My name is Christian Weisse, it is Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 at 2:00 am, and I have been in self-quarantine for the last three weeks. I am writing this from my bedroom in the early morning because I can’t sleep. I haven’t been able to sleep for the last few weeks due to my anxiety surrounding COVID-19. I stay up worrying: worrying about my mom, worrying about my dad, worrying about my family, worrying. The only other time I have experienced anxiety was during loss or trauma. Even though this pandemic has not caused physical loss to me directly, COVID-19 has created mental and spiritual decay, traumatic dreaming when I am able to sleep, and constant emotional distress. My mom is a nurse working in a local hospital. She has been in the field for over thirty years. There have been other health crises prior to COVID-19, but she has never seen anything like this before. My father is a police officer at a local college. Growing up, it was certainly difficult to see my parents go through their experiences as first responders. There were times when Christmas was with Nana and Papa because Mom and Dad had to work on Christmas Eve, times where Dad missed my concert for chorus because he needed to work overtime during a crisis, and times when Mom couldn’t get me off the bus because she was home sleeping after a 12-hour shift the night before. As a kid, I knew we had to make sacrifices so that my parents could save lives. As an adult, I never saw this coming. Every day, I see my parents leave for work as one person and return as someone different. This virus has mentally and emotionally drained my parents each day. Nothing is more difficult in this world then to see your parent’s stress and not be able to help them. I feel helpless. I feel empty. We are a family-centric house and faith-based as well. We need to get back into our routine as a family. We miss going to mass every Sunday. This week is Holy Week and we won’t be able to attend Easter services. This virus needs to leave. I need my parents back. I have always tended to be the pessimist in the room. However, this pandemic has taught me to be optimistic and to slow down in life. I am taking one day at a time. That is all I can handle at this moment and time. My new discovery of optimism has me conducting “The 5 Things Countdown.” To help me calm my anxiety and to stay positive each day, I tell myself 5 things I can see, 4 things I can feel, 3 things I can hear, 2 things I can smell, and 1 thing I can taste. I do this whenever I feel my anxiety rising. When my parents come home from work, I see my Mom, my Dad, my sister, my dog, and the couch. When my mom tells us about the stress of work, I feel the floor beneath my feet, me trying to slow down my breathing, the vibrations of laundry from across the hallway, and my scarf around my neck. When my parents leave for work, I hear the dog barking across the street, the birds chirping, and the newscasters on the television. When my parents talk about COVID-19, I smell the chicken my sister is roasting in the oven, and the candle in my room. Whenever I lay awake at night worrying about my family, I taste the mint from an icebreaker I had. This situation is local, state-wide, national, and across the globe. I can’t go out there and fight the virus myself to make my anxiety go away. However, I take each day at a time. I focus on the blessings I have that I take for granted. I am blessed to have both of my parents, alive, healthy, and around. I have a roof over my head and food to eat. I have schoolwork to focus my time and energy on. I have my sister to talk to. I have my dog for comfort. I have friends and family checking in. I have things to be grateful for. I just need to stop, breathe, use “The 5 Things Countdown,” and take one day at a time. To all of the first responders, healthcare professionals, and folks who are helping during this pandemic, thank you. They are the true superheroes and my Mom and Dad are my superheroes. UPDATE 4/21/2020- This past week has been one of heightened anxiety, stress, and emotion. My family learned that my mother was moved from the clinic side where her permanent job was and “deployed” to the hospital side. The hospital uses the term “deployed” and it carries multiple meanings. For my Mom, it symbolizes going off to war; no say, no choice, follow the order. For me, it creates a drastic increase in anxiety. She was told that they will put her in a COVID unit. Currently, we are still waiting to see if they will since she is on a clean unit for now. At first, she was going to self-isolate in our home so that she would not get my Dad sick, who is at high risk. However, we saw other households doing showers before leaving for work, and as soon as healthcare workers came home from work. We decided to try this before taking the drastic measure. I feel helpless and sad. I know my Mom is strong, smart, and capable of doing the job, but I worry each day about her. I can’t focus on my school work. I can’t focus on my laundry. I have never felt this much anxiety. “The 5 Things Countdown” is helping temporarily, but I just need this pandemic to be over. I see the anti-lockdown protests in Virginia, Michigan, and other states. It doesn’t sadden me...it pisses me off how people can be so arrogant, ignorant, and pathetic. They’re protesting for their right to get a haircut while my mother is being “deployed” to in-patient units and possibly a COVID unit?! I have some words for those people, not very nice words. However, I don’t want to give them the power of attention. Let them complain all they want. My Mom and my family are the epicenters of my world right now. I know this pandemic will be over eventually. I just have to keep my faith, continue to do “The 5 Things Countdown,” and try to focus on what I can control. My school work, my laundry, me.

