By Chloe Nott

The world has changed. Priorities have shifted. Coronavirus has brought out some of the best and worst of humanity. With over 2.5 million confirmed cases worldwide and approximately 200,000 deaths, this virus has impacted so many. From its peculiar incubation period to the differing severity of symptoms, it seems no one is safe. 

For most people everyday life is not what it used to be. For some this may mean the small inconvenience of staying at home and social distancing. For others it means losing a job or a business. Then there are those risking their lives on the front line trying to help others. 

Everyone has a story. And everyone can have an impact. The only way to get through this is by working together and doing our part to help each other out. 

So what is life really like for the people you used to pass on the street? Everyone is struggling in one way or another. Would you risk their safety by not abiding social distancing rules? What are you willing to sacrifice for a stranger? 

Here is a collection of stories from people just like you. Here we tell what it’s like for them to stay at home, get groceries and worry about friends and family.

Gabrielle Anthony- Philadelphia, PA

How has COVID-19 affected you? 

I don’t know anyone that’s sick. My dad has breathing issues so it’s caused us to stay home indoors and I’m the only one who’s allowed to go food shopping. I was approved for unemployment but I haven’t received anything yet. And I’m still getting $1,200 from the stimulus bill. I’ve been on social media a lot more. 

Have you had any difficulty getting essentials such as groceries?

We’ve struggled to find any paper towels, toilet paper, meat products, and bread. But we’ve managed to get some canned foods, pasta, snacks, and fruit and veggies.

Amy Roser- Port Macquarie, Australia

How has COVID-19 affected you? 

Corona has affected my life due to studying full time on campus at CSU Port Macquarie. I am studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. I was living on res over there and I have now had to leave and move back home. I had to leave my job and soccer team over there. 

I am now full time studying online until we are allowed to move back to campus. They are hoping that we are able to move back in semester 2 (July) but everything is changing daily. 

What have you been doing in isolation?

While I have been isolating I have been pretty busy flat chat catching up on uni work and doing assessments.  

Have you had any difficulty getting essentials such as groceries?

I have had so much trouble buying essentials like hand sanitizers, of course toilet paper, pasta, hand towel, bread.

Linda Blair- Lake Placid, NY

How has COVID-19 affected you? 

I have worked at the Lake Placid Public Library for 44 years. I am an assistant librarian, a job I love. We are closed during this pandemic, so I miss being at work. I love working at the desk. Seeing and talking to patrons and visitors to Lake Placid who stop at the library. We even get people from all over the world. And, of course, I love books and reading. The job is perfect for me.

Have you had any difficulty getting essentials such as groceries?

I don’t have any trouble getting groceries as my children or a friend pick up what I need. But, today, with my mask on, I went to the grocery store for the first time in weeks. What a different experience from my usual shopping trips. My hope is that soon this crisis will end. My heart goes out to people who have suffered during this stressful time. Maybe, the good that will come out of this is that we need each other, We need to set aside differences and help in any way we can.