Listen to the feature at aired on Weekend Edition Saturday here:
I think we're just going to have to be prepared. Prepared for the worst and hope for the best. But, certainly prepare for the worst.
The Coronavirus pandemic has sent shock waves throughout Boston, as many locals have found themselves spiraling into anxious mental states, panic-buying toilet paper and watching the value of their 401ks plummet.
Back Bay resident Ellen Scannell just celebrated her 60th birthday, officially putting her in the "high risk" age-bracket for contracting a serious illness from COVID-19.
"Being in that susceptible age bracket is a little nerve-wracking because I just arrived there age wise and I was never in that age bracket before. So, I have to think of it completely different," Scannell said.
Scannell is planning on visiting her grandchildren in Florida this week and has been second guessing the idea of getting on an airplane. As of now, she has decided go through with flying down, but will remain hypervigilant about washing her hands and social distancing.
As many employers are ordering employees to work from home, Boston resident Natasha Raju has been spending her afternoons video-chatting into business meetings from the Boston Public Library. Raju works in marketing and these new arrangements have complicated public-facing work events. While it has been a challenge, Raju sees this as an opportunity for innovation.
"One of the things that we're really looking at is sort of a digital first strategy. Taking events and changing it to like virtual events or webinars or anything via video to give that kind of element...That has been really interesting to figure out how you pivot," Raju said.
Despite these new challenges, Raju has tried to remain optimistic about the situation and has been following current guidelines to prevent the virus' spread.
"I've just become a fanatic now about hand sanitizing...I think the worst thing a person can do is think that it's not going to affect them," Raju said.
Gerry Fitzpatrick of Glasgow, Scotland has been vacationing in Boston for the past week and is wondering if he will be able to return home.
"When I was looking to see whether to actually leave home and come here, everything seemed to be quiet in the states. Yet, within a few days of being here, it’s mushroomed," Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick was eager to have a true Boston tourist experience with visits to the Museum of Fine Arts and the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. However, following Mayor Walsh's cancellation of the parade and the closing of the MFA, Fitzpatrick has found his options limited.
"Usually I don't look forward to the end of a holiday, but if I'm going to be stuck anywhere indoors, I'd rather be stuck indoors at my own place where I've gotten my own books, television channels and general familiar bits and pieces rather than in a city I don't really know," Fitzpatrick said.
