COVID-19
Views from Our Readers
The survey in our September/October 2020 issue about
the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected our
readers’ lives produced a wonderful response. People
want to talk about this period in time and how they
coped with it, what they learned from it, and how they believe
it will ultimately change their lives.
The good news is that most respondents were positive about
the situation and found a way to live with their new paradigm.
Interestingly, human contact such as handshaking and hugs
was what was missed the most.
People also missed traveling, dining out, movies, live
theatrical and other entertainment events, sporting events,
church and volunteering. However, virtually no one mentioned
that they missed shopping. Many respondents said not
traveling, not being able to go to work, losing their jobs and
having to apply for unemployment were some of the ways the
pandemic changed their lives dramatically.
As to how they felt about the quarantine and what they
would have done had they been in charge, the majority of
readers agreed with how it has been handled. There were some
who felt the restrictions and rules were totally unnecessary and
should never have been enforced, saying these should have
been personal decisions. They felt that if someone did not want
to go out, they could have stayed at home. Many respondents
mentioned being glad they were not in charge of the decision
of what to do.
Almost everyone mentioned some positive effect, such as
60 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
finding peace and calm, or relaxing with less stress. Others
gave attention to household tasks they didn’t have time to do
previously, and many homes have never been cleaner.
Readers used the time to learn, watch television, eat takeout
and to generally lead less stressful lives. It was not all bad,
and some side benefits of the quarantine were positive. Some
readers found that shopping on amazon.com was easy. Others
learned not to take anything for granted, that people can pivot
and do things differently than they always have. Some were
amazed at how easily some people gave up their personal
freedoms. They missed social contacts and hugs. To cope,
some prayed, some took long baths, some enjoyed “me” time
doing things they liked, some exercised, while others binged
on chocolate.
Overall, our readers found peace at home. They wondered if
what was done was right or wrong. They realized they were not
in control of their lives, that anything could happen, and that
there was no general agreement on the crisis and how it should
be handled. There were many views, but almost everyone was
optimistic that when the pandemic ends, their lives will return
to normal, although a few never plan to work at an office again,
and others envision continuing to wear face masks for safety
when they go out.
The consensus is that the pandemic has brought people
together in a positive way, as they help each other get through
this time in history.
/amazon.com
