Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Catherine, Outside Macroom

Contributor

Catherine

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

20 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

In the country, two miles from Macroom

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES

At first, I just thought it would stop me travelling to see my family. Then I realised that it wouldn't be possible to do all the social and fun things that I usually enjoy. Then came the fear for some of my relatives who have caught the virus. Next -- the lock-down ((I'm over seventy). Now I'm learning to use social media and hoping that it keeps working!

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

My daily routine hasn't changed much - except that I have to ask others to do my shopping. Luckily, There are kind people who are supplying anything I need. I live alone so nobody to argue with! But there have been lots of phone calls and texts... My family members (in England) are not yet very ill or have recovered thank the Lord! But that is my only big worry.

Q. 3 GROUPS

Some friends with Health problems (long standing) are VERY nervous right now. One who was waiting for an urgent eye operation is in despair because she is likely to go blind before she can be
seen...

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

Lots of conversation/text ends with "stay safe!" Or with plans to meet up "when this is over" but with uncertain tones of voice. Over Easter, there were lots of Whats App and Viber messages with cartoons taking a "funny" slant on the time.... Some a bit irreverent.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Since I'm at home and on my own, I have only had a few interactions with very kind neighbours, the postman, the Super Valu delivery person - just general friendly, helpful chats and OF COURSE delivery of the things I need.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

MY FAMILY, obviously - hoping they all survive this! The KINDNESS of so many people! And all the friends I want to see and places I want to visit "when this is over"...

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE


I HOPE it will make us take more care of our friends and neighbours and families. I HOPE we will appreciate ALL the people who work to keep our lives running smoothly, not just the Healthcare staff but everyone else .... It's been really eye-opening to realise how many people are KEY WORKERS!!! I THINK more of us will appreciate that life is a precious gift to be enjoyed if at all possible. I HOPE we can build a country that will cherish all our people!

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

It's all too overwhelming just now - maybe later I will be able to reflect on the time more clearly?

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

Life is precious - People are valuable - Try to value what we have.

age

70+

gender

Female