Item
Chase Auguston Oral History, 2020/12/09
Media
Title (Dublin Core)
Chase Auguston Oral History, 2020/12/09
Description (Dublin Core)
C19OH
Recording Date (Dublin Core)
Creator (Dublin Core)
Controlled Vocabulary (Dublin Core)
Curator's Tags (Omeka Classic)
Collecting Institution (Bibliographic Ontology)
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Curatorial Notes (Dublin Core)
Date Submitted (Dublin Core)
12/01/2021
Date Modified (Dublin Core)
05/09/2022
06/21/2022
06/22/2023
06/26/2023
Date Created (Dublin Core)
11/12/2020
Interviewer (Bibliographic Ontology)
Kaitlin Rikala
Interviewee (Bibliographic Ontology)
Chase Augustson
Location (Omeka Classic)
54729
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
United States of America
Format (Dublin Core)
Video
Duration (Omeka Classic)
00:40:40
abstract (Bibliographic Ontology)
Chase Augustson was born in Michigan and raised in both Michigan and Wisconsin. He is an essential worker at a FedEx shipment facility in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Chase currently resides in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. In this interview Chase shares his experience working as an essential worker during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also answers questions about how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted his community, his health, and the government. Chase discusses details about his own experience contracting and recovering from the Corona Virus; he talks about how his diagnosis impacted the views of his family. Chase shares his thoughts on how the Covid-19 pandemic has been handled by individuals and governmental leaders, and how his own thoughts about the Covid-19 pandemic have changed over time. Chase reflects on mental health, physical health, the economy, media and the actions of the government in this interview.
Transcription (Omeka Classic)
Kaitlin Rikala 00:04
Okay, hi. So, today is November 12th, 2020. The time is 1:41pm. So, the current statistics for the number of confirmed cases and deaths for COVID-19 in the United States are as follows. So, the total cases in the United States right now are at 10,170,846. The total deaths confirmed in the United States from Coronavirus are 239,590. So those statistics for Wisconsin now, the total cases in Wisconsin are 301,000 confirmed and 2,562 total deaths have been confirmed. So now we will move it over to you. Can you tell me your name? And do you mind sharing your demographic information such as your race, your age and your gender?
Chase Auguston 00:54
I am Chase Augustson. I am Caucasian and male. And 21.
Kaitlin Rikala 01:03
21?
Chase Auguston 01:04
Yep.
Kaitlin Rikala 01:05
Okay. Perfect. What are the primary things you do on a day to day basis, for example, your job or your preferred activities?
Chase Auguston 01:13
I just work at FedEx and usually just work out or take a walk.
Kaitlin Rikala 01:22
And have your job and those activities like walking around the neighborhood, and things like that, have those been impacted by COVID-19 at all?
Chase Auguston 01:33
Yeah, just at work. We have to wear a mask and stay six feet apart.
Kaitlin Rikala 01:38
And has anybody had issues doing that at your work as far as you know?
Chase Auguston 01:42
I'm sorry. Can you repeat that?
Kaitlin Rikala 01:45
Yeah. Has anybody at your work or your job had any issues maintaining the Coronavirus standards, like wearing a mask or social distancing?
Chase Auguston 01:58
No, not that I'm aware of.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:03
Okay. Where do you live? And what is it like to live there?
Chase Auguston 02:05
I live in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. And it's pretty quiet. It's not that big of a city.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:14
Okay. When you first learned about the Coronavirus, what were your thoughts about it?
Chase Auguston 02:20
I didn't really know what to think about it. I just thought it was, I don’t know, not that serious or it would ever affect me.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:30
Do you remember when you first learned about it?
Chase Auguston 02:34
Somewhere in March--around that time.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:38
Okay. And did you find out by the news or on social media? or How did you get that information?
Chase Auguston 02:45
Social media.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:46
Social media? Okay. And what have--what has changed with your thoughts since learning about the Coronavirus in March? So, from March to now in November? How has your thinking changed over time?
Chase Auguston 03:02
I definitely take it more seriously and try to stay away from social interactions.
Kaitlin Rikala 03:10
And when did that shift start for you? When did you start to take it more seriously, rather than thinking oh, this is just--this might just go away?
Chase Auguston 03:17
Probably once Wisconsin got it’s like first couple of cases.
Kaitlin Rikala 03:24
Okay, and how was that first lockdown for you?
Chase Auguston 03:29
It was pretty quiet. I didn't really do much. But I took it good.
Kaitlin Rikala 03:39
Okay, so the next question I have for you is what issues have most concerned you about the Covid-19 pandemic? Whether that be small local things or just on a larger level?
Chase Auguston 03:50
Just the death rates? I don’t know, probably that's the main thing.
Kaitlin Rikala 04:00
That's definitely understandable. So, I know that you said you work at FedEx. Has COVID-19 affected your job in any ways other than social distancing or wearing masks or anything like that, like have any new policies been implemented as far as giving people time off if they do get sick or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 04:19
Yeah, people definitely when they're sick. They're supposed to take two weeks to quarantine themselves. And I think that's the only thing really, sorry.
Kaitlin Rikala 04:32
No problem. Do they have a way to make sure everybody who takes leave for Coronavirus gets paid?
Chase Auguston 04:40
Oh, yes, they do only if you test positive.
Kaitlin Rikala 04:44
And you have to send them those confirmation details as far as being tested positive for Covid-19?
Chase Auguston 04:50
Yeah, you do.
Kaitlin Rikala 04:52
Okay. And is there anything else that your job has changed, or is that pretty much it?
Chase Auguston 04:56
No. That's pretty much it except for like the daily temperature checks and social distancing.
Kaitlin Rikala 05:06
Now, when those were implemented, how did that make you feel? Or how did that change your mind state at work?
Chase Auguston 05:15
I took it well because I thought it was a good idea to keep everyone safe and trying to avoid all those situations.
Kaitlin Rikala 05:24
Definitely understandable. Well, what concerns do you have about the effects of COVID-19 on the economy more broadly, just in the United States or even globally?
Chase Auguston 05:37
I definitely think it will harm it, but it's good to keep everyone away from each other while this is going on, considering the death rate that is present today.
Kaitlin Rikala 05:50
And has COVID-19 changed our employment status in any ways? Like have your hours been cut or maybe increased or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 05:59
No, they haven’t been cut at all.
Kaitlin Rikala 06:05
And going off of that has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the employment of people that you know and if it has in what ways?
Chase Auguston 06:15
Probably just if you're sick, then you have to take that time off and if you take it off and you test negative you don't get paid so I guess that was the one big thing.
Kaitlin Rikala 06:29
And do you know anybody personally that that's happened to?
Chase Auguston 06:32
Myself.
Kaitlin Rikala 06:34
Yourself. And how did that go for you?
Chase Auguston 06:37
It went well, I got paid for it because I was sick, but that was pretty much how that went.
Kaitlin Rikala 06:44
Okay, and can you tell me what your experience was like with the Coronavirus? The symptoms, how you felt when you were diagnosed with the Coronavirus; just take me through that whole process.
Chase Auguston 06:58
Pretty much felt like the flu. And, I don’t know, I decided to take some time off of work and, I don’t know, I was puking a lot.
Kaitlin Rikala 07:13
What other symptoms did you have?
Chase Auguston 07:16
Like I had a fever, my temperature definitely was up pretty high. I couldn't taste or smell for a little while. That's kind of coming back.
Kaitlin Rikala 07:29
And when were you diagnosed with the coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 07:33
I think some time during May.
Kaitlin Rikala 07:39
And how long would you say it took you from the first symptoms on to recover?
