The Covid-19 pandemic may seem like a distant memory for many, but for individuals like Jessie Thompson, a 36-year-old mother of two in Chicago, the effects of the pandemic are still very much a part of daily life.
Thompson, a manager at United Airlines, has traded in her daily commute to the office for a hybrid work schedule, allowing her more time with her children and a deeper connection to her neighbors. While the pandemic may bring back negative memories, Thompson finds a bright spot of goodness in the changes it has brought to her life.
For others, like Melody Condon in Vancouver, Wash., the pandemic has led to a loss of trust in others. As an immunocompromised individual, Condon once believed that people would take small actions to keep her safe. However, encounters with those resistant to Covid testing and mask-wearing have shattered that trust.
Paris Dolfman of Roswell, Ga., experienced a mild Covid infection in 2022 that turned into a debilitating case of long Covid. Despite her struggles, Dolfman has found a new perspective on life, focusing on the smaller things and finding joy in simple moments.
Clint Newman of Albuquerque spent a year in isolation during the pandemic, leading to deep scars and a realization of the lasting effects on society. Newman now sees anger and unhappiness in the world around him, attributing much of it to the lockdowns.
Cindy Esch of Liberty Lake, Wash., has had to adjust to a different life after contracting Covid four years ago. Her case of long Covid has forced her and her husband to sell their home and make significant lifestyle changes to protect her health.
As the world moves forward from the pandemic, it is clear that for many, the effects will continue to shape daily life for years to come. The changes brought on by the pandemic have left a lasting impact, reshaping American life in ways both big and small.
