Chronicling the pandemic. One story at a time.

The Coronavirus pandemic is being covered by news media worldwide, but our stories — those of our neighbors, family, and friends – often go unwritten. Fleeting and intangible, first-hand accounts are vital to documenting the effects of catastrophic events. They are also most in danger of being lost. Our diary is the first project of its kind.

The People’s Corona Diary is a crowdsourced journal. Whereas traditional diaries recount the events of one person’s life, our project seeks to document the experiences of individuals around the world. It is the first collaborative journal to chronicle a global pandemic.

Why Should I Participate? By sharing your story during the Coronavirus outbreak, you can help make the world a better place. There are a number of reasons, both civic and humanitarian, why you should write an entry:

To inspire. Your words could bring hope to those who have lost it.

Your words could bring hope to those who have lost it. To unite. Collaboration in a worldwide project reminds others we are all in this together.

Collaboration in a worldwide project reminds others we are all in this together. To remember. Our document will serve as lasting testimony to governments of the need for pandemic preparedness.

Our document will serve as lasting testimony to governments of the need for pandemic preparedness. To comfort. Sharing your experience — good or bad — can provide solidarity to others suffering losses during this time.

Just because we’re in the middle of a pandemic doesn’t mean your entry has to be solemn. You can write about a funny lock-down moment or compose a poem about hope. As long your entry embraces the spirit of the project, there are no restrictions on what you say or how often you post.

Here are excerpts from some entries we’ve received:

“I have a chronic illness and am especially susceptible to this virus. Usually, I visit an infusion center every two weeks for enzyme replace therapy. For the first time in my life, I’ve skipped my treatments.” Kent S. – Los Angeles “This time in quarantine has really shown me how self discipline can be a flashlight in this dark tunnel we’re in. Down time is now a constant. I’m treating it as a blessing, because that’s the healthiest way to cope with this new normal.” Chelsea F. – Orange, CA “My landlord kicked my boyfriend out and I moved out as well, as she found out I can’t pay rent, since I lost all my gigs because of Corona, so I moved into the dance studio where I used to teach aerial and circus arts.” Lena A. – Los Angeles

You can view these and other stories in The Diary.

Tell Us Your Story.

This is your chance to be heard. How has the Coronavirus affected your life?

Type your name — or leave it anonymous — and write an entry. All submissions are reviewed by our staff. Once your post is approved, it will be available for public viewing in The Diary under the date it was received.

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