Chase Auguston 07:45
I mean, I just lost the symptoms of losing the taste and smell. Those kind of came back just like recently, like a couple weeks ago.
Kaitlin Rikala 07:56
Okay, so it's even been a few months to completely recover.
Chase Auguston 08:01
Yeah.
Kaitlin Rikala 08:03
Okay. Well, thank you for sharing that. Let's go on to the next questions here. So how are you managing day to day activities in your household with the pandemic going on as far as grocery shopping and things like that?
Chase Auguston 08:19
When I go grocery shopping, I just try to keep away from people always wear a mask. My home life hasn't really changed because of it just because I just watch TV when I'm at home or take the dog on a walk.
Kaitlin Rikala 08:37
That kind of leads into the other question I had is how it's been affecting you and your family's day to day activities, seeing family and maybe not as much if they have a scare or something like that. Have you experienced anything like that at all?
Chase Auguston 08:51
Yeah, definitely. When I had COVID I was trying to keep away from everyone.
Kaitlin Rikala 08:57
And how did that make you feel?
Chase Auguston 09:02
I was glad to be away from them knowing that they wouldn't get sick from me. But it kind of sucked not seeing them.
Kaitlin Rikala 09:12
Is anybody in your family particularly susceptible that you wouldn’t want to expose? Maybe they're older or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 09:20
Oh, yeah, definitely. My mom, just because she’s kind of a little bit older.
Kaitlin Rikala 09:25
Right. And were you scared of potentially transmitting the virus to her at all?
Chase Auguston 09:31
Yeah, for sure.
Kaitlin Rikala 09:34
And what was it like after you recovered, and you were able to see your family and everything like that?
Chase Auguston 09:40
It was nice. I still tried to keep away from them just a little bit just to make sure that they wouldn’t to come into contact with it.
Kaitlin Rikala 09:54
Okay, well, how has the COVID-19 outbreak affected how you associate and communicate with friends and family?
Chase Auguston 10:03
Definitely just trying to keep away from friends. And just while everything's going on, especially because I know a few that had got COVID.
Kaitlin Rikala 10:14
Yeah, and have you noticed any shift in the people that you know, maybe your friends who are closer to your own age? Maybe they had a similar stance to you where they didn't maybe take it seriously, but now they are or maybe they think it's a hoax or anything like that? Do you have any thoughts on what your friends have been like during this whole pandemic?
Chase Auguston 10:34
I don’t have any friends that think it's a hoax, but I have a few that definitely don't take it as serious as they should.
Kaitlin Rikala 10:43
Okay, can you give me a couple of examples of how they're not taking it as seriously as they maybe should be?
Chase Auguston 10:49
Just going out whenever they feel like or just, I don’t know, going to places that aren't a necessity.
Kaitlin Rikala 10:59
And have you tried to talk to them about it at all? Or is it maybe a touchy subject where you don't want to step on their toes and tell them what they should be doing?
Chase Auguston 11:08
Yeah, I try to talk to them a little bit about it, but I don't try to be a nag about it, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 11:21
So, what have you, your family and friends done for recreation during COVID-19? Feel free to include details about the shows you been enjoying any games you've been playing, books, you've been enjoying? Pretty much anything like that. You can give me all the details about that.
Chase Auguston 11:38
Probably just either reading or watching TV is the main part of it. Just trying to stay outside--or stay from going outside.
Kaitlin Rikala 11:50
And are there any particular shows or anything like that, that you and your family have been enjoying?
Chase Auguston 11:57
Billy on the street.
Kaitlin Rikala 11:59
Oh. Can you tell me about that show?
Chase Auguston 12:02
It's Billy Eichner running around New York and yelling at people.
Kaitlin Rikala 12:08
Okay. And yes, I believe I've heard of that show as well. So, I believe that they may have an issue filming that show on the streets of New York due to the pandemic. Does that make you feel sad or anything like that that something that you enjoy has also been impacted by the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 12:27
Yeah, a little sad. But, I don't I'm Billy to get harmed.
Kaitlin Rikala 12:31
Definitely understandable. Well, that goes into media and everything like that with a lot of movies and shows and things like that have been halting filming altogether due to the Coronavirus. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Chase Auguston 12:47
I'm just glad everyone's staying away. But yeah, it is a little sad to not have those shows going on and everything like that.
Kaitlin Rikala 12:58
Right. Is, there any shows that you typically look forward to or entertainment of any kind that you usually look forward to? Maybe around this time of year but it's just not happening because of the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 13:11
Not particularly.
Kaitlin Rikala 13:12
Oh. So, how has the COVID-19 outbreak affected your community?
Chase Auguston 13:25
I think in Chippewa, like people are still going out to bars. People are still not wearing masks. So, I don’t know, I feel like most people here don't take it as serious.
Kaitlin Rikala 13:40
What are your thoughts on that?
Chase Auguston 13:42
I don't think it's a smart idea.
Kaitlin Rikala 13:45
Can you elaborate on that and tell me why?
Chase Auguston 13:50
Just because it can cause the spread and, I don’t know, just not a good idea in general to be going around when people are getting sick.
Kaitlin Rikala 14:05
Right and when you maybe go out to get groceries or anything like that. Do you see people not wearing masks? Or is it typically they are following the guidelines that have been set?
Chase Auguston 14:15
They wear their mask but sometimes they’ll not wear it over their nose, and they'll have it under it.
Kaitlin Rikala 14:27
Okay. Definitely. And how are the people around you responding to the Covid-19 pandemic?
Chase Auguston 14:40
I feel like most people in general are taking it serious but there's still some people that think it's a hoax and it's just not real at all, which I don't think is a good idea to spread that information.
Kaitlin Rikala 14:56
Right and have you heard anybody talking about that and if they are talking about it, do you know what sources they might be using for that information?
Chase Auguston 15:05
Just mostly, like, articles on Facebook and stuff like that. I don't know exactly what, like, where the articles are from but just mostly on Facebook.
Kaitlin Rikala 15:23
So, have you seen the people around you change their opinions or their day to day activities or their relationships in response to the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 15:32
Some people yeah, but some people can be really stubborn about it.
Kaitlin Rikala 15:39
Is there anybody in your family that is not really wanting to adhere to guidelines or even believe that the pandemic is a real threat?
Chase Auguston 15:48
My mom at first. But then she kind of started to take it more serious when I got it.
Kaitlin Rikala 15:55
What was her reaction to you getting the coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 15:59
She--I think she was more surprised if anything and just wanted to keep away from me at the moment.
Kaitlin Rikala 16:08
But she did show concern for you and kind of maybe realized that the virus may be more serious than she originally thought?
Chase Auguston 16:16
Oh, yeah, she did. Once I got it.
Kaitlin Rikala 16:20
And has anybody else around you gotten the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 16:24
Just a couple of my friends.
Kaitlin Rikala 16:29
And how did they respond to getting the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 16:32
They took it pretty serious, they tried to stay inside and only hang out with their roommates and just not go out in public at all.
Kaitlin Rikala 16:45
So, self-isolation and flattening the curves have been two key ideas that have emerged during the pandemic. How have you, your family, friends and community responded to the request to self-isolate and to flatten the curve?
Chase Auguston 17:02
Well, we only tried to go out in public when we needed to like when we went to the grocery store, or like doctor's appointments and stuff like that. So just only in necessities.
Kaitlin Rikala 17:17
And have you seen any larger community response to the coronavirus pandemic, as far as announcements from your city officials or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 17:29
I know, Chippewa and Eau Claire; They, like, had a self-quarantine. I don't know if it was a law, but they like requested that people stay in their homes and just try to keep to themselves.
