Five Years Since Pandemic Began, Global Impact Still Felt

As we mark five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflections highlight the profound and lasting effects on communities across the U.S. In Siouxland, Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds' announcement to close schools and restaurants in March 2020 marked a significant turning point, leading to thousands of infections and over 350 deaths in the region. Similarly, in Maplewood, New Jersey, the closure of a local movie theater serves as a poignant reminder of the pandemic's impact, with its marquee urging residents to 'STAY HEALTHY' for five years. A documentary by Catey Sexton captures personal stories of loss, emphasizing the rush to forget the pandemic's toll, which claimed over 220,000 lives in the UK alone. In Seattle, the pandemic abruptly changed daily life, with a stay-at-home order leading to widespread isolation and an overwhelmed healthcare system. These retrospectives underline the enduring scars of the pandemic and the collective struggle to move forward while honoring those lost.