We are coming soon to a momentous anniversary in mid-March— when the coronavirus pandemic upended our lives.
On March 10, 2020, Gov. Charlie Baker enacted a state of emergency when 92 cases of the coronavirus had been diagnosed.
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 28,065,327 cases and 501,181 deaths nationwide.
In our state, the number of deaths so far is 15,624. Among them are people near and dear to those living in Franklin County and North Quabbin.
The pandemic has changed the way we live — wearing masks, keeping 6 feet away and taking other safety precautions — and work. Small businesses have suffered. Youths’ educational experience has been disrupted. Many people, especially the elderly, have chosen to be isolated in their homes.
So much has moved online from government meetings to one-on-ones with family members. Drive-thrus have become the norm. So many annual events such as the Franklin County Fair were canceled.
In the midst of this, we have those community-minded organizations, local governments and people doing their best to help those in need. And keep in mind frontline workers and first responders.
Testing sites finally became more available. And now people of certain age groups and health conditions can get vaccinated although supplies and opportunities are limited.
Yes, it has been a remarkable year.
From March 15 to March 20, the Recorder will be running a series of stories with photos about how COVID-19 has impacted our lives on a variety of topics. This is a team effort.
We invite our readers to be a part of this series by submitting a My Turn or Letter to the Editor on how COVID-19 has impacted your lives. It could be an observation or experience, whatever you would like to share.
The word count still applies: 750 for a My Turn and 300 for a Letter. Please include the community where you live. No anonymous submissions.
Email is the preferable route: letters@recorder.com. Put COVID in the subject line. We will accept mailed submissions (Letters, Greenfield Recorder, 14 Hope St., 01302-1367) but they may take a while as someone will have to type them into the system.
And in the meantime, please stay safe.