen similar in the local Super Valu.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

I find myself worrying about friends and family living abroad or even in other parts of the country. I also think a lot about what the aftermath of this virus will be, especially the economic impact. I wonder if full time employment will be almost non-existent.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

My biggest challenge is keeping myself occupied. Having dogs helps because it gives me a reason to leave the house.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

I think this event has shaken our sense of complacency. While there were worries before this, none of them seem as important right now. I think it's too soon to tell how this will affect society in the future. In the short term there will be an attempt at returning to how things were before but I think the gradual nature of recovering from the virus is going to mean that society has to change.

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

No Response.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

This experience has made me aware of the fragility of everyday life.

age

36-50

gender

Male

Relation

David, Cork City Suburbs[1]