Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Anna, Cork

Contributor

Anna

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

10 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Near the city centre (Cork)

USUAL LOCATION

Home has been out in the country in cork, only in the last few years have moved into city centre

Q. 1 STAGES

Early on starting to hear abroad what was happening but not contemplated impact at that stage, quick move into isolation and at the point about adjusting, keeping updated with key information about it, checking in especially with what was happening in different countries, especially where family were living. Trying to keep a balance by taking in enough information to be informed but keeping a sense of balance and perspective by what I can control, and not getting too caught up in the frenzy, fear, of what can't be controlled. Daily balance here.....not easy viewing when we are starting to see that mass graves in new york,,,and high numbers of deaths in other countries.....

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

Everyday life has changed to a different rhythm and flow, on the one hand a lot more online connection, a bit frenetic at the start as we all adjusted to connection through this medium, and some new learning to connect in different ways with colleagues, family, and friends; and in person has slowed down to a lovely rhythm as I walk out in the local area, with my dog, that is a lot quieter, noticing nature around (a gorgeous seal in the river, very playful, and showing up most days) , a take away coffee and a talk with other locals that are checking in with each other (in between their different work, and life at home) and talking about how they are adjusting and keeping sane in these changing circumstances. Along the river and down to the local port is a must to see the boats and to see what is being brought in today....saw the salt being taking off the boats, amazing what we miss when life is busier....a lot of gorgeous wildlife....as it is quieter a chance to hear the birds and their chatter, herons flying over the water looking for a quiet spot......Several birthdays celebrated with family around and other family joining in with Skype calls, phone calls, zoom calls....all ways to keep connected (this is not different as family is spread around the world, so this is familiar routine and ritual).......

Q. 3 GROUPS

A lot of contact with the frontline healthcare workers, nurses, psychologists, doctors, occupational therapists, counsellors etc. who are putting a lot on the line to protect and keep us well....all trying to keep a balance and routine, to do what they can do and draw on their own coping and resilience in very challenging times. Incredible pulling together and sense of community here, great community spirit felt and helping in these times - wonderful to see this at all levels, a reminder of what is important.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

No Response

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Love to see the creativity in how different people are overcoming barriers, or finding different paths to continue to connect, keep businesses alive, or help out in various ways; a lot of community collaboration in many different ways that I have witnessed locally, and also see on the news, and hear from family and friends....deliveries being shared.....changing to take-out rather than sit in, and keep some of the business going, postal workers as a point of contact, people volunteering in all different ways to help neighbours, help charity organisations, local guard doing deliveries and checking in with people living on their own.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

A busy time online working, often at this time of year a bit of a hibernation as I am correcting a lot so a lot of my focus turned to this.......my own thinking in between this is turned to keeping a balance and aware of not getting too preoccupied with what I can’t control, in order to do this I keep focus on going for a walk, taking a virtual tour now and again of the gorgeous museums, listen to some lovely music, I am amazed at some of the choirs that are using zoom to keep connected and have shared some lovely music with the general public.....connecting with family and friends....

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

It has brought out the best in communities who are collaborating together, caring and connecting with each other...I hope this will continue and that we can find a way to balance an economic recovery but one that is helpful for all in society. Creativity, thinking outside the box, making use of online tools, all which help solve, connect, and keep us working and connecting may bring in new strategies for the future - online working which may give families a bit more flexibility may be more allowed......

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

Thank you, an interesting process, to engage with

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

Keep connected, creative, sense of balance, playfulness and a sense of humour - for me a must, informed but not overloaded - don't overdose on social media, you will know if you begin to much rumination (or what I call the spin cycle) or fear is taking over (at that point need to physically find ways to ground yourself or calm the anxiety - meditation, a walk, nature, music), create a flow and daily rhythm - important to have some control over your day.....

age

51-69

gender

Female