Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Margaret, Co. Cork [2]

Contributor

Margaret

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

24 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Doneraile Co. Cork. I live within the 2km of Doneraile Wildlife Park which is still open to locals by pedestrian access. There are 500 acres to explore with short, medium and a long walk.

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES


When the news of the Corona Virus hit first in China I did think it was like the ordinary flu season we all know about. As time went on I began to realize that the seriousness of this pandemic was going to have serious consequences in Ireland for our normal lives. I was shocked by the spread of the virus and the numbers coming out every day. The changes were dramatic but necessary.
The new restrictions and the measures put in place over the first few weeks were both frightening and alien to what we were used to.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

Routine is necessary but I find I have to think about it a lot more and plan every aspect of daily living. I walk my dog every morning and continue to do so. I like to do a bit of gardening and am enjoying it more now. My passion is knitting and crochet and I am now putting together Blankets for the Cancer Care in Cork. I do some every day. We have an Arts and Crafts group within Doneraile Active Retirement Association and members knit squares and I put them together and finish them off. These blankets go to cancer patients in hospitals and they get to keep them as a reminder of their journey. I celebrated my birthday last Tuesday and I had my family call but they stayed outside the wall and sang Happy Birthday. My presents were at the door. Funerals are very difficult as the virus has curtailed out natural instincts to comfort the family. Local people have started forming guards of honour following best practice and social distancing to show their support to the grieving family.

Q. 3 GROUPS

New phrases like the Median age of those who died, the reproductive number, the come together by staying apart, social solidarity are new to our everyday vocabulary. Debunked news on Facebook and radio and TV with false news and claims. I find many more people are outside when I'm going walking. These people would normally be working so I'm getting to know young couples who have moved into the neighbourhood. Many nights there are lights in the windows in tribute to those who have died and to say thanks to those frontline workers who are working under stressful conditions. It is difficult not to be able to have family in my house and be able to talk to them over a cup of tea.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

The community responses have been amazing. I get my shopping done and bills paid by my granddaughter and she is involved in the Civil Defence who have members delivering shopping and medication. There are so many positive responses and everyone is willing to help. There is a Doneraile Newsletter sent to all homes and contains the numbers of shops, chemist, doctors and helplines. It contains all the information necessary to keep us all safe at home. What makes me happy is knowing I am doing the best I can do at this particular time and knowing my family are safe and well at the moment. I find the vast majority of people are following guidelines but what annoys me is the negativity shown at times to what is being advised. We can only all hope we are being guided the right way and trust the experts.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Often, I have to stop myself overthinking things that I cannot control. I worry for my immediate family as some work on the frontline but they are doing amazing work. I have to make myself go to bed early and relax. I do find I have strange dreams that are vivid at times and I know are the product of the pandemic.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

No Response.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

My biggest challenge is staying positive so I draw on mechanisms I learned through therapy I went through a long time ago and it's amazing how these have come back to me. My coping mechanisms are talking things through and not bottling things up. I like to keep busy but not to fill every minute of every day because I never did before. I like to enjoy down time over a cup of coffee in the garden.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

I feel that things will take a long time to recover. I cannot imagine going to crowded shopping centres for a long long time. I would hope that the future would see a kinder and more tolerant nation and recognize our vulnerabilities and not go back to the rush to go nowhere.

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

I feel that we have taken a huge pause in our life. Maybe we were rushing too fast without any really aim. Now we are learning that we can live without the constant noise, the constant rushing and that we are now seeing what is really important and what we can actually live without.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

The changes have been enormous. Online shopping from our local shops is like stepping back in time when everything was behind the counter and served to us rather than self-service. People are so willing to help and shop for those self-isolating. The postman is again to the fore as an important person in the community. Like in past times her is doing community work, checking in on older people and being the go between person between them and the Community Call initiative by Cork County Council. I'm enjoying the slow pace of life and watching nature coming to life while be pause our life.

age

51-69

gender

Female

Relation

Margaret, Co. Cork [3]

Margaret, Co. Cork [1]