Residents go outside to find peace in trying times
Total confirmed coronavirus cases in Butte County at eight
CHICO » After weeks of being stuck at home, Chico residents took to the park Wednesday to find peace as ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic create burdens.
The total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Butte County remained at eight Wednesday, according to Butte County Public Health’s website.
Sitting in the grass south of the Sycamore Pool was Emily Todd who said she was trying to find peace among the chaos caused by the virus.
“I just want to be outside,” Todd said.
Todd’s hours were cut dramatically at her workplace and she had been trying to file for unemployment, but the process is slow and impacted. She said it’s been a struggle to get on the phone with anyone.
She added that during the pandemic, some people have been more aggressive and angry.
“People should be nicer,” Todd said. “I’ve met some people that are just pretty rude. I’m sure they’re stressed, but everybody is stressed. We don’t need to be rude to one another.”
With a blanket laid out and food in hand, Jenna Miller and Liberty Bronson were also sitting by the pool having a picnic.
Miller said the two get lunch together regularly but it’s been difficult with having to stay indoors.
“This is the first time I’ve left the house in a week and a half other than for work,” Bronson said.
“I think we’re going a little stir crazy,” Miller added. “We’re both extroverts.”
Dogs in the park were having a great day as their owners took them along the Bidwell Park trails.
Marilyn Quinn and her pup Izzy were marching along the paved trail. Quinn, who lives in Washington, said she had recently been on a camping trip with her sister-in-law.
Because the number of infected individuals was higher where she’s from, she opted to stay in Chico for the time being with hopes that things get better soon.
“Thank goodness for being able to