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Question 1: What is your earliest memory of the COVID-19 virus arriving in the Niagara area? How did you initially feel? How do you feel now?
On February 26, 2020 my husband heard a news report on NPR as he was driving home from work in Buffalo which specified that families should consider preparing an emergency kit in case Covid took hold in the US. He was moved enough by the gravity of the report to suggest that we go to the store and gather supplies - that night. At that point, Covid seemed very far away - a distant reality unlikely to strike close to home. I texted a picture to my husband of my cart - mostly staple items and, in retrospect, not very many - stating that I felt ridiculous buying all this stuff, but that hand sanitized was already gone from the shelves. I remember asking the cashier if people were doing this - preparing - and she said that she hadn't seen too much of it. After that, life seemed like it would continue as normal, but by March 13th both of us were working from home, and then school was closed....and now, we're still in it. Still staying home, still sticking mostly to ourselves. We've stick pretty close to public health guidelines the whole time - no one has been in our house, we haven't been in anyone else's house, we order our groceries for curbside pickup. We've barely been in a store in over a year. We desperately miss family from out of province. We feel sad that our daughter has had to miss swimming lessons and skating lessons and gymnastics and playdates and birthday parties. We hope that the third wave will not be to bad. We look forward to a day when the vaccines have done their job and we can slowly loosen the reins and begin to live a more 'normal' life.
On February 26, 2020 my husband heard a news report on NPR as he was driving home from work in Buffalo which specified that families should consider preparing an emergency kit in case Covid took hold in the US. He was moved enough by the gravity of the report to suggest that we go to the store and gather supplies - that night. At that point, Covid seemed very far away - a distant reality unlikely to strike close to home. I texted a picture to my husband of my cart - mostly staple items and, in retrospect, not very many - stating that I felt ridiculous buying all this stuff, but that hand sanitized was already gone from the shelves. I remember asking the cashier if people were doing this - preparing - and she said that she hadn't seen too much of it. After that, life seemed like it would continue as normal, but by March 13th both of us were working from home, and then school was closed....and now, we're still in it. Still staying home, still sticking mostly to ourselves. We've stick pretty close to public health guidelines the whole time - no one has been in our house, we haven't been in anyone else's house, we order our groceries for curbside pickup. We've barely been in a store in over a year. We desperately miss family from out of province. We feel sad that our daughter has had to miss swimming lessons and skating lessons and gymnastics and playdates and birthday parties. We hope that the third wave will not be to bad. We look forward to a day when the vaccines have done their job and we can slowly loosen the reins and begin to live a more 'normal' life.
Question 2: How long did you expect the pandemic to last in those early months? What are your thoughts now?
A board member at my workplace indicated early in the pandemic that we should prepare for 6 months to 2 years. It seemed impossible to believe at that time, but I have always kept that timeline in the back of my mind, and I think hearing early on that it could be a 2 year ordeal has helped me to plan, have patience, and cope.
A board member at my workplace indicated early in the pandemic that we should prepare for 6 months to 2 years. It seemed impossible to believe at that time, but I have always kept that timeline in the back of my mind, and I think hearing early on that it could be a 2 year ordeal has helped me to plan, have patience, and cope.
Question 3: Twelve months in, what have been the most challenging aspects of the pandemic? What could have been done better?
The confusing and contradictory health messaging from the Ontario government has, above all, been the most frustrating part of the pandemic. Otherwise, missing family from out of Province.
The confusing and contradictory health messaging from the Ontario government has, above all, been the most frustrating part of the pandemic. Otherwise, missing family from out of Province.
Question 4: Silver linings - What positive experiences had you had that may not have happened without the time at home due to the pandemic - new hobbies, home renovations, new relationships, etc.?
We've really pulled together and tried to live each day to the fullest and appreciate what we have. We have spent a lot of time outside enjoying nature and have enjoyed extra time spent together.
We've really pulled together and tried to live each day to the fullest and appreciate what we have. We have spent a lot of time outside enjoying nature and have enjoyed extra time spent together.
Question 5: Have you had direct experience with COVID-19 either as a patient or a caregiver? Describe the experience while honouring confidentiality.
Thankfully, no. We have done our utmost to stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy and have not been closely impacted by Covid.
Thankfully, no. We have done our utmost to stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy and have not been closely impacted by Covid.
Question 6: Vaccination programs have begun. Will you get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity? Why or why not?
Yes, we will absolutely get the vaccine.
Yes, we will absolutely get the vaccine.
Question 7: What are your biggest concerns for the upcoming year?
Keeping our daughter healthy and happy and allowing her to enjoy her childhood while keeping her healthy.
Keeping our daughter healthy and happy and allowing her to enjoy her childhood while keeping her healthy.
Question 8: What are you most excited to do when the pandemic is formally over?
See my parents and my sister!
See my parents and my sister!
Creator
Jessica Pace
Spatial Coverage
Niagara Falls
Item sets
This item was submitted on April 2, 2021 by [anonymous user] using the form “1 Year Q&A” on the site “Documenting COVID-19 in Niagara”: https://exhibits.library.brocku.ca/s/COVID-Niagara
Click here to view the collected data.