Kaitlin Rikala 17:55
So, I know that you mentioned that you did get the Coronavirus. So, after you recovered, did you change your habits in any way to make sure that maybe you didn't get it again, even though we don't know if you would have immunity now. But have your patterns changed in any way day to day since you've recovered?
Chase Auguston 18:16
Not really, I pretty much have been keeping the same habits the whole time. Like ever since they announced it, I’ve just been trying to keep to myself, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 18:31
Okay. Can you take me through an average day in your life? Maybe what you do, beginning to end in an average day during the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 18:41
Wake up. Go to work and Walmart and then just come home pretty much. Like I said, I don't really do much during the day when I'm quarantining. Watch TV, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 18:59
Okay. And what ways do you think COVID-19 is impacting people's mental and physical health?
Chase Auguston 19:06
I don’t feel like it's very good for the mental and physical health when you're not socially interacting with people and just stand in your own thoughts, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 19:18
Right. And have the people around you expressed anything about their mental health maybe suffering during this time?
Chase Auguston 19:26
Not so far. No, not really.
Kaitlin Rikala 19:31
Do you think if they were suffering that it would be something that they would want to share? Or do you think more people may be suffering more internally without sharing that?
Chase Auguston 19:40
Yeah, I feel like it's more internal.
Kaitlin Rikala 19:45
Has your mental or physical health been impacted at all by the Coronavirus? Other than, of course, I know you said that you did have the Coronavirus. But other than that, after you've recovered; have you noticed any other physical symptoms or how are you dealing mental health wise with the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 20:02
I've been doing pretty good. I've been trying to just keep clear of bad mental situations, I guess, trying to be aware of it. First and foremost.
Kaitlin Rikala 20:16
I see you have a dog there. How have you been interacting with him during the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 20:23
When I got it, I was trying to keep away from him because I wasn't sure or not if dogs could get it. But it's kind of hard to keep away from the dog.
Kaitlin Rikala 20:33
And have you still been going on walks and things like that? I know you had mentioned that you do enjoy doing that.
Chase Auguston 20:39
Yeah, just for his health.
Kaitlin Rikala 20:45
So, have your new sources changed during the course of the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 20:50
No, not entirely. I mean, I've been trying to get more sources and like trying to keep up with everything, like death rates and all that. But no, not really changed.
Kaitlin Rikala 21:03
So, it hasn't changed much. Well, where do you typically get your news?
Chase Auguston 21:10
Unfortunately, probably Snapchat or I don’t know, but that’s pretty much it unfortunately.
Kaitlin Rikala 21:24
So, what do you think are important issues that the media isn't covering during this time?
Chase Auguston 21:34
Probably either mental health or just how to, like, try to keep yourself from wanting to go out.
Kaitlin Rikala 21:45
Right, and how do you think they could do a better job at showing the public those things?
Chase Auguston 21:51
Just exposing it on more media, and news networks and stuff like that.
Kaitlin Rikala 22:03
So how do you feel that the government has been responding to the outbreak? Do you think they've done enough? Do you think it--that things could be going better? How do you think the government has handled this so far in America?
Chase Auguston 22:17
I feel like at first, they weren't doing well or taking it as serious as they should. But I feel like they put, like, pretty good, like restrictions. And I guess they could just like close down bars if that would be possible.
Kaitlin Rikala 22:34
And is that more on a local level permit wise that you were seeing that they maybe weren't taking it seriously? But you’ve seen more restrictions over time?
Chase Auguston 22:45
Yeah, definitely, locally.
Kaitlin Rikala 22:48
And how do you feel about the government on a wider scale? From the messages that we get from the Senate and from the White House and things like that? How do you feel about the national government on a larger level, handling the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 23:04
I feel like--like I said, at first, they weren't taking it as seriously or exposing the information as they should. But I feel like now, like, people are pretty much just aware of everything that's going on. And it's more of a personal decision.
Kaitlin Rikala 23:24
And how do you feel about the President's [Trump] handling of the pandemic as far as him saying that masks don't work and things like that?
Chase Auguston 23:32
I feel like it's not a good idea to spread that information, just because he influences so many people and they'll just believe whatever he says and spread that information among their groups.
Kaitlin Rikala 23:49
Right. And Has anybody you know been influenced by the President? And what he said about the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 23:59
Not really, because everyone I know that likes him still wears a mask or I feel like they don't believe what he's saying about corona.
Kaitlin Rikala 24:10
Okay, and how do you feel like the local government and the larger national government could improve on their handling of the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 24:22
Just try to keep it, like, scientifical and not political just put out science facts or scientific facts and not based on your political opinions.
Kaitlin Rikala 24:39
And do you think it would be a good idea for us to continue with the Coronavirus Task Force, just, nationally?
Chase Auguston 24:46
Oh, yeah, for sure. Just with any type of sickness, I feel like it's good to wear a mask when you're sick or constantly wash your hands.
Kaitlin Rikala 24:59
Right. And that is interesting too, with hygiene, I know a lot of people have said that they have changed the rate of hand washing and things like that during the pandemic. How have your hygiene habits changed during the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 25:16
Mostly still the same. Like, I pretty much always been washing my hands. So, whenever I'm sick, I try not to go in public. I haven't been ever--or I haven't really ever worn a mask out in public whenever I'm sick, though. So, I guess that's the main thing, the mask.
Kaitlin Rikala 25:35
Right. And whenever this pandemic ends, do you think that we're going to have a new culture around sickness where even if you have the average flu or something like that, if you have to go out in public, people are going to be wearing masks more? Or do you think it will be something that we kind of leave in the past?
Chase Auguston 25:52
I feel like they might be more aware of it and think of it more than they would before, but I don’t know if they’ll actually do those things.
Kaitlin Rikala 26:06
So how has your experience with the Coronavirus transformed how you think about your family, friends and your communities?
Chase Auguston 26:17
I tried to change their minds and have them take it more seriously. Like when my mom wasn’t taking it as serious. I tried to explain to her that she should.
Kaitlin Rikala 26:30
Yeah. Can you tell me how that conversation went?
Chase Auguston 26:34
It went pretty well. It went pretty well. It--it wasn't like… I don’t know. It just went pretty well.
Kaitlin Rikala 26:48
What was her stance at the beginning of the conversation?
Chase Auguston 26:53
She didn't really--like she believed in it. But she didn't believe it was as serious as it was or that the numbers were as high as they were.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:04
And what did you say to her to get her to kind of change her mind on that?
Chase Auguston 27:10
I think it was just me getting sick that changed her mind.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:15
So that was the main thing was her son getting the coronavirus made her realize that it was a little bit more serious than she thought?
Chase Auguston 27:20
Yeah.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:24
Did she do anything to help you when you had the coronavirus? Or was it more of a situation where you just tried to stay away from each other?
Chase Auguston 27:31
Yeah, mostly just trying to stay away from her. I mean she bought me groceries once and then left them on my steps but that was pretty much it.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:42
And have your relationships with your friends changed in any similar ways as with your mom with any conversations you may have had?
Chase Auguston 27:52
No, not really with my friends. Just my mom.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:59
So, knowing what you know now with the coronavirus pandemic, what do you think that individuals need to do in the future to maybe prevent another pandemic? Or if another pandemic happened, how do you think individuals should respond?
Chase Auguston 28:17
I feel like they should just take it more serious and try to stay away from people. Keep their distance and just stay in good hygiene.
Kaitlin Rikala 28:28
What do you think is the biggest reason people may not do those things?
