Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Trish, West Cork

Contributor

Trish

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

14 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

I am living in a cottage about 6km from Skibbereen. We are in a rural location sparsely populated and not far from the sea.

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES

I found myself feeling concerned in January as the situation unfolded in Wuhan. I wondered if we would be well enough prepared as I felt sure that it would come to us here in Europe. I was worried about travelling to London in late February. As we started to see cases increasing outside China and in Iran and Italy and on board cruise ships, I felt that our government and the UK government were not doing enough. I have two sisters’ nurses in England and my son lives there, so I was worried for them. It was a relief that in Ireland we started to prepare in March. However, this made me more anxious about what was happening in England.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

We run an airbnb, and a picture framing and photography business, which are all closed down right now. We are spending time doing gardening, work on the house, I am completing course work online for a course I am completing. I miss my family in England. We have cancelled two big family birthday celebrations. My sister has contracted Covid 19 but is recovering. I am used to working from home but really miss the everyday interaction with others, the chats, coffees, pints....

Q. 3 GROUPS

I think everyone is trying to make the best of things. We are all trying to help each other. Run errands, stay positive. We feel sorry for elderly people living alone and remotely. Everyone is grateful for the frontline workers. I miss the sea; we are close but it is over 2km so... we notice nature even more than usual.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

We Zoom. We whatsapp. Video calls are a lifeline to family and friends. Neighbours chat over the garden wall if they pass by. There are fewer cars and it feels safer to walk. When we use Zoom for work, we are conscious of our background. Nice bit of art or bookshelf behind you. We look into colleagues’ homes with a healthy interest. Have also been checking in on old friends much more.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

The community are all complying well; helping each other, there is kindness everywhere. Hope of an end to this but also unease and fear. We have lit candles and clapped for frontline workers. People are adapting and they are resilient.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

I worry about loved ones getting ill and our finances diminishing. I think that this may go on for many months. I think about the possibility that this may make the world wake up and change. I find myself watching too many news bulletins.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

I think that we realise that we are all connected and that our way of life is fragile. We are questioning the values that we place on our key workers and health professionals. People are questioning the system that places profit above all else.

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

This is a time of reflection for many. People are re-evaluating things. Lots of creativity.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

We will remember this strange time, the great lockdown for a long time. We sense this time in stasis will lead to the emergence of something new. But we are not sure what. We have been forced to look in the mirror and deal with uncomfortable truths. And yet, hope and kindness and courage are all around us too.

age

51-69

gender

Female