Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Pat, Co. Waterford [1]

Contributor

Pat

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; Waterford 2020s:

Date

26 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Dungarvan Co Waterford

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES

When I heard Covid 19 I never realised that it would become the Pandemic that it is. It’s a scary situation, almost unbelievable. Myself and husband went to Lanzarote on 10 March with the idea in our minds that we would be the sun. Then the lockdown arrived there on Sun 15 March. We couldn't leave the apartment only for shopping or to the pharmacy. The beaches were closed off, pool closed off. All restaurants shut. Luckily through our daughters were able to get us an early flight home on 17th March we had to Isolate here for 2 weeks. That I didn't mind as we could go for walks to isolated woodland, which were very enjoyable as we were able to keep social distance but more often than not wouldn’t meet anyone. Then came the lockdown here and for us cocooning as my husband and I are both over 70. I live in a rural area and would love just to get outside my front gate. I have been very busy. The first week I cleared wardrobes, Kitchen presses. Scoured the house. Changed all the beds washing Ironing etc. Then I started some crochet projects which I'm still at. My husband loves gardening so he has been busy. We then walk around the house for a half hour morning and evening. Watch Telly after 6. It all feels sort of surreal.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

Before the cocooning my weekly routine was I went to Cork on the bus every Monday. Looked around the shops. Collect my grandson from school, we’d call to Paul St. He’d have a bar of golden crisp chocolate and wed go to the health food shop and get you go cards. Then get the bus to his house where he would do homework and get him a snack. I’d spend the night with my daughter and son in law and grandson. On Tue I'd get another bus to near Copeen to visit my other daughter and two other grandchildren and spend Tuesday night with them. On Wednesday my husband would drive up to collect me. If there were little jobs needed done at my daughters he would do them. On Thursday I’d visit my neighbours. Go for coffee with my friend .play bridge. Friday .so my shopping, meet friends for coffee. On Sat I’d drive to Tipperary to visit a 92 year uncle. Bring him food .wash his hair. Change his bed have a chat etc. On Sunday go to mass, read the Sunday papers. Have dinner. Go for a walk or visit friends then the week started over again!! Now I'm cocooning all the days are the same. I have my breakfast in bed. Look at my phone play candy crush. Have learned how to do online shopping. Talk to friends on the phone. Sewing and my crochet projects keep my hands busy. Look at Facebook. Walk around the house. Talk to my nearest neighbour through the hedge. Because the weather has been so nice sit outside with my crochet listening to the radio or music. The highlight of our day is having video conversations with our grandchildren. My granddaughter had her 9th birthday we couldn't go but had a zoom party. We also have a zoom quiz with family which is great. Last night we had a zoom with my brothers and sisters. 7 of us, and were observing what our parents (long deceased) would make of this modern technology! I listen to Mass on the radio.

Q. 3 GROUPS

Young parents doing home schooling must find it difficult. Those working from home .Trying to walk within 2km radius. My age group feel we are in groundhog day, not knowing what day we have. Thinking when it is going to end, when are we going to be let out?

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

Jokes, funny stories on What’s App etc. Live video calls.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Very good neighbours. Local games clubs available to do shopping. The Post man very obliging taking our post to post it for us. The Government have been excellent. Dr Holohan is brilliant. Everyone is really scared of the virus.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

Wondering when it will be all over .what will the new normal be? I'm over 70 but I feel young and fairly healthy. I think of all the people who are way worse off than we are. Those who lost their jobs and have financial difficulties. Wondering when I'll see my Grandchildren again. I'm in a cocoon like state a lot of the time. Just going with the flow. And thinking we just have to wait it out.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

Not being able to see and hug the grandchildren. Coping with video links. Keeping myself busy crocheting .walking around the house. It's almost an institutional like daily routine!

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

Hard to know. ! Hopefully a cure can be found. The economy will be affected. Jobs affected. It certainly will be a year never to be forgotten.

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

It makes one think what life was, what it is now, what will it be Like in the future?

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

It teaches us that life is fragile. Every day we listen to the news and hear how many people have died. It teaches us that family and friends are important. It teaches us how good neighbours are and how willing people to help. It also teaches us that some people will disobey the rules. We think of all those who have died and their families who can’t mourn in the traditional way. We then think of the stupidity of the likes of Donald Trump.

age

70+

gender

Female

Relation

Pat, Co, Waterford [2]