Chase Auguston 28:34
Maybe it's like a money issue or they just don't believe it at all.
Kaitlin Rikala 28:40
And have you seen any local examples of people disregarding the pandemic completely or maybe just some of the guidelines at all?
Chase Auguston 28:53
I don't know about locally, but I know people have been like protesting against the pandemic and the--like all the regulations and the mask laws and all that. Not laws but just regulations.
Kaitlin Rikala 29:09
Right. And where are you originally from? Are you originally from Wisconsin?
Chase Auguston 29:13
Uh, no. Michigan.
Kaitlin Rikala 29:15
Okay, where in Michigan?
Chase Auguston 29:18
A couple places. Kalamazoo and then uh, KI Sawyer.
Kaitlin Rikala 29:27
I know you had mentioned the protests against the pandemic. And I know a lot of those were happening in Michigan. So how did you feel seeing those protests going on in your home state?
Chase Auguston 29:37
I was a little disappointed.
Kaitlin Rikala 29:44
How do you think the citizens in Michigan who protested, how they should have handled that?
Chase Auguston 29:52
I just feel like they shouldn't have protested at all. Just because they were all really close together. They weren't six feet apart. Just overall wasn’t a good idea.
Kaitlin Rikala 30:15
So how do you feel about the total number of cases and deaths both nationally and in Wisconsin?
Chase Auguston 30:24
I feel like it is extremely high, and definitely could have been way lower. If we handled it more serious.
Kaitlin Rikala 30:39
And do you believe that the pandemic may level off soon? Or do you think we're going to just keep rising?
Chase Auguston 30:47
I feel like if people take it seriously, we'll level it off and lower the rates. But I feel like if people keep doing what they're doing, no.
Kaitlin Rikala 30:59
Right. How likely do you think it is that the numbers will start to go down?
Chase Auguston 31:04
I feel like it could be pretty likely. It--It's possible.
Kaitlin Rikala 31:13
And do you think with the recent election of Joe Biden as presidential elect, do you think that his administration is going to do anything to improve the numbers? Or do you think they're going to stay the same?
Chase Auguston 31:26
I feel like for the most part, yeah, they'll try to keep it low. I feel like they might have more regulations [audio spikes]. Oop, my bad. I just feel like they might put out more information about it and try to spread more information about like keeping home and stuff like that.
Kaitlin Rikala 31:56
Right. So, I had seen that they may make more stay at home orders when Presidential elect Biden goes to the White House. How do you feel about potentially being required to be stay at home through stay at home orders?
Chase Auguston 32:15
I mean, for me, it doesn't personally affect me that much, just because I’ve already been trying to do that. But I feel like it's a good idea.
Kaitlin Rikala 32:24
So, with the recent election that went on, do you think that the political climate has been impacted by the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 32:33
Yeah, definitely, for sure. I feel like people are trying to be separate about it. And it's more of a political thing with the pandemic.
Kaitlin Rikala 32:46
How do you feel about the pandemic becoming politicized?
Chase Auguston 32:52
I feel like it's really dumb and unnecessary. Just because it's a sickness and a disease.
Kaitlin Rikala 33:11
Do you have any further thoughts on that at all?
Chase Auguston 33:18
Not really, I just feel like it's not a good idea to politicalize a disease.
Kaitlin Rikala 33:26
Absolutely. Well, speaking of the political divide. Do you know people on different sides of the political aisle that think differently about the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 33:36
Yeah, some people at work are really outward on their thoughts about it. At first, they really didn't take it as serious or they thought it was a hoax, and just kept spreading information that wasn't true.
Kaitlin Rikala 33:50
What was some information that you heard from coworkers?
Chase Auguston 33:55
Mostly just that it was fake, or that the numbers weren't as high as they were.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:02
And did they provide any evidence for that at all?
Chase Auguston 34:06
No.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:08
Okay, so it was more of an anecdotal thing where they didn't believe in the numbers and things like that?
Chase Auguston 34:15
Yes.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:18
So, I know you said that at your job you now have to get your temperature tested. Did you say that that was every time that you go into work?
Chase Auguston 34:27
Yes.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:30
Okay, and how does that feel? Just having to get your temperature taken whenever you go in for a shift?
Chase Auguston 34:37
I feel like it's a good idea. It doesn't make me feel any like certain type of way other than more safe about going into work.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:47
And have any of your coworkers expressed any kind of annoyance or anything at having to get their temperature taken or anything?
Chase Auguston 34:56
No, not particularly.
Kaitlin Rikala 35:02
Are you required to get tested at all at your job? Or do you only get tested if your showing symptoms?
Chase Auguston 35:08
Yeah, only if you’re showing symptoms.
Kaitlin Rikala 35:16
Overall, how do you think the American consciousness is going to shift after the pandemic as far as how we look at sickness?
Chase Auguston 35:28
I feel like for the most part, people are going to take sickness more seriously. Rather than just going out in public when they're sick or going into work when they're sick.
Kaitlin Rikala 35:43
Have you noticed a shift in anybody, you know, maybe taking regular illnesses more seriously now?
Chase Auguston 35:51
Yeah, for the most part, I feel--I just felt like whenever they're sick, they usually just get a COVID test and try to self-isolate.
Kaitlin Rikala 36:03
And how do you think the healthcare system is going to be impacted by the coronavirus? As far as testing being available for more diseases or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 36:15
I feel like it's definitely going to be flooded with like a lot of tests and a lot of people wanting treatment, which is good for the people, but it might be a little heavy on like the nurses and doctors and everything.
Kaitlin Rikala 36:42
Absolutely. Well, as far as the healthcare system goes--as far as the vaccine, we've been hearing that that might be coming sooner rather than later. So, once the vaccine is developed and released for the coronavirus, do you think you would want to take it?
Chase Auguston 37:01
I feel like if it was proven that it worked. Yeah, I would definitely want to take it.
Kaitlin Rikala 37:06
Do you think the people in your community, like your friends would be willing to get the vaccine?
Chase Auguston 37:15
I don't feel like people in Chippewa would really want to take it just because they're more, I don’t know, like anti-mask and everything like that. But I feel like for the most part, yeah, people would be down for that.
Kaitlin Rikala 37:34
Do you have any wider thoughts about the coronavirus globally across the world?
Chase Auguston 37:44
I feel like—I don’t know—I feel like America definitely at first wasn't taking it that serious. Like we still had bars and clubs open and a lot of restaurants. And, like, I know in other countries they pretty much shut down everything. Their rates were like way lower.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:03
Right. And in your community and Chippewa is there still a lot of bars and restaurants and things open?
Chase Auguston 38:10
Yeah, I don't see any bars that are closed.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:15
You often see a lot of people going there?
Chase Auguston 38:17
I feel like the rate is lower. But I still see a high amount of people there. Yeah.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:24
Does that concern you at all?
Chase Auguston 38:27
Yeah, a little bit.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:33
What concerns do you have?
Chase Auguston 38:37
Just people getting sick, and people in my community having the sickness and then my family getting it.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:47
And how do you think the local government could handle that? As far as closing things? Do you think that would be appropriate?
Chase Auguston 38:57
Yeah, I feel like they could definitely shut down restaurants and bars and things that aren't like, essential.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:11
Alright. Well, we've covered pretty much all of my questions. Did you have any closing thoughts at all?
Chase Auguston 39:16
I just hope that everything gets back to normal, but also with being safe and making sure that we can’t spread it anymore.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:27
Yeah, how long do you think it's going to take us to get there?
Chase Auguston 39:29
I feel like it might take a while.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:36
Do you have a rough estimate of how long you think it might take?
