Essential Workers Reflect on Pandemic Experiences – Both Hard & Hopeful

Before this year, chances are you might not have known what PPE stands for or the difference between quarantine and isolation. Things like “asymptomatic”, “social distancing”, and “flattening the curve” probably weren’t even in your vernacular. And if someone asked you who or what was considered “essential” in a global pandemic, you might’ve scratched your head. Now, as a tumultuous 2020 comes to a close, those who played – and continue to play – critical roles in healthcare and frontline news reflect on what it’s been like to keep the lights on in our darkest moments.

“The minds, hearts, and souls of so many of my colleagues have been affected by this COVID-19 virus,” begins Matthew James, a nurse practitioner, “and no college course, textbook, or amount of experience could have prepared us for what we encountered working on the frontlines of this pandemic.”

James has been working at testing sites all over the state, including local urgent cares and CVS Minute Clinics, and was one of the first staff assigned to the rapid testing site that opened at Twin River Casino in Lincoln. He takes vital signs and listens to lung sounds through car windows of symptomatic patients, a precaution to limit exposure time, but says it feels unnatural, a far cry from the nurturing manner of communication he is used to. Post-shift, he drives home feeling unsettled as he thinks of potentially exposing his fiancé and extended family to the virus. “Instinctively, I know that I am protected,” James explains, listing the detailed procedures he follows for using and removing PPE and washing his hands constantly. “But it doesn’t take away the anxiety, the fear, and the stress I feel at times – have I done enough?”

“The COVID fight is not yet over, but we are now more prepared for what may come,” adds James, who is proud of his part but knows public health extends beyond healthcare workers: “Until we have an approved vaccine, we all need to play an important role by wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping social distances.”

When we think about essential work, some professions come to mind quickly, like James’: nurses, doctors, EMTs, firefighters, police officers. But the truth is, according to the US Department of Homeland Security, the definition encompasses everything from energy and transportation to agriculture and childcare – any sector that is critical to daily operations, not all of which might be immediately obvious, like one very important but taken-for-granted service: news.

Breaking news coverage has been an integral part of 2020, not just when it comes to the virus, but in detailing this year’s civil unrest and contentious election. However, as we flip to a local news channel for daily midday press briefings and live updates, what about those on the other side of the screen?

“News is about sharing compelling and impactful stories, which traditionally are gathered in a personal, intimate face-to-face setting,” says Danielle Kennedy, reporter for local news station NBC 10 WJAR. “However, technology has been instrumental in connecting with people without jeopardizing someone’s health and safety.”

Before, Kennedy explains, she would travel with her photographer to scenes, making phone calls, sending emails, and updating social media along the way. Now, the pair travels separately, and Kennedy’s car has become her mobile office. She edits and writes remotely from a laptop. She relies on Zoom interviews, or socially distanced ones using an extension pole. She speaks passionately about the importance of local journalism during this time, but also the difficulties: “Covering news on a daily basis doesn’t make me immune to it,” says Kennedy, who has also struggled with the loss of loved ones and desire to “return to normal”.

But working in the field, there are also moments of hope. “I appreciate the strangers who stop me on the street to say ‘keep up the good work’ or ‘we love Channel 10’. Even a thumbs up from a neighbor as I get in my car to start my workday can brighten up my week,” says Kennedy. “There’s a lot of good in this world. And sometimes, it’s the power of positivity from a stranger that makes all the difference.”