Bellingham residents share stories of how life has changed during coronavirus pandemic
Residents in Whatcom County are now facing a new normal as Washington state deals with a stay-at-home order during the coronavirus pandemic.
The affects of social distancing are serious both physically and emotionally — from changed routines, to missing face-to-face time with loved ones, to the challenges of caregiving in a new world.
The Bellingham Herald asked readers to comment on how their daily lives have changed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
We’ve edited some of the best responses to provide insight on the challenges facing residents in Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Want to tell your story? Share your experience with us in the form at the bottom of this article.
Changes at work, having kids at home
Mariah, Bellingham: I now work from home which comes with all the challenges of setting up a home office equipped with a computer, monitors, a VoIP phone, and fast network. Added to that is the fact that my spouse now only works two days a week and we are facing unemployment. Added to all of that is that the schools are closed and now I also have to be my child’s full-time teacher. There was recently a death in my family and none of us are able to have a memorial since it is out of state. The list of things that are routine is much smaller than the list of things that are different at this point.
Marcy, Bellingham: I’m educating my 4- and 5-year-old children. I’m encouraging other parents with the sharing of educational tools and lesson plans via email and phone. Two of three of my children are special needs. Husband’s laid off. My focus as a mother is to be strong for my husband and children while collaborating with teachers in effort to continue educating my children. We’re staying positive!
Lori, Lynden: Homeschooling three kids now who have significant challenges (ASD, SPD, gifted), everything has changed for us really and self care is on the back burner, which is a recipe for disaster.
Corinne, Bellingham: Staying home, haven’t be able to go to work for two weeks now and probably won’t be for another couple weeks. Zero income coming.
Missing in-person social interaction
Vanessa, Bellingham: I bought ahead before the lockdown happened. The biggest changes in my daily routine are that I can’t interact with friends and loved ones in person. Maintaining contact online (for most of my friends), and calling my older friends to be sure they’re OK.
Karen, Bellingham: Before COVID-19, each of my days included at least one outing — to visit friends, attend an event, go to the physical therapist, get hair done, meet someone for coffee or a meal, etc. As someone who is more vulnerable, I now have spent every day at home with the exception of a short shopping trip.
Audrin, Bellingham: I used to go out to coffee shops to work or hang out, I’d be at the grocery store every other day, I’d go out for drinks, and I’d go for walks. I used public transit. I’m not doing any of those things anymore.
Jay, Bellingham: On voluntary self-isolation, only going out of house to take dogs to a secluded play area, or pick up essentials such as prescriptions. I believe I may have caught this virus approximately 4 -5 weeks ago with sudden very high fever (103+), chills, headaches, etc., but I was able to self-treat at home and recovered after a week or so ...
Missing time with family during COVID-19 pandemic
Margaret, Bellingham: We are staying in, not seeing our children and grandchildren, grocery shopping online, getting used to Facetime and Marco Polo. Hoping our daughter-in-law, a physician at St. Joe’s, stays safe and that she and all health care workers get sufficient PPE.
Lori, Philipsburg: I am no longer volunteering at the local thrift shop, we are not meeting with friends, or going out to eat, and not inviting relatives over.
Mark, Bellingham: No dog walking at the lake, no gym sessions, no breakfast at the diner, no book study meeting, no family dinners on Sunday, no work.
A major change in routines due to lockdown
Joan, Bellingham: Inability to have lunch out. Doing a lot more laundry. Meeting my clients via Zoom rather than in person. Calling our Senators, Representatives, Governor and Counsel Members regularly.
Larry, Maple Falls: We have have been practicing social distancing since mid February. Since then we have only gone to Bellingham a total of four times and been very thorough in disinfecting and cleaning.
Joe, Bellingham: Aside from breakfast, lunch and dinner, everything has changed. Hesitation before getting morning coffee, staying home a lot more, focusing more on keeping fresh mentally and overall just being cautious.
Carley, Ferndale: I only go out when absolutely necessary and I try very hard not to closely interact with those who aren’t in my family. When I go to the grocery store, I use gloves and I’m always very conscious of how close I am standing to others. I also have been going for long walks and exercising at home instead of working out with friends like I usually do.
Difficult time for elderly, caregivers
Kathie, Bellingham: Cancellations of Y classes. Cancellation of my husband’s “staying connected” dementia classes have interrupted our weekday schedule. Cancellation of all sports impacts him as well. He loves to watch ALL sports!! Of course this has impacted me, his caregiver in a negative way. I’m trying to keep his mind active!!
Joy, Bellingham: We are two over-70 year old adults. We are usually very active, involved people, but we are staying home for the duration, however long it will be. We are very thankful to have family and good friends in Bellingham. Instead of going to meetings, volunteering, playing cards, etc, we now work in the garden, watch a little TV, read, knit, take walks in the neighborhood, being ever mindful of keeping at least 6-10 feet away from anyone we meet and stop to talk with. We are cleaning the house more regularly, daily going over the areas we touch most often. We are making all of our meals instead of going out to eat occasionally. We are wearing gloves whenever we go out.