Quarantine Descripted: Windy's Story

​​My Days During Quarantine

At first, I wasn't so worried because I was going to be in my house with water and electricity, unlike my experience after Hurricane Maria where my main worry was ensuring my kids had enough food. After my first trip to the supermarket I thought, okay, I am ready. But, the days passed and I was running out of food. So I had to go out again during the peak of the pandemic. It is the most horrible sensation because I didn't want anyone near me or even looking at me for fear of getting infected. After wrapping up at the market, I got to my car and felt like I had battled a monster. 

​As I bathed in alcohol and disinfecting spray, the most disturbing thought came to mind: Did I get infected? I saw so many unprotected people during an event like this; that can be mortal. I felt that all my energies were left behind at the supermarket. ​It drains me to go out and to think that I can get sick and pass it on to my kids. 

But that is not the least of my worries, my husband is a Police Officer and is provided with very few protective equipment.

Puerto Rico, Photography by Abimael Linares

​He is exposed every day and disinfecting him and his work equipment is a protocol. As soon as he gets out of the car I fumigate him with disinfecting spray and alcohol. He takes his shoes off before entering the house and goes directly to the bathroom. While he takes a shower I disinfect all of his ​​work equipment. He spends his free time resting on the couch trying to recharge his energies ​before 

returning to work ​ for another week of 12-hour shifts. I know he is very exhausted, I can see it in his expression.

​Even though we follow protocol, there is always anguish and fear. Like so many, we only want this to end soon.

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​by Windy Galarza