The Downey Legend

4/22/20: “For me the quarantine has affected every aspect of my life; being stuck at home has forced me to have more responsibilities. I have to balance being a full time college student and keeping up with all the work that I’ve been assigned. It’s been a lot more stressful because my professors have been assigning a lot of work that makes it hard for me, especially since I have to also watch after my two younger siblings. One also has online courses and needs a lot of attention being in 1st grade. I have to help him with his assignments while also watching over my other brother who is only 2 years old; he requires a lot of attention. My mom’s hours have also changed at work and now that she works more hours; I’m basically the only one running the household. The thing is I also have to attend mandatory Zoom lectures and that’s also difficult because I can’t focus on my classes due to all my responsibilities. And I’ve been having to do a lot more around the house. I have a lot of chores such as picking up after my siblings and doing laundry [and] making meals. And it’s been taking a toll on me because I feel overwhelmed with everything going on, especially with my mom being on the front lines. She comes into contact with people with the virus daily so we have been taking extra precautions at home and sanitizing everything. A family friend recently passed away of covid and it was really scary for my family. It was scary for my family because this family friend lives only 5 mins. away from us.”

Covid Heaps Responsibilities Onto One College Student

Jocelyn Rosillo, Writer May 25, 2020

Lynwood, California, U.S. All photos provided by interviewees.  

4/26/2020: “ Well, what I do during my quarantine is embroidery, listen to music and play with my puppy. But what I tend to do daily is embroidery because it keeps me busy and it is relaxing. I also have to take time to do my class work and after I am done, I get to spend time chatting with my classmates. Finally, before I go to bed I get to watch Disney movies.”

5th Grade Nicaraguan Student Finds Peace In Embroidery

Natalie Ramirez, Photographer May 23, 2020

Managua, Nicaragua. All photos provided by interviewees. 

04/27/2020: “This topic about coronavirus is a bit alarming since it has spread worldwide.  While some people are worried and taking precautions, others have decided to stay calm and pretend that nothing is going on, as is the  case in Nicaragua.  Currently, the president of Nicaragua has been taking this very lightly. Our country is not on quarantine and everyone is still going to work as if nothing is happening. The only thing left for us to do is to take care of ourselves and to take our own measures for protection such as using masks, gloves and continually washing our hands. The government did not issue the safer at home ordinance for public schools so students are still going to school. However, in the private schools, parents have taken the initiative not to send their children to school and they are receiving their education online. Private companies have also taken measures to keep their clients safe.  Some companies have placed sinks outside their buildings, or have provided access to hand sanitizers. Some companies have also provided masks to their employees. The situation in our country is quite alarming because even when we might hear of one or two reported cases of COVID-19, it is not long before they are quickly discredited saying that they were false reports. The country is not displaying the true numbers of cases with COVID-19 to avoid panic in the country and doctors are not allowed to disclose that information publicly.”

Nicaragua Denies The Persistence Of Covid

Natalie Ramirez, Photographer May 23, 2020

Managua, Nicaragua. All photos provided by interviewees.

Downey resident Andrew Esparza shares how Covid-19 hindered his career plans.

Covid Hinders Career Plans

Arely Macedo, Photographer May 22, 2020

04/26/20: “I was in and out of the hospital from the end of March to beginning of April. I had two brain surgeries during this time. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, my family was not able to visit me at all. I wasnt able to have any visitors whatsoever; this made it very lonely. The only people I was able to see physically were the nurses and doctors”

Local Woman Undergoes Brain Surgery Amid Covid-19

Katherine Portillo, Photographer May 21, 2020

Downey, California, U.S. All photos provided by interviewees.

New Jersey And Covid-19

Yasmine Jreisat, Podcaster May 20, 2020

Gardening In Quarantine

Yasmine Jreisat, Podcaster May 20, 2020

Covid Cancels Cheer

Loren Sapiter, Videographer May 19, 2020

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