DOMINICAN ENGLISH COMPOSITION STUDENTS WRITE ABOUT THE PANDEMIC

 

Hello, everyone,

Semester 22-1 finished and my English Composition I class and I took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to develop our writing skills. I hope you enjoy Edily Villar and Arnaldo Rodriguez’s papers. Many people behave as if the pandemic came to an end. Do you agree? We will be very happy to read your comments.

                           MY EXPERIENCE WITH COVID-19

By Edily Villar

      Having COVID-19 changed the course of my life forever. This is a virus that came to transform the world; therefore, it’s an issue that affects everybody. However, its impact and consequences are felt differently depending on every individual. Each case is different, so it would be useful to take my experience as an example to see how it can help others and give strength to get out of this disease if someone get to suffer from it.

      My experience with COVID-19 started with the appearance of the first symptoms. A high fever and lower back pain were the symptoms I developed, which became present on December 23^rd in the afternoon. That day in the morning, I felt perfectly fine, but as                         

time went on the symptoms got worse. There was a point where I couldn’t stand or breathe properly, and the fever began to rise. Due to my parent’s concern, they took me to the emergency room to find out what was happening to me. After the nurses medicated me and took a blood test, the doctor there deduced that it was just the flu that everyone had at that time but to make sure, the next day on Christmas Eve morning, I went back to the hospital to take a COVID test, and unfortunately it came out positive. Therefore, the first symptoms I had were not from a flu, but from COVID-19.

      Right after testing positive, my period of isolation began at home. I spent about fifteen days locked inside my room, taking pills and syrups every day. During this phase, I started to have minor problems in my lungs, throat infection and muscle aches. Also, I had the responsibility to clean and disinfect everything I touched, so the virus would not propagate. In addition, I couldn’t get close to any member of my family for a while, which hurt me a lot since I couldn’t spend Christmas with them like I was used to. It was frustrating not being able to go outside and continue my normal life until the results came back negative. I felt very discouraged during the whole process for having to be away from everything I love. Undoubtedly, this was the most difficult and exasperating stage of the virus for me.

      Fortunately, after two weeks of isolation at home, my journey with COVID-19 had ended. I took the test again and this time it came out negative. This terrible stage was finally over. I was feeling perfectly fine now that all the symptoms were gone. I started to go out again after being locked for so long. I finally got to see my family, and I returned to my daily routines. Everything felt normal again. This is definitely the part where you realize the importance of the little things that you normally don’t consider important. Thus, after this process that affected my life, I was full of joy to say that I was finally COVID free.

      In summary, the virus of COVID-19 changed my life in the most unexpected moment. There were different stages I had to go through and different ways of how this disease affected me. In my case, the first symptoms, such as fever and a lower back pain, were the initial part of the virus and when these were detected after taking a test, the frustrating period of isolation began at home. Also, the time of healing was long and exhausting, but after that, there was more good than bad. The virus transformed the course of my life, but the way I coped with it made me change the way of seeing life forever.

Tenares 2022

Statistics for the First Six Months of Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic

By Arnaldo Rodríguez

     The statistics during the first six months of Covid-19 pandemic were alarming. Statistics are so important in daily life. They give information that can be used for decision making, and played a huge role during the first six months of the Covid-19. They told people how fast the virus was spreading, kept people informed about its lethality, showed how full the hospitals were during the difficult times, what areas were the most affected in the country, and how many people were isolated. Many people were dying. The infections didn’t stop, and the number of hospital admissions was increasing rapidly.

     First, the number of deaths during the first six months of the pandemic was frightening. Two people died in the first month. By March 23^rd the average age of dead people was added to the statistics and it was 64 by that time. The next day, the male vs female percentage was added and it was found that more men were dying than women. The male percentage was 70% vs 30% female. In other words, 7 out of 10 deaths were men. In March 26^th, the mortality rate was added and it was at 3%. Everyone was scared because that was a high rate considering the amount of people infected and given that not much was known about the virus. At the end of March, which was the first month, 57 had died in total and the mortality rate was 4%, which was alarming. The average age for March was 62 with 77% of dead people being men and 23% women. By the end of April, the total number of people who died was 313. There were 256 new cases compared to March. This was a tough month because the mortality rate reached its peak at 4.29% and older people were dying, especially those with other problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Everyone was worried about their senior relatives by this time. 75% were men and 25% were women this month. May came with more deaths. The good thing was the mortality rate went down. There were 189 new deaths and 502 in total. The average age of people who died was 65. The mortality rate was 2.86%. The male vs female ratio was 69.72% vs 30.28%. In June, many deaths continued, 252 new deaths to be exact. There were 754 deaths in total with a mortality rate of 2.26% and the average age was 65. In July there were 416 new deaths and 1,170 deaths in total. The mortality rate went down to 1.64% and the average age was 65. August was the 6^th month of the pandemic. It ended up with 1,738 dead people in total and 568 new deaths for August. This was the highest number of deaths per month since the pandemic started. The average age of the people who died during the first six months was 68, 65.71% of these were men vs 34.29% being women. The mortality rate was not as high as it used to be but the most concerning statistic was the amount of people that was dying and how on the 6^th month the pandemic still hadn’t been controlled.