Chase Auguston 39:40
Not necessarily but I just feel like maybe, like, a year or two.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:48
And how do you feel mentally preparing for another year or two of the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 39:55
I've been preparing for it. Trying to.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:59
Yeah. In what ways are you preparing for the Coronavirus to keep going and the pandemic to keep going?
Chase Auguston 40:07
Just trying to stay safe and busy and just not, I don’t know, just not be bored all the time, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 40:19
Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Coronavirus. Did you have anything else?
Chase Auguston 40:28
No, not necessarily.
Kaitlin Rikala 40:31
Well, thank you so much for being interviewed for this archive. And I hope you have a great rest of your day.
Chase Auguston 40:37
Yeah, you too. Thank you.
Okay, hi. So, today is November 12th, 2020. The time is 1:41pm. So, the current statistics for the number of confirmed cases and deaths for COVID-19 in the United States are as follows. So, the total cases in the United States right now are at 10,170,846. The total deaths confirmed in the United States from Coronavirus are 239,590. So those statistics for Wisconsin now, the total cases in Wisconsin are 301,000 confirmed and 2,562 total deaths have been confirmed. So now we will move it over to you. Can you tell me your name? And do you mind sharing your demographic information such as your race, your age and your gender?
Chase Auguston 00:54
I am Chase Augustson. I am Caucasian and male. And 21.
Kaitlin Rikala 01:03
21?
Chase Auguston 01:04
Yep.
Kaitlin Rikala 01:05
Okay. Perfect. What are the primary things you do on a day to day basis, for example, your job or your preferred activities?
Chase Auguston 01:13
I just work at FedEx and usually just work out or take a walk.
Kaitlin Rikala 01:22
And have your job and those activities like walking around the neighborhood, and things like that, have those been impacted by COVID-19 at all?
Chase Auguston 01:33
Yeah, just at work. We have to wear a mask and stay six feet apart.
Kaitlin Rikala 01:38
And has anybody had issues doing that at your work as far as you know?
Chase Auguston 01:42
I'm sorry. Can you repeat that?
Kaitlin Rikala 01:45
Yeah. Has anybody at your work or your job had any issues maintaining the Coronavirus standards, like wearing a mask or social distancing?
Chase Auguston 01:58
No, not that I'm aware of.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:03
Okay. Where do you live? And what is it like to live there?
Chase Auguston 02:05
I live in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. And it's pretty quiet. It's not that big of a city.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:14
Okay. When you first learned about the Coronavirus, what were your thoughts about it?
Chase Auguston 02:20
I didn't really know what to think about it. I just thought it was, I don’t know, not that serious or it would ever affect me.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:30
Do you remember when you first learned about it?
Chase Auguston 02:34
Somewhere in March--around that time.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:38
Okay. And did you find out by the news or on social media? or How did you get that information?
Chase Auguston 02:45
Social media.
Kaitlin Rikala 02:46
Social media? Okay. And what have--what has changed with your thoughts since learning about the Coronavirus in March? So, from March to now in November? How has your thinking changed over time?
Chase Auguston 03:02
I definitely take it more seriously and try to stay away from social interactions.
Kaitlin Rikala 03:10
And when did that shift start for you? When did you start to take it more seriously, rather than thinking oh, this is just--this might just go away?
Chase Auguston 03:17
Probably once Wisconsin got it’s like first couple of cases.
Kaitlin Rikala 03:24
Okay, and how was that first lockdown for you?
Chase Auguston 03:29
It was pretty quiet. I didn't really do much. But I took it good.
Kaitlin Rikala 03:39
Okay, so the next question I have for you is what issues have most concerned you about the Covid-19 pandemic? Whether that be small local things or just on a larger level?
Chase Auguston 03:50
Just the death rates? I don’t know, probably that's the main thing.
Kaitlin Rikala 04:00
That's definitely understandable. So, I know that you said you work at FedEx. Has COVID-19 affected your job in any ways other than social distancing or wearing masks or anything like that, like have any new policies been implemented as far as giving people time off if they do get sick or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 04:19
Yeah, people definitely when they're sick. They're supposed to take two weeks to quarantine themselves. And I think that's the only thing really, sorry.
Kaitlin Rikala 04:32
No problem. Do they have a way to make sure everybody who takes leave for Coronavirus gets paid?
Chase Auguston 04:40
Oh, yes, they do only if you test positive.
Kaitlin Rikala 04:44
And you have to send them those confirmation details as far as being tested positive for Covid-19?
Chase Auguston 04:50
Yeah, you do.
Kaitlin Rikala 04:52
Okay. And is there anything else that your job has changed, or is that pretty much it?
Chase Auguston 04:56
No. That's pretty much it except for like the daily temperature checks and social distancing.
Kaitlin Rikala 05:06
Now, when those were implemented, how did that make you feel? Or how did that change your mind state at work?
Chase Auguston 05:15
I took it well because I thought it was a good idea to keep everyone safe and trying to avoid all those situations.
Kaitlin Rikala 05:24
Definitely understandable. Well, what concerns do you have about the effects of COVID-19 on the economy more broadly, just in the United States or even globally?
Chase Auguston 05:37
I definitely think it will harm it, but it's good to keep everyone away from each other while this is going on, considering the death rate that is present today.
Kaitlin Rikala 05:50
And has COVID-19 changed our employment status in any ways? Like have your hours been cut or maybe increased or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 05:59
No, they haven’t been cut at all.
Kaitlin Rikala 06:05
And going off of that has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the employment of people that you know and if it has in what ways?
Chase Auguston 06:15
Probably just if you're sick, then you have to take that time off and if you take it off and you test negative you don't get paid so I guess that was the one big thing.
Kaitlin Rikala 06:29
And do you know anybody personally that that's happened to?
Chase Auguston 06:32
Myself.
Kaitlin Rikala 06:34
Yourself. And how did that go for you?
Chase Auguston 06:37
It went well, I got paid for it because I was sick, but that was pretty much how that went.
Kaitlin Rikala 06:44
Okay, and can you tell me what your experience was like with the Coronavirus? The symptoms, how you felt when you were diagnosed with the Coronavirus; just take me through that whole process.
Chase Auguston 06:58
Pretty much felt like the flu. And, I don’t know, I decided to take some time off of work and, I don’t know, I was puking a lot.
Kaitlin Rikala 07:13
What other symptoms did you have?
Chase Auguston 07:16
Like I had a fever, my temperature definitely was up pretty high. I couldn't taste or smell for a little while. That's kind of coming back.
Kaitlin Rikala 07:29
And when were you diagnosed with the coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 07:33
I think some time during May.
Kaitlin Rikala 07:39
And how long would you say it took you from the first symptoms on to recover?
Chase Auguston 07:45
I mean, I just lost the symptoms of losing the taste and smell. Those kind of came back just like recently, like a couple weeks ago.
Kaitlin Rikala 07:56
Okay, so it's even been a few months to completely recover.
Chase Auguston 08:01
Yeah.
Kaitlin Rikala 08:03
Okay. Well, thank you for sharing that. Let's go on to the next questions here. So how are you managing day to day activities in your household with the pandemic going on as far as grocery shopping and things like that?
Chase Auguston 08:19
When I go grocery shopping, I just try to keep away from people always wear a mask. My home life hasn't really changed because of it just because I just watch TV when I'm at home or take the dog on a walk.
Kaitlin Rikala 08:37
That kind of leads into the other question I had is how it's been affecting you and your family's day to day activities, seeing family and maybe not as much if they have a scare or something like that. Have you experienced anything like that at all?
Chase Auguston 08:51
Yeah, definitely. When I had COVID I was trying to keep away from everyone.
