Robertson County

Shirley Pickens

Shirley P.

How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?

Because of COVID-19, I was not able to attend church for over 14 months.

Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?

I received the vaccine to be safe and to return to some sense of normalcy in my life. I also wanted to see my family and attend church again.
 

Gloria Moore

Gloria M.

How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?

I am a healthcare worker in the hospital but do not work directly with patients, and I have witnessed the drastic changes COVID-19 brought before us. We took advantage of being able to go into a hospital and visit patients, take care of our own needs and even work. Then it all came to a halt. We had to go in a certain door, wear a mask, not socialize with our colleagues, get temperature checks daily, eat in your department, clean hourly and the list goes on. At one point, we were given a letter in case we were stopped while driving saying we were in healthcare to allow us to be on the road.

I couldn't visit family and especially my mom since she was elderly and more at-risk to catching the virus. I, of course, was also at risk due to my occupation. I saw cases rise daily. Doctors, nurses and all the hospital staff looked fragile and scared, but we continued to do our jobs. In December, I tested positive for COVID-19 not long after Christmas along with eight other family members. Four days later, my mother died as a result of COVID-19. When it affects your family, time just seems to stop. As with so many families before mine, I felt their hurt. I just want everyone to do their part in keeping all of us protected and safe. COVID-19 doesn't just affect you.

Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?

My mother was my inspiration to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I did not want to expose others. As a high-risk individual, I wanted the vaccine! My entire family is vaccinated now because we love life and care about others. We are in this together.