     Furthermore, the total of infections during the first six months of the pandemic was very concerning. Since there was this unknown virus which very little was known about but just the fact that people were dying and it was a scary thought knowing anyone could get infected and knowing there weren’t any previous treatments but only the doctors’ recommendations. This is why the measures were so drastic at the beginning. Such measures were very hard to follow, especially for the poor and low-class people. However, they were necessary. The virus had to be stopped at all costs. 373,001 tests were taken in total. The overall number of infections was 94,979 with a positivity rate of 28.09%. Going to the hospital during this time was alarming because many people were kept there for many days, weeks or months without being able to see their relatives. One good statistic was that 68,736 recovered from the disease during this period. Even though the average age of people infected was 38, statistics showed older people were the ones dying. By taking a look at the numbers, there comes the realization of how alarming it could be to get infected during the first six months.

     Lastly, the amount of people being isolated in the hospital during the first six months of the pandemic was unsettling. Being taken to the hospital and getting isolated there was a scary thought, especially knowing that in the country, the lack of resources makes it very difficult for patients to be treated properly. Many people didn’t get to see their family members again and no visits were allowed due to the virus being highly contagious. In March, being the first month, there were 147 people in hospital isolation. By April that number increased rapidly by 1,185 more in isolation, for a total of 1,332 and 108 people were in intensive care units (ICU). May ended up with 1,988 people isolating in the hospital and 117 in ICU. The number of people in ICU didn’t increase significantly but the only choice was to fight the virus. June came with shocking numbers as 3,323 people were in hospital isolation; this was 1,335 more than the previous month and 200 were in ICU. For July, the numbers kept going up. There were 5,871 in hospital isolation, 2,548 more than June and 325 people in ICU. August was the last month of the period and although the number of people in isolation increased by 1,573 (7,444 in total), the positive news was that 207 ended up in ICU, a drop of 118 compared to the previous month. Even though the measures kept increasing, so were the numbers and this hospital isolation process had to be as effective as possible.

     In brief, the statistics showed that there was a lot going on during the first six months of the pandemic. People could empathize with all the ones dying and their relatives, the struggles of the ones getting infected and then overcoming the virus, and those at the hospitals fighting for their lives. The good thing was that everyone learned how to treat and live with the virus, and that can be seen by looking at those numbers today.

Santiago 2022

MEET PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

In the Holy Week of 2022, some relatives and I went to visit my father in law in Puerto Plata. This beautiful city is located to the north of the Dominican Republic. I had never had the chance to see so many beautiful places there. I took many pictures. I liked them so much that I decided to share some of them with you all. After seeing the pictures, do not hesitate and post a comment about the place you liked the most or any other thing that called your attention.

Click on the video and this tunnel will welcome you in Spanish.

 

The name of the city in big letters is in El Malecón. This is the way people call the ample sidewalk along the sea shore. Many people come here to enjoy the ocean breeze and have a lot of fun.

Loma Isabel de Torres (Isabel de Torres Mountain) is part of the most visited national Parks in the Dominican Republic, Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres (Isabel de Torres National Park). If you ever come to Puerto Plata, go to this mountain and take the cable car. The Christ Redeemer statue will welcome you with its wide open arms. You will never forget the great view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

This is the Fortaleza de San Felipe (San Felipe Fortress). It was built in 1577. Juan Pablo Duarte, the main founding father of our country was imprisoned in it after 1944 by order of Pedro Santana. 

General Gregorio Luperón was born in this city. He led La Guerra de la Restauración de la República (The Republic Restauration War). Consequently, he became one of the most important heroes in the Dominican Republic. 

