Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Colum, Enniskeane, Co. Cork

Contributor

Colum

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

Enniskeane, Co. Cork

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES

Having read about it from early stages, & kept abreast of what was emerging from Wuhan in China, alarm bells were ringing in my head. But, when I voiced my concern locally, I was mostly ridiculed. Unfortunately, my fears were well founded. Then, as the virus began spreading across Europe, it was inevitable that Ireland would be infected. Many people have been in denial of this becoming as serious as it now is. My family has been coping well. This presents an opportunity to catch up with all those jobs which have been put on the long finger.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

Our everyday routine has been more relaxed. Personally, I am inclined to go to bed later, get up later. I have more or less dispensed with the use of my watch. I now work according to the sun & weather. My work varies a lot. Usually my wife & I watch 10:30 mass on TV, which we greatly value. Then I do some office work, deal with correspondence etc. I usually do some writing, maybe music/song, or maybe an article of a local paper. If the weather is good (& we have been blessed with beautiful weather) I do some work on the farm or workshop. Fencing for cattle is a priority. I have been making a steel clothes line for my son in recent days. Repairing/preparing external walls for painting. We are witnessing a lot of deaths. It is absolutely terrible to see people dying, effectively in 'solitary confinement, with no family contact. Then, as if that wasn't bad enough, funerals are horrid, small brief affairs with limited numbers attending. Lots of weddings are being postponed, but at least there is hope for a big day at some point. Social media has been the saving grace in terms of people dealing with bereavements, cancelled events etc. At least friends can communicate, console, share troubles etc.

Q. 3 GROUPS

Generally, most elderly people are cocooning, but not too happy about it. I have noticed a certain settling down about it though as time goes on. I think those of us living in the open country are most fortunate to have plenty of space to walk work & exercise. I am staying at home most of the time with minimal social interaction, hence I have little or no observations to document.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

Some new buzz words include ‘Wash your hands’ ‘Stay at home’ Cocooning Self-isolating’ ‘Social distancing’ ‘Physical distancing’ ‘Flattening the curve’ ‘Herd immunity approach’, Everybody is hoping we return to normality shortly. I fear this will not happen for quite some time. Getting out the other end as people get complacent will lead to new infections. And, we really don't know how this virus behaves, or if immunity can be built up or not. Everybody keeps their social distance now. Funerals sometimes lead to people lining the streets / roads, or in the country, people standing respectfully at their lanes, homes, villages to show solidarity. Living without outside personal contact is really difficult. I try to make a number of phone calls every night. The absence of mass attendance is a huge deficit for us. However, an online streamed mass, in which we as a family participate, is wonderful.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Local shops offering a delivery service and/or help are important.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

When is this going to end? What do I do next? Isn't it grand to have plenty of time? Whose death will we hear of next? Will we be alright?

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

Heaven knows. Many things about society will never be the same. Many more are likely to be working from home. Many people will quit going to the pub! Countless people have learned how to use social media, such as Facebook.

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

I left filling this until the last minute; therefore, it’s a bit brief. This is a great idea. We need to capture the thoughts of people during this, for the benefit of future generations.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

It has relaxed me, more time, no deadlines, and no need for a watch! The sinister, silent, stealthily nature of this virus is quite frightening. Right now, we know too little about it, so that’s worrying. Care Homes & hospitals are particularly vulnerable. To me, the virus feels like a far off sniper, trying to get me in his sights, far off, but still a chance he might get me. This time is a great opportunity for creative people, writers, artists, craft people etc. Hopefully we will have a rich harvest built up.

age

51-69

gender

Male