Personally, I believe this article needs to be kept in the archival record due to the depth of pain, sadness, and loss of life highlighted in the article. One of my professors, who lived in Bergamo for a few years, keeps me posted with news articles and families’ stories constantly. This New York Times article shows how a copious amount of deaths in the city is published in the local newspapers. There are numerous pages dedicated to the obituaries of loved ones who died from COVID-19 related illnesses. When this article was written in late March, almost 2,000 deaths were reported in the city. This number seems low compared to the number of deaths we have currently in the United States. However, the city has a population of roughly 120,000 people. Compared to Massachusetts today, we have a population of 6.9 million people and a total of 4,000 deaths. Bergamo’s death rate, at the time this article was published, was 1.66%. Massachusetts’s death rate today is .05%. The city of Bergamo is small, but the intensity of COVID-19’s impact on the community is immense. Cities like Bergamo, Italy need to have their stories archived to keep the stories of loved ones, who died, alive.

Red hearts spray-painted on the sidewalk outside of a bakery to encourage guests to stand 6 feet apart when waiting in line.

This photograph was taken at an Amazon Warehouse facility in Concord, North Carolina. In this image you are seeing all employees waiting in line 6 feet apart as they are scanned by a thermo type scanner measuring your body temperature to make sure you do not have a fever. If you have a fever an alarm is set to go off. Once you have demonstrated you do not have a fever then you are given a mask so that you can work. April 28th, 2020 9:00 EST

A flag hangs outside someone's home celebrating the graduation of a student from McKinley High School. During the Covid-19 stay-at-home order, students will not be able to attend graduation or host large parties to celebrate their graduation. This flag is a creative way to recognize the graduate's accomplishments publicly.

The school system and education are one of the most important pillars of Burlington, MA’s core values. Its educators are dedicated to the success of their students. Thus, a “social-distancing” parade was created to go through the neighborhoods and greet current and former students. Even though remote learning is the new going to school, the educators wanted to show their support for the students and their families.

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This sign went up in front of my neighbor's house this morning. It expresses the anger the family feels about the current administration's failing response to the Covid-19 outbreak and the consequences it has had for their family.

On May 4th, 2020, a convoy of first-responders and the Boston Bruins came to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center to celebrate and thank the staff. This image was taken of one of my mothers' coworkers and family friend. Image of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center staff in Burlington, MA

This image shows how the city of Charlotte has cracked down on recreational areas. Previously, the nets on the rims had only been tied up. But people found a way to untie the nets and keep playing. This harsher action by the city shows how serious the measures are becoming to slow the spread. I took the picture.

This was an image I found on Facebook at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. This unit, 7 central, created signs to thank the staff at Lahey. Image of Signs at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA

A Letter I Wrote to the Class of 2020 (specifically high schoolers) who have missed out on senior year activities and traditions. Originated as a text.

On Cinco De Mayo, I decided to go to Chilis in Reading, MA to get takeout. However, I was shocked to see how many people were at Home Depot next-door. The parking lot was full and people were running around without masks. I was appalled.

Text

I got laid off back in March and have been missing the people, the conversations, and the sense of community on 3rd Ave in Burlington, MA.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Burlington Mall has remained empty. Around this time, shoppers would be gathering in the mall to purchase gifts, clothes, and more. The mall has been the epicenter of Burlington's economy since the 1960s.

Angelo Brocato Confectionary adjusts its pick up procedure during the COVID-19 stay at home order. Guests now order at the front door and pick up from the back door.

Short text

A meme describing customers crazily ordering food, stressing out employees at a part-time fast-food job.

The Jazz & Heritage Music Relief Fund is a statewide relief fund to support members of the Louisiana music performance community who have lost income amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This particular fund aims at providing financial assistance to Masking Mardi Gras Indian Groups/ Black Masking Indian Groups.

In a facebook post, trumpeter and bandleader Corey Henry mourns Leona "Chinee" Grandison, who passed away from COVID-19. Grandison was the owner of Candlelight Lounge and Henry credits her as giving him and his band their first start.

New Orleans trumpeter and bandleader Corey Henry announces live stream performance by his band Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet from Vaughan's Lounge during COVID-19 stay-at-home-order.

Meme

Students from many different colleges have filed lawsuits asking for refunds for tuition because of the switch to remote learning.

This was my first day of online classes, and I had a rough start. #cshsecon

Brass-A-Holics promote their upcoming live streaming concert at the House of Blues in New Orleans during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.

Brass-A-Holics announce the release of music video remix of Don’t Stand So Close To Me. The Facebook post reads: "The inspiration for this collaboration came from understanding the difficulty of our current situation. We want to help stimulate the awareness of social distancing in our daily lives. We salute those individuals on the front lines diligently working long hours to aid those directly and indirectly impacted. We’re encouraging people to social distance with our rendition of The Police 1980’s hit song " Don't stand so close to me" as a reminder to be safe, respect others, and to work together so that we lower the number of individuals effected and affected by COVID-19. There’s even a dance! We’ve partnered with friends from around the world to bring it YOU. The video features Julian Gosin and Winston Turner of the Brass-A-Holics. Trumpet -Julian Gosin Trombone - Winston Turner Music producer- Julian Gosin Music Mixer- Chris Finney Video Producer - Julian Gosin & Winston Turner Video Editor- Julian Gosin & Arie Bodden Check out “Don't stand so close to me" Remix" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uASgbSJNNd4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1HLIZXgQ-kWT94gsI-JpVUWcWLYE3qsVPpeS1DcVrACgNsD6XRGOlTC2A