Like in most cities in the country, there is a cathedral across from the central park. This one is the Catedral de San Felipe Apóstol (San Felipe Apóstol Cathedral).

Also, there is a round porch in the middle of the park. Whenever people see this, they know it is Puerto Plata, also known as La Novia del Atlantico (The Atlantic Ocean’s Fiancee).

All in pink, the Paseo de Doña Blanca is a unique place that visitors and locals enjoy visiting. Doña Blanca Franchescini and her husband, Isidoro Rainiery were pioneers in the tourist industry in the Dominican Republic. This beautiful alley commemorates their arrival in 1898.

This colorful place is la Calle de las Sombrillas (the Umbrellas Street). Here, many people take pictures, drink coffee, have ice cream and more.

On one of the corners across the central park, this mural shows outstanding Dominican artists born in Puerto Plata such as Eduardo Brito, one of the most important singers; Juan Loward, one of the most important singer-song-writers; and Rafael Solano, one  of the most important musicians.

This cruise is in Amber Cove, a passenger terminal in Maimón, Puerto Plata. Cruise liners have been coming to Puerto Plata since 2015.

Santo Domingo 2022

 

DOMINICAN STUDENTS WRITE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

Hello everyone,

The following is one of the essays written by my students last semester (2021-2). In my English Composition I class, we have been working on the project WRITING IN TIMES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. My students choose from a list of topics related to that subject, find information, and follow the writing process paragraph by paragraph. At the end of the semester, five-paragraph essays, like the one written by Juan Jimenez, is the result. After reading about Juan's experience, you can leave a comment for the rest of the audience. You can also share what called your attention the most from his experience. Also, you can tell us if you or someone you know went through a similar situation. 

Negative Effects of COVID-19 in my Life

By Juan Jimenez

          The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted me negatively in many ways. The most negative challenges for me have been my fear, unemployment, and the cost of living. It would be very beneficial to know what other people may have experienced and what they have done to overcome the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also vital to explain what I have been through due to the coronavirus pandemic. My life is different before and after the pandemic.

          First, my fear of getting infected with the coronavirus was the most terrible part of the disease. During the pandemic, I had to get used to practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, and using hand sanitizer. Due to this, I have learned to protect myself from getting infected with the virus by utilizing these preventive measures. Nowadays, it is challenging to do all of those things that I used to do before the pandemic like playing dominoes with my family and friends, greeting people with hugs and shaking hands, and eating in the streets with large crowds. The pandemic has not only caused me fear, but it also caused me anxiety in every aspect of my daily life. Despite my fear, I am optimistic the pandemic will be over soon and everything will be back to normal.

          Second, unemployment has been one of the most challenging things I have dealt with during the pandemic. When it started, I worked in a company that closed like so many others to avoid spreading the virus. Regardless of my experience as a health promoter, customer service representative, and the ability to speak three languages, I have been unable to find a job. Everywhere I went they were either closed or had reduced their number of employees, making it more difficult for me to find a job. I have not been able to meet my financial obligations, which has made me feel depressed. Without a job, no one would lend me money because I may not have the money to pay it back later. Fortunately, I earn money from teaching English and Spanish occasionally. Those earnings have helped me continue my studies.

          Third, the cost of living has made my life more difficult since the pandemic started. Before the pandemic, I provided for my necessities such as food, rent, electricity, clothing, etc. However, during the pandemic, prices have increased significantly and continued to grow every day, which has made it more difficult for me to provide for myself. For example, pre-pandemic, I was spending 10,000 pesos a month on food; 3,000 pesos on rent; 500 on electricity; and 3,000 on clothing. Currently, I am spending 20,000 pesos a month on food, 5,000 pesos on rent; 1,000 on electricity; and 6,000 on clothing, which resulted in an increase from 67% to 100%. As can be easily seen, the pandemic has created an environment that has further limited my opportunities to meet basic needs.

          In conclusion, the coronavirus pandemic has affected me negatively. Still, I have learned to overcome the fear of getting infected by utilizing the COVID-19 precautionary measures. I have also found ways to make nominal income by tutoring to meet my basic needs while seeking a full-time job. Despite all the negatives that the coronavirus pandemic has brought into my life, I have survived and moved forward, overcoming every obstacle by keeping a positive outlook for the future.

San Juan de la Maguana 2022