Kaitlin Rikala 08:57
And how did that make you feel?
Chase Auguston 09:02
I was glad to be away from them knowing that they wouldn't get sick from me. But it kind of sucked not seeing them.
Kaitlin Rikala 09:12
Is anybody in your family particularly susceptible that you wouldn’t want to expose? Maybe they're older or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 09:20
Oh, yeah, definitely. My mom, just because she’s kind of a little bit older.
Kaitlin Rikala 09:25
Right. And were you scared of potentially transmitting the virus to her at all?
Chase Auguston 09:31
Yeah, for sure.
Kaitlin Rikala 09:34
And what was it like after you recovered, and you were able to see your family and everything like that?
Chase Auguston 09:40
It was nice. I still tried to keep away from them just a little bit just to make sure that they wouldn’t to come into contact with it.
Kaitlin Rikala 09:54
Okay, well, how has the COVID-19 outbreak affected how you associate and communicate with friends and family?
Chase Auguston 10:03
Definitely just trying to keep away from friends. And just while everything's going on, especially because I know a few that had got COVID.
Kaitlin Rikala 10:14
Yeah, and have you noticed any shift in the people that you know, maybe your friends who are closer to your own age? Maybe they had a similar stance to you where they didn't maybe take it seriously, but now they are or maybe they think it's a hoax or anything like that? Do you have any thoughts on what your friends have been like during this whole pandemic?
Chase Auguston 10:34
I don’t have any friends that think it's a hoax, but I have a few that definitely don't take it as serious as they should.
Kaitlin Rikala 10:43
Okay, can you give me a couple of examples of how they're not taking it as seriously as they maybe should be?
Chase Auguston 10:49
Just going out whenever they feel like or just, I don’t know, going to places that aren't a necessity.
Kaitlin Rikala 10:59
And have you tried to talk to them about it at all? Or is it maybe a touchy subject where you don't want to step on their toes and tell them what they should be doing?
Chase Auguston 11:08
Yeah, I try to talk to them a little bit about it, but I don't try to be a nag about it, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 11:21
So, what have you, your family and friends done for recreation during COVID-19? Feel free to include details about the shows you been enjoying any games you've been playing, books, you've been enjoying? Pretty much anything like that. You can give me all the details about that.
Chase Auguston 11:38
Probably just either reading or watching TV is the main part of it. Just trying to stay outside--or stay from going outside.
Kaitlin Rikala 11:50
And are there any particular shows or anything like that, that you and your family have been enjoying?
Chase Auguston 11:57
Billy on the street.
Kaitlin Rikala 11:59
Oh. Can you tell me about that show?
Chase Auguston 12:02
It's Billy Eichner running around New York and yelling at people.
Kaitlin Rikala 12:08
Okay. And yes, I believe I've heard of that show as well. So, I believe that they may have an issue filming that show on the streets of New York due to the pandemic. Does that make you feel sad or anything like that that something that you enjoy has also been impacted by the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 12:27
Yeah, a little sad. But, I don't I'm Billy to get harmed.
Kaitlin Rikala 12:31
Definitely understandable. Well, that goes into media and everything like that with a lot of movies and shows and things like that have been halting filming altogether due to the Coronavirus. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Chase Auguston 12:47
I'm just glad everyone's staying away. But yeah, it is a little sad to not have those shows going on and everything like that.
Kaitlin Rikala 12:58
Right. Is, there any shows that you typically look forward to or entertainment of any kind that you usually look forward to? Maybe around this time of year but it's just not happening because of the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 13:11
Not particularly.
Kaitlin Rikala 13:12
Oh. So, how has the COVID-19 outbreak affected your community?
Chase Auguston 13:25
I think in Chippewa, like people are still going out to bars. People are still not wearing masks. So, I don’t know, I feel like most people here don't take it as serious.
Kaitlin Rikala 13:40
What are your thoughts on that?
Chase Auguston 13:42
I don't think it's a smart idea.
Kaitlin Rikala 13:45
Can you elaborate on that and tell me why?
Chase Auguston 13:50
Just because it can cause the spread and, I don’t know, just not a good idea in general to be going around when people are getting sick.
Kaitlin Rikala 14:05
Right and when you maybe go out to get groceries or anything like that. Do you see people not wearing masks? Or is it typically they are following the guidelines that have been set?
Chase Auguston 14:15
They wear their mask but sometimes they’ll not wear it over their nose, and they'll have it under it.
Kaitlin Rikala 14:27
Okay. Definitely. And how are the people around you responding to the Covid-19 pandemic?
Chase Auguston 14:40
I feel like most people in general are taking it serious but there's still some people that think it's a hoax and it's just not real at all, which I don't think is a good idea to spread that information.
Kaitlin Rikala 14:56
Right and have you heard anybody talking about that and if they are talking about it, do you know what sources they might be using for that information?
Chase Auguston 15:05
Just mostly, like, articles on Facebook and stuff like that. I don't know exactly what, like, where the articles are from but just mostly on Facebook.
Kaitlin Rikala 15:23
So, have you seen the people around you change their opinions or their day to day activities or their relationships in response to the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 15:32
Some people yeah, but some people can be really stubborn about it.
Kaitlin Rikala 15:39
Is there anybody in your family that is not really wanting to adhere to guidelines or even believe that the pandemic is a real threat?
Chase Auguston 15:48
My mom at first. But then she kind of started to take it more serious when I got it.
Kaitlin Rikala 15:55
What was her reaction to you getting the coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 15:59
She--I think she was more surprised if anything and just wanted to keep away from me at the moment.
Kaitlin Rikala 16:08
But she did show concern for you and kind of maybe realized that the virus may be more serious than she originally thought?
Chase Auguston 16:16
Oh, yeah, she did. Once I got it.
Kaitlin Rikala 16:20
And has anybody else around you gotten the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 16:24
Just a couple of my friends.
Kaitlin Rikala 16:29
And how did they respond to getting the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 16:32
They took it pretty serious, they tried to stay inside and only hang out with their roommates and just not go out in public at all.
Kaitlin Rikala 16:45
So, self-isolation and flattening the curves have been two key ideas that have emerged during the pandemic. How have you, your family, friends and community responded to the request to self-isolate and to flatten the curve?
Chase Auguston 17:02
Well, we only tried to go out in public when we needed to like when we went to the grocery store, or like doctor's appointments and stuff like that. So just only in necessities.
Kaitlin Rikala 17:17
And have you seen any larger community response to the coronavirus pandemic, as far as announcements from your city officials or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 17:29
I know, Chippewa and Eau Claire; They, like, had a self-quarantine. I don't know if it was a law, but they like requested that people stay in their homes and just try to keep to themselves.
Kaitlin Rikala 17:55
So, I know that you mentioned that you did get the Coronavirus. So, after you recovered, did you change your habits in any way to make sure that maybe you didn't get it again, even though we don't know if you would have immunity now. But have your patterns changed in any way day to day since you've recovered?
Chase Auguston 18:16
Not really, I pretty much have been keeping the same habits the whole time. Like ever since they announced it, I’ve just been trying to keep to myself, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 18:31
Okay. Can you take me through an average day in your life? Maybe what you do, beginning to end in an average day during the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 18:41
Wake up. Go to work and Walmart and then just come home pretty much. Like I said, I don't really do much during the day when I'm quarantining. Watch TV, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 18:59
Okay. And what ways do you think COVID-19 is impacting people's mental and physical health?
