The second series of diaries will come from two New York residents. Currently, New York has a population of approximately 19.5 million people with 178,000 confirmed cases and around 19,415 deaths due to Covid-19. As we continue to push through the pandemic, the number of those recovering will continue to rise. We were fortunate enough to have a Teacher who specializes in Special Education and a Physical Assistant (PA) who has worn many hats to assist in battling Covid-19 in New York City. Check out the diary entries below to see the real through their lense.
Anonymous Entry #1
Location: New York, New York
Quarantine Duration: 7 Weeks and counting
Occupation: Special Education Teacher
There are still people out, would you believe that? And no, it isn’t for essential travel. People in my community are really struggling with the stay at home order. The rims were taken off all basketball courts to limit the temptation of teens and young adults from being outside and ignoring the keep your 6 foot distance from another person. Even the exercise equipment that is in public parks, are still being used by several people even though there are large signs stating this area is closed because it isn’t being sanitized. Oh these times we live in.There are still so many people who don’t understand the significance social distancing. It is recommended to stay 6 feet away from another person while in public. I get it really!! , That it will take some adjusting to do deal with. When I went to Walmart and abiding by the store rules (approx 50 people in a store at a time, you must wear a mask or be denied entry, essential workers receiving priority entry with a valid ID) these are great, but ohhh social distancing still is a challenge for the public.
You know, if it is too crowded, I don’t want to be in a busy place whatsoever. The ultimatum I must ask myself is, “Will I want to wait? Is it worth it actually getting the things that I need?” Read that one more time…. “Is it worth me actually getting the things I need?” Oh these times! Tomorrow I need to go to the post office, it opens at 9 am. I need to be there at 7:30-8 am to try to beat the rush. The new normal is really taking a toll because there is no longer a “quick run.” It is now taking 2 hours!
Oh, and by the way, I am an Educator. Love what I do, talking 20+ years of commitment to educating our youth. But in this era of unexpected distance learning, we have a challenge like no other. With this being the only alternative, we are forced to adjust. There is constant training to try to help educate us with these amazing technological educational platforms, but that isn’t enough. Especially with the unique group of students I am teaching. Most students truly do miss being in school, there is something special about having physical interaction with learning. Those students who maybe didn’t take their studies seriously, are realizing how much assistance they truly need. Out of all the communication platforms, they enjoy options like zoom, because they can have visual contact. The students would love to be out and about, but that isn’t the reality.
I would tell someone who is struggling during this time, to stay in prayer, call loved ones , take on new hobbies, try new recipes, read new books, binge new series, exercise, and read the word.
Yes, It is a little confusing, because the numbers of recoveries are rising. But with this info it doesn’t mean that I can actually go out and resume my previous life of just being out and about for non-essential reasons. Today, I am clear that these times are truly bigger than me, so I choose to “Stay Home”!
Anonymous Entry #2
Location: New York, New York
Quarantine Duration: The quarantine started in early March however I have not felt the effects of quarantine unless I am at the grocery store because I work almost daily in two different hospitals.
Occupation: Physician Assistant (PA)
If you would’ve told me that 2020 was going to be like this, I would’ve tried to invent a time machine. Day by day the chaos continues and at this point, I feel numb to it. Almost to the point where I am maybe going through the motions. But I know that isn’t really the case because of my interaction and same emotional response I have knowing that another person has died in front of me. Patient after patient all pleading and praying for help. You know what hurts the most after the years of studying medicine and respiratory illnesses, when you know the patients put in intubation, have an 80% or higher chance that they will die.
On numerous occasions I’ve called their loved ones of choice on facetime to not only break the news, but for them to say their last goodbyes… Oh and the funerals? There are no traditional funerals. The way bodies were being complied, is another conversation. This could or is your loved one.
How have I and my other coworkers been able to stomach this? Through challenges and conflicts there have even been times in which management might have different ideas on how to handle a situation … but in the end, what continues to tick? Time. Almost like it’s time we just don’t have. I would love to sit here and tell you that everyday continues to be amazing and its perfectly fine, but it isn’t. You know, in February we had no idea that things would become this bad. Once March hit, Gov. Cuomo stated that all hospitals must turn into an ICU unit. Literally, transform any space we have, so imagine at our peak… the library, operating rooms, aesthesia care unit, etc. all turning into ICU units. A LIBRARY! Social distancing doesn’t exist in the hospital. 6 feet of distance where? We have a capacity of 500 beds with over 500 patients who need assistance. Did we have enough PPE (personal protective equipment)? No. I have to wear my surgical mask and gown for 24 hours. All of the patients I’ve attended to, we are all at risk. But what am I supposed to do? Damn if I do…damn if I don’t. But I love what I do and my coworkers and I are proud to be going through this together as a team.
No one has quit from the team I work with. The good thing is we are all in this together. Unfortunately, a team member on a different floor contracted Covid-19 and died in the hospital after servicing others. This man servicing for 20+ years lost his life. He isn’t the only one, there has been surgeons, nurses, and the list goes on. The healthcare workers who came of different parts of the US are great people, but the reality is the medical field is so vast. I’ve encountered people who specialize in cosmetic surgery and other fields besides respiratory illnesses. Thank you for being available to assist, but what do you really know about treating respiratory illnesses? There are different types of theories on what actually works to help patient’s treatment. There have been instances where a doctor or professional will ask me what the best way is to handle a specific situation. I’ve sometimes had to yell at other professionals for losing a patient due to lack of extensive knowledge in this field. If you ask me, are people being killed on purpose? Definitely not, but again the lack of time, preparedness, and knowledge has really played a major role.
Things are still fucked up but better. With what we have, we are making the best of it and happy that the number of recoveries is increasing to date. On a daily before the pandemic, people would die but not at this rate. Still from 750 a day to now 350 people dying is still 350 people (this is only my area). It is different looking at them, this could or probably is a family member or close friend of someone you may know. That is still the reality. I’m really frustrated that things weren’t prepared ahead of time. Wish regardless of who is in leadership, we could’ve been able to receive the proper equipment.
Thank you for the post on social media and other outlets, but I don’t want to feel like a Hero. If you want to appreciate us, send us the proper equipment necessary to prevent such a thing from happening again. It is sad that it took 2 months of this pandemic for essential workers to be appreciated. Your Healthcare, Sanitation workers, bus drivers, subway conductors and other essential workers. People please don’t believe this can’t happen to you. I literally have seen patients younger than me (I am in my late 20’s) so stay home! Go out only if of necessity. If you do go to the park or on a walk for fresh air, be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Please! I just don’t know what America will look like after this. It’s the little things we must start appreciating. Embrace life and don’t take it for granted.
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