Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Margaret, Co. Cork [3]

Contributor

Margaret

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

15 May 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Doneraile, Co. Cork

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES

While I was aware a virus had hit areas in China I did think, at first, that it was part of the usual seasonal flu which we deal with every year. It was in February when more and more countries were being affected that I thought this is going to affect us in a serious way. I do think many people just thought it would affect older people like the flu does and it wouldn't impact on our lives too much.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

I was never one who travelled too much so at first it was like a long weekend. When the restrictions were announced I did have to make changes to my shopping regime. I now order online and my granddaughter collects my shopping for me. She also pays my bills. I still walk the dog within the kilometres restrictions. I love my garden and my knitting and crocheting. I bake every second day and cook for myself. Mother's Day and my Birthday were strange celebrations at a distance but my family came over and we celebrated from a distance. Funerals are very difficult as they are so final and we can't be there as a community to help the bereaved.

Q. 3 GROUPS

I think school children are missing out on their rights of passages that we used take for granted. They can't have the celebrations of moving from one class to another or even from one school to another. Communions and confirmations are cancelled so they are missing out on those celebrations as well. In our family we have had to cancel my granddaughter's wedding which is very disappointing for her and her fiancé and for the whole family as we were so looking forward to it. Plans for next year are also up in the air a bit and it's strange thinking how to manage a crowd at the moment. It would never have been an issue before this

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

Physical distancing is a huge area that people talk about and try to practice. Many people refer to the future as a new normal without even knowing what this will be. Face coverings are unusual and people often comment that you could never go into a bank before with your face covered and now we're encouraged to do it. There are posters supporting frontline workers and many windows have rainbows and Irish flags on them. I find the physical contact difficult. Not being able to have my family in my house is hard and not being able to visit them is the most difficult thing.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

The Community Call organized through Cork County Council is an amazing initiative. All agencies and volunteer groups are involved and there are many times we called for joined up thinking between these agencies and now hopefully it will continue. I'm happy to be able to keep in touch with friends through phone calls and Facebook. What really annoys me are all the conspiracy theories being bandied about. I think the response has been very positive in Ireland but maybe not so in England and America.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

I mostly think about and worry about my family as they head off to work on the frontline and hope that will be ok while they do this vital work. I'm also very proud of them. I worry about my health and how I would cope if I was ill but I try as best I can to keep well and positive.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

I remember TB and how people were sent off to different parts of the country to recover. They were often gone for months and these were young people but they recovered and returned home but it must have been very difficult. I have read about the Spanish flu and how it affected so many.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

I'm coping well enough as I do have family around to help when I need it. My main challenge is staying as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

Our lives have changed so much over the last two months and every aspect of living is affected. Travel will not be possible for a long time and I can't imagine going into a busy shopping centre and being comfortable for a long time. While the weather is warm and we hope for a good Summer things will be bearable but Winter will bring it's challenges when shopping and being outside

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

I do think we were all rushing to go nowhere for a long time and this Pause in our lives has forced us to take stock of ourselves. I would hope we will be more tolerant and kind when we return to our new normal. I'm happy to stand back from this frantic rush. What is important is family and friends and being together.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

The idea of staying at home and only going out when necessary for essential shopping is an idea I would embrace. Shopping local and supporting local businesses is very important into the future. We rely on them so much. I would advise anyone to Pause their lives now and again and take stock of what is really important. Look at what you have and what you need. Be happy with yourself and be proud of your achievements no matter how small.

age

51-69

gender

Female

Relation

Margaret, Co. Cork [2]

Margaret, Co. Cork [1]