Chase Auguston 19:06
I don’t feel like it's very good for the mental and physical health when you're not socially interacting with people and just stand in your own thoughts, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 19:18
Right. And have the people around you expressed anything about their mental health maybe suffering during this time?
Chase Auguston 19:26
Not so far. No, not really.
Kaitlin Rikala 19:31
Do you think if they were suffering that it would be something that they would want to share? Or do you think more people may be suffering more internally without sharing that?
Chase Auguston 19:40
Yeah, I feel like it's more internal.
Kaitlin Rikala 19:45
Has your mental or physical health been impacted at all by the Coronavirus? Other than, of course, I know you said that you did have the Coronavirus. But other than that, after you've recovered; have you noticed any other physical symptoms or how are you dealing mental health wise with the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 20:02
I've been doing pretty good. I've been trying to just keep clear of bad mental situations, I guess, trying to be aware of it. First and foremost.
Kaitlin Rikala 20:16
I see you have a dog there. How have you been interacting with him during the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 20:23
When I got it, I was trying to keep away from him because I wasn't sure or not if dogs could get it. But it's kind of hard to keep away from the dog.
Kaitlin Rikala 20:33
And have you still been going on walks and things like that? I know you had mentioned that you do enjoy doing that.
Chase Auguston 20:39
Yeah, just for his health.
Kaitlin Rikala 20:45
So, have your new sources changed during the course of the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 20:50
No, not entirely. I mean, I've been trying to get more sources and like trying to keep up with everything, like death rates and all that. But no, not really changed.
Kaitlin Rikala 21:03
So, it hasn't changed much. Well, where do you typically get your news?
Chase Auguston 21:10
Unfortunately, probably Snapchat or I don’t know, but that’s pretty much it unfortunately.
Kaitlin Rikala 21:24
So, what do you think are important issues that the media isn't covering during this time?
Chase Auguston 21:34
Probably either mental health or just how to, like, try to keep yourself from wanting to go out.
Kaitlin Rikala 21:45
Right, and how do you think they could do a better job at showing the public those things?
Chase Auguston 21:51
Just exposing it on more media, and news networks and stuff like that.
Kaitlin Rikala 22:03
So how do you feel that the government has been responding to the outbreak? Do you think they've done enough? Do you think it--that things could be going better? How do you think the government has handled this so far in America?
Chase Auguston 22:17
I feel like at first, they weren't doing well or taking it as serious as they should. But I feel like they put, like, pretty good, like restrictions. And I guess they could just like close down bars if that would be possible.
Kaitlin Rikala 22:34
And is that more on a local level permit wise that you were seeing that they maybe weren't taking it seriously? But you’ve seen more restrictions over time?
Chase Auguston 22:45
Yeah, definitely, locally.
Kaitlin Rikala 22:48
And how do you feel about the government on a wider scale? From the messages that we get from the Senate and from the White House and things like that? How do you feel about the national government on a larger level, handling the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 23:04
I feel like--like I said, at first, they weren't taking it as seriously or exposing the information as they should. But I feel like now, like, people are pretty much just aware of everything that's going on. And it's more of a personal decision.
Kaitlin Rikala 23:24
And how do you feel about the President's [Trump] handling of the pandemic as far as him saying that masks don't work and things like that?
Chase Auguston 23:32
I feel like it's not a good idea to spread that information, just because he influences so many people and they'll just believe whatever he says and spread that information among their groups.
Kaitlin Rikala 23:49
Right. And Has anybody you know been influenced by the President? And what he said about the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 23:59
Not really, because everyone I know that likes him still wears a mask or I feel like they don't believe what he's saying about corona.
Kaitlin Rikala 24:10
Okay, and how do you feel like the local government and the larger national government could improve on their handling of the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 24:22
Just try to keep it, like, scientifical and not political just put out science facts or scientific facts and not based on your political opinions.
Kaitlin Rikala 24:39
And do you think it would be a good idea for us to continue with the Coronavirus Task Force, just, nationally?
Chase Auguston 24:46
Oh, yeah, for sure. Just with any type of sickness, I feel like it's good to wear a mask when you're sick or constantly wash your hands.
Kaitlin Rikala 24:59
Right. And that is interesting too, with hygiene, I know a lot of people have said that they have changed the rate of hand washing and things like that during the pandemic. How have your hygiene habits changed during the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 25:16
Mostly still the same. Like, I pretty much always been washing my hands. So, whenever I'm sick, I try not to go in public. I haven't been ever--or I haven't really ever worn a mask out in public whenever I'm sick, though. So, I guess that's the main thing, the mask.
Kaitlin Rikala 25:35
Right. And whenever this pandemic ends, do you think that we're going to have a new culture around sickness where even if you have the average flu or something like that, if you have to go out in public, people are going to be wearing masks more? Or do you think it will be something that we kind of leave in the past?
Chase Auguston 25:52
I feel like they might be more aware of it and think of it more than they would before, but I don’t know if they’ll actually do those things.
Kaitlin Rikala 26:06
So how has your experience with the Coronavirus transformed how you think about your family, friends and your communities?
Chase Auguston 26:17
I tried to change their minds and have them take it more seriously. Like when my mom wasn’t taking it as serious. I tried to explain to her that she should.
Kaitlin Rikala 26:30
Yeah. Can you tell me how that conversation went?
Chase Auguston 26:34
It went pretty well. It went pretty well. It--it wasn't like… I don’t know. It just went pretty well.
Kaitlin Rikala 26:48
What was her stance at the beginning of the conversation?
Chase Auguston 26:53
She didn't really--like she believed in it. But she didn't believe it was as serious as it was or that the numbers were as high as they were.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:04
And what did you say to her to get her to kind of change her mind on that?
Chase Auguston 27:10
I think it was just me getting sick that changed her mind.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:15
So that was the main thing was her son getting the coronavirus made her realize that it was a little bit more serious than she thought?
Chase Auguston 27:20
Yeah.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:24
Did she do anything to help you when you had the coronavirus? Or was it more of a situation where you just tried to stay away from each other?
Chase Auguston 27:31
Yeah, mostly just trying to stay away from her. I mean she bought me groceries once and then left them on my steps but that was pretty much it.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:42
And have your relationships with your friends changed in any similar ways as with your mom with any conversations you may have had?
Chase Auguston 27:52
No, not really with my friends. Just my mom.
Kaitlin Rikala 27:59
So, knowing what you know now with the coronavirus pandemic, what do you think that individuals need to do in the future to maybe prevent another pandemic? Or if another pandemic happened, how do you think individuals should respond?
Chase Auguston 28:17
I feel like they should just take it more serious and try to stay away from people. Keep their distance and just stay in good hygiene.
Kaitlin Rikala 28:28
What do you think is the biggest reason people may not do those things?
Chase Auguston 28:34
Maybe it's like a money issue or they just don't believe it at all.
Kaitlin Rikala 28:40
And have you seen any local examples of people disregarding the pandemic completely or maybe just some of the guidelines at all?
Chase Auguston 28:53
I don't know about locally, but I know people have been like protesting against the pandemic and the--like all the regulations and the mask laws and all that. Not laws but just regulations.
Kaitlin Rikala 29:09
Right. And where are you originally from? Are you originally from Wisconsin?
Chase Auguston 29:13
Uh, no. Michigan.
Kaitlin Rikala 29:15
Okay, where in Michigan?
Chase Auguston 29:18
A couple places. Kalamazoo and then uh, KI Sawyer.
Kaitlin Rikala 29:27
I know you had mentioned the protests against the pandemic. And I know a lot of those were happening in Michigan. So how did you feel seeing those protests going on in your home state?
Chase Auguston 29:37
I was a little disappointed.
