Residents of Newnan, Georgia are Isolated, but Not Alone During COVID-19 Pandemic

by Alaina O’Regan

While coping with the many stresses of isolation, the people of Newnan, Georgia are united in finding relief through family, creativity, and outdoor time.

Delta Airlines employee Tammie Duncan, 47, has been working from home for the past two weeks.

“It’s hard, I feel disconnected,” she said. “It’s stressful when you know it’ll take a while to recover, and big decisions are being made about layoffs… the visibility part stresses you out in corporate America.”

Averi Still, 20, is also discontent being unable to go to work. After the restaurant she works at as a server closed last month, she felt overwhelmed in the midst of financial struggles.

“Having no job or stable income is a huge source of stress,” she said.

They both hope to return to work soon. However, Georgia is still weeks away from the worst of COVID-19’s impact, according to an article by GPB Radio News.

While Duncan misses going to work, she has enjoyed spending more time at home with her kids. The increase in family time is a common factor in alleviating the stress of isolation for many in the community, including Still. “I was away from my family at college for so long, and it’s nice spending time with everyone,” Still said.

But too much family time can also be stressful. “With my mom, sister, and I trapped in the house together every day, we’re all getting annoyed with each other,” said Cayla Philips, 19.

Philips said she alleviates this stress by playing video games and through creative outlets, such as painting.

“I’ve channeled a lot of my stress into creativity recently because I have more time to try new things,” she said.

Averi Still finds comfort in similar ways, and has enjoyed having time to finish all of the shows she’s watching on Netflix. She has also been spending time cooking, cleaning, and going for walks.

Tammie Duncan recommends that everyone “take advantage of the nice days” by getting outdoors, whether it be for a walk around the block, or playing a game outside with the kids. “Not staying completely cooped up gives me a little sanity,” she said.

“People are getting frustrated with having to stay at home. I’m grateful to them for doing this, it’s absolutely working, I want them to continue to do it,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in an interview with 11Alive on Friday.

While it is becoming increasingly difficult for many to remain in isolation, Averi Still would like to remind everyone that “this isn’t going to last forever”, and that “there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”