Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Gary, Michigan, USA

Contributor

Gary

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

America; Michigan; Georgia; 2020s:

Date

14 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Kalkaska, Michigan, USA

USUAL LOCATION

Marietta, Georgia, USA

Q. 1 STAGES

At first, just aware that there was a virus but that it was isolated in China. Then heard about it spreading to S. Korea, Italy and Iran. After that the first cases were being reported in the US and realized it was something very serious.
When they started talking about closing college campuses for the remainder of the year, I initially thought that it was an over-reaction. However, a couple of days later it was obvious that this was spreading rapidly and we needed to take drastic action quickly. This was probably first week of March.
About that same time, we learned about the symptoms and it occurred to us that we likely had this the last week of Feb as both my wife and I experienced what we thought was a flu illness about that time. Since there isn't an antibody test, we have no way to know.
Because it appeared that the country could go into lock down for weeks or possibly months, we packed up and went from GA to MI as we spend the summers in Michigan.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

I generally work from home anyway, so there has been no immediate impact on my lifestyle other than the restrictions on seeing other family and friends. It has prevented celebration of St Patrick's day and the weekly Irish Trad music sessions I attend.

Q. 3 GROUPS

Older people generally are taking more precautions. People with at risk individuals in their households are taking precautions not to bring the illness home with them.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

Social distancing is a new phrase. People refer to 'after this is over'

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

People are starting to wear masks out as well as gloves when they are shopping. You are now a minority if you are not wearing a mask.
Stores are enforcing the 6 foot separation and have created lanes to keep people flowing in the same direction as well as separated.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

I have a number of hobbies, so am constantly thinking of those activities and my ability to get the supplies I need during this time of crisis.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

Hopefully, it has made us appreciate our friends and family more. Made people realize that there is more to life than just going to work every day.
It also has the potential to separate us more along the already wide gap in worldview. In other words, our society today lives in multiple different information bubbles that affect how we view events (right wing v’s liberals). The narratives that each of these groups is hearing is very different. However, in some ways the truth of the virus is universal and may help to expose the pandering on both sides.

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

The use of technology to connect with distant people. We've had video conferences with people from all over to replace the gatherings we would normally have attended.
Great idea to capture this.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

For me personally, it has had little substantial impact. I'm fortunate that I have a place to be and my financial situation is such that I'm not affected by the loss of a job.
However, I'm very concerned that our social safety net(s) are weak. That most people who are living pay-check to pay-check will be severely affected by this and it will create a lot of hardship and suffering for the remainder of this year and next.

age

51-69

gender

Male