Kaitlin Rikala 29:44
How do you think the citizens in Michigan who protested, how they should have handled that?
Chase Auguston 29:52
I just feel like they shouldn't have protested at all. Just because they were all really close together. They weren't six feet apart. Just overall wasn’t a good idea.
Kaitlin Rikala 30:15
So how do you feel about the total number of cases and deaths both nationally and in Wisconsin?
Chase Auguston 30:24
I feel like it is extremely high, and definitely could have been way lower. If we handled it more serious.
Kaitlin Rikala 30:39
And do you believe that the pandemic may level off soon? Or do you think we're going to just keep rising?
Chase Auguston 30:47
I feel like if people take it seriously, we'll level it off and lower the rates. But I feel like if people keep doing what they're doing, no.
Kaitlin Rikala 30:59
Right. How likely do you think it is that the numbers will start to go down?
Chase Auguston 31:04
I feel like it could be pretty likely. It--It's possible.
Kaitlin Rikala 31:13
And do you think with the recent election of Joe Biden as presidential elect, do you think that his administration is going to do anything to improve the numbers? Or do you think they're going to stay the same?
Chase Auguston 31:26
I feel like for the most part, yeah, they'll try to keep it low. I feel like they might have more regulations [audio spikes]. Oop, my bad. I just feel like they might put out more information about it and try to spread more information about like keeping home and stuff like that.
Kaitlin Rikala 31:56
Right. So, I had seen that they may make more stay at home orders when Presidential elect Biden goes to the White House. How do you feel about potentially being required to be stay at home through stay at home orders?
Chase Auguston 32:15
I mean, for me, it doesn't personally affect me that much, just because I’ve already been trying to do that. But I feel like it's a good idea.
Kaitlin Rikala 32:24
So, with the recent election that went on, do you think that the political climate has been impacted by the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 32:33
Yeah, definitely, for sure. I feel like people are trying to be separate about it. And it's more of a political thing with the pandemic.
Kaitlin Rikala 32:46
How do you feel about the pandemic becoming politicized?
Chase Auguston 32:52
I feel like it's really dumb and unnecessary. Just because it's a sickness and a disease.
Kaitlin Rikala 33:11
Do you have any further thoughts on that at all?
Chase Auguston 33:18
Not really, I just feel like it's not a good idea to politicalize a disease.
Kaitlin Rikala 33:26
Absolutely. Well, speaking of the political divide. Do you know people on different sides of the political aisle that think differently about the pandemic?
Chase Auguston 33:36
Yeah, some people at work are really outward on their thoughts about it. At first, they really didn't take it as serious or they thought it was a hoax, and just kept spreading information that wasn't true.
Kaitlin Rikala 33:50
What was some information that you heard from coworkers?
Chase Auguston 33:55
Mostly just that it was fake, or that the numbers weren't as high as they were.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:02
And did they provide any evidence for that at all?
Chase Auguston 34:06
No.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:08
Okay, so it was more of an anecdotal thing where they didn't believe in the numbers and things like that?
Chase Auguston 34:15
Yes.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:18
So, I know you said that at your job you now have to get your temperature tested. Did you say that that was every time that you go into work?
Chase Auguston 34:27
Yes.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:30
Okay, and how does that feel? Just having to get your temperature taken whenever you go in for a shift?
Chase Auguston 34:37
I feel like it's a good idea. It doesn't make me feel any like certain type of way other than more safe about going into work.
Kaitlin Rikala 34:47
And have any of your coworkers expressed any kind of annoyance or anything at having to get their temperature taken or anything?
Chase Auguston 34:56
No, not particularly.
Kaitlin Rikala 35:02
Are you required to get tested at all at your job? Or do you only get tested if your showing symptoms?
Chase Auguston 35:08
Yeah, only if you’re showing symptoms.
Kaitlin Rikala 35:16
Overall, how do you think the American consciousness is going to shift after the pandemic as far as how we look at sickness?
Chase Auguston 35:28
I feel like for the most part, people are going to take sickness more seriously. Rather than just going out in public when they're sick or going into work when they're sick.
Kaitlin Rikala 35:43
Have you noticed a shift in anybody, you know, maybe taking regular illnesses more seriously now?
Chase Auguston 35:51
Yeah, for the most part, I feel--I just felt like whenever they're sick, they usually just get a COVID test and try to self-isolate.
Kaitlin Rikala 36:03
And how do you think the healthcare system is going to be impacted by the coronavirus? As far as testing being available for more diseases or anything like that?
Chase Auguston 36:15
I feel like it's definitely going to be flooded with like a lot of tests and a lot of people wanting treatment, which is good for the people, but it might be a little heavy on like the nurses and doctors and everything.
Kaitlin Rikala 36:42
Absolutely. Well, as far as the healthcare system goes--as far as the vaccine, we've been hearing that that might be coming sooner rather than later. So, once the vaccine is developed and released for the coronavirus, do you think you would want to take it?
Chase Auguston 37:01
I feel like if it was proven that it worked. Yeah, I would definitely want to take it.
Kaitlin Rikala 37:06
Do you think the people in your community, like your friends would be willing to get the vaccine?
Chase Auguston 37:15
I don't feel like people in Chippewa would really want to take it just because they're more, I don’t know, like anti-mask and everything like that. But I feel like for the most part, yeah, people would be down for that.
Kaitlin Rikala 37:34
Do you have any wider thoughts about the coronavirus globally across the world?
Chase Auguston 37:44
I feel like—I don’t know—I feel like America definitely at first wasn't taking it that serious. Like we still had bars and clubs open and a lot of restaurants. And, like, I know in other countries they pretty much shut down everything. Their rates were like way lower.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:03
Right. And in your community and Chippewa is there still a lot of bars and restaurants and things open?
Chase Auguston 38:10
Yeah, I don't see any bars that are closed.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:15
You often see a lot of people going there?
Chase Auguston 38:17
I feel like the rate is lower. But I still see a high amount of people there. Yeah.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:24
Does that concern you at all?
Chase Auguston 38:27
Yeah, a little bit.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:33
What concerns do you have?
Chase Auguston 38:37
Just people getting sick, and people in my community having the sickness and then my family getting it.
Kaitlin Rikala 38:47
And how do you think the local government could handle that? As far as closing things? Do you think that would be appropriate?
Chase Auguston 38:57
Yeah, I feel like they could definitely shut down restaurants and bars and things that aren't like, essential.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:11
Alright. Well, we've covered pretty much all of my questions. Did you have any closing thoughts at all?
Chase Auguston 39:16
I just hope that everything gets back to normal, but also with being safe and making sure that we can’t spread it anymore.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:27
Yeah, how long do you think it's going to take us to get there?
Chase Auguston 39:29
I feel like it might take a while.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:36
Do you have a rough estimate of how long you think it might take?
Chase Auguston 39:40
Not necessarily but I just feel like maybe, like, a year or two.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:48
And how do you feel mentally preparing for another year or two of the Coronavirus?
Chase Auguston 39:55
I've been preparing for it. Trying to.
Kaitlin Rikala 39:59
Yeah. In what ways are you preparing for the Coronavirus to keep going and the pandemic to keep going?
Chase Auguston 40:07
Just trying to stay safe and busy and just not, I don’t know, just not be bored all the time, I guess.
Kaitlin Rikala 40:19
Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Coronavirus. Did you have anything else?
Chase Auguston 40:28
No, not necessarily.
Kaitlin Rikala 40:31
Well, thank you so much for being interviewed for this archive. And I hope you have a great rest of your day.
Chase Auguston 40:37
Yeah, you too. Thank you.