Members of Brass-A-Holics, a staple New Orleans Brass Band, perform "I'll Fly Away" in honor of those who have passed during COVID-19. It is customary in New Orleans to celebrate the lives of those who have passed with a second line parade featuring brass music. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have passed and their loved ones are limited in how they can commemorate them. In a facebook post, Brass-A-Holics states: "We lost some people this week 🙏 who unfortunately can’t have a traditional funeral. The least we could do... is what we do!!!!!! Our hearts and our prayers go out to their families. . . . #traditionaljazz #neworleansstyle #neworleansculture #visitneworleans #neworleanstours #NewOrleans #Nola #community #advocates #socialjustice #musicians #culturebearers #goodvisitorguide ⁠#dauphinetalesphotography #trombone"

This image tells us what the owners of NoDa theatre think of covid-19

My week-by-week account (updated one month at a time) of life in quarantine in New Orleans

From NPR: "Relative to other states, Louisiana experienced an early spike in COVID-19 cases and on March 16, the city of New Orleans issued social distancing guidelines that advised against gatherings of more than 10 people. That included funerals. When a few names on the deceased list hit close to home, Brass-a-Holics bandleader Winston "Trombone" Turner felt they needed to be honored like they would have been, ordinarily — with music. So, in a moment when so many are offering what they can for the common good, Turner picked up his horn and called a few friends to record a performance of "I'll Fly Away" in City Park. It's a song played at almost every traditional New Orleans funeral that allows the congregation to celebrate the passing of a soul from one life to the next."

This image shows pediatric clinic workers taking temperatures for everyone before they enter the building.

French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) announces that plans to host French Quarter Festival in October are no longer moving forward. At the City’s direction and out of caution for the safety of fans, musicians, staff and partners, French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest 2020 have been canceled due to COVID-19. These events had previously been postponed to the fall of 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many New Orleans Musicians are out of work. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band partners with Spotify to raise funds to support 60 local musicians associated with the Preservation Hall Musical Collective. This Facebook post reads: "Help support Preservation Hall musicians with a MATCHED donation to the Preservation Hall Foundation. We are eternally grateful to our friends at Spotify, who have pledged to match contributions to support the 60 musicians of the Preservation Hall Musical Collective, dollar-for-dollar. Your donation or merch order from the new Foundation online store will have DOUBLE the impact on our efforts to provide financial support and resources to our beloved family of New Orleans musicians. Without these men and women, there is no Preservation Hall. Shop or donate to support the Fund at preshallfoundation.org/spotify-music-relief."

On Monday, April 27, WWOZ, a local radio station, streamed Piano Night From Our Homes to Yours via WWOZ's Facebook page, on our YouTube channel, and on WWOZ.org. The featured pianists captured their performances in their homes and sent them to WWOZ. Hosts, Cole and Missy, worked with the 'OZ video team to weave them together into one night of music. Piano Night is an annual benefit for WWOZ that takes place during Jazz Fest which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Covid-19 is making us all social distance. It would not be sanitary for us to all drink out of a water fountain.

Covid-19, this photo shows us that everyone has hope in our nurses and doctors in helping everyone get better Covid-19

This is a hand out designed to go along with face masks created by members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg Sewing Circle to be distributed to the public. The masks have been distributed in the community, to elder care facilities and children's homes to the local immigrant community and to the local homeless community. The handout outlines proper use and care of a face mask.

Describing a video about what is like in Saudi Arabia with Coronavirus Pandemic.

The Table at Season to Taste was a small but beloved restaurant in Cambridge, MA. Unfortunately, they announced that they will be closing due to the pandemic and sent an email to their customers and subscribers. It was a small restaurant that only sat around 20 people but it was perfect for a fancy, delicious night out. This restaurant is just one of the many business casualties that this pandemic has produced. #NortheasternJOTPY

A Story of my grandfather and his situation

Journal entries.

News about Large Scale Social Restrictions in Jakarta

This took place earlier this week as the Cares Act refunded college students a certain dollar amount based on the amount of class we missed due to Covid-19. This was was especially great for me as money is tight and this will be put to good use to pay off student loans starting in the fall. *Belmont Abbey (my college) Financial Aid

Biography

This is just a brief look into my personal adjustment to the COVID-19 quarantine and how it has affected my everyday life. I discuss what an average day looks like for me in light of the situation. I also highlight the challenges I have faced during this time, as well as the changes that have occurred in my life. #CSUS #HIST15H

My friends and I took a trip to Sedona for the day in order to celebrate senior year before the lockdowns and stay at home orders were issued #cshsecon

My friends and I took a day trip to Sedona before all lock downs and stay in place orders were set in place

Brad Matheson of Priority 1 Air Rescue shares his ideas on how to properly hoist and extract Covid-19 infected patients from hospitals, while keeping his crew safe from any possible harm.

Commentary and newspaper extracts regarding Murdoch press attacks on Victorian governments handling of COVID-19.