What is your experience being quarantined?

What’s your experience being quarantined?

My name is Jessica and I am a Mexican-American woman who has a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and follows all the rules by staying in and doing my daily routine via online. This virus has impacted the world tremendously by having to isolate from one another. COVID-19 has impacted the education system in all grade levels to prevent it from spreading. Kids, teenagers, and adults are having to attend classes or do assignments virtually. I normally attend the San Diego Brain Injury Walk for Thought since my accident; however, I did not go this year due to COVID-19. I had to cancel lunch dates due to this outbreak, which I had planned prior to this pandemic. It is hard to avoid large crowds as much as possible.

My transportation is the MTS so I have not ridden the bus or the trolley since this started. I had a very important appointment which I had to cancel due to the COVID-19. My gym closed immediately so I have not been getting my exercise; however, they are offering accessibility to my workouts, virtually. I am also running long distances; however, it is just not the same. I don't have the right equipment at home or the space but am making the best of it. COVID-19 has negatively impacted my daily exercise routine. I see more people riding their bikes, walking, and running for exercise.

I am trying so hard to keep a schedule going. I have to go running for exercise and I feel like that helps me. It is sad. That is the only thing that is keeping me sane at this point. I look forward to that each day. I see that my family is all getting tired of having to stay indoors. We humans are social animals and have to interact and socialize with each other. I am beginning to take naps during the day. I am getting bored! I am so glad that I am a student and I have something to do.

Easter 2020 was celebrated indoors for many families. In the stores, it is impossible to get certain items without being in line for longer amounts of time than we were used to. A friend of mine went online via Instagram and announced that she and her friends wanted to support the community. In her Instagram story, she posted that this is for the kids and she knows many families are struggling financially. She and her friends made Easter baskets and dropped them off at people’s doors. This was done using social distance, gloves, and cloth face coverings to avoid health circumstances.

Stores have recently installed Plexiglass shields at every cash register to separate the cash register employees from the customers due to COVID-19. Precautions have been added for customers to protect employees. Things have definitely escalated as to where we are obligated to wear face masks or we are not allowed to shop. When in line at a store that is open, they have signs saying to keep a 6 feet distance from one another. Social distance is a very important rule to follow to prevent this virus.

A family member of mine just passed away in Mexico and we are in San Diego quarantined. He did not die from COVID-19. We can't travel to Mexico for his funeral. We can't even hold gatherings at my house. My family is really sad and it is really hard to express our feelings. We usually have a large number of people grieving with us but not this time.

My supervisor’s fiancé passed away due to COVID-19. He was putting together computers to help test and aid in the fight for COVID-19. My supervisor is remembering him by posting Facebook statuses and having people that knew him share memories and pictures. Even apart, we’re in this together. Rest in Peace mi tio Pedro and Jafari. We have lost many people so it is not a joke.

My sister is currently dealing with custody issues of her daughters. The courts are closed until further notice. They remain open for emergency hearings. This pandemic has delayed and even has made certain adjustments to where the girls can’t come to San Diego this time around, due to the pandemic. It is not safe to travel during these circumstances. This is not fair and we will never get this time back.

I am a social butterfly and love to socialize with other people. An important thing to remember is that you are not stuck at home, you are safe at home. Now, more than ever it is about relationships and making them stronger with loved ones. We all have the same 24 hours in a day to do things and learn all we can. COVID-19 has changed everything in our lives; however, we have to adjust and keep following our dreams. Staying home will slow the spread of COVID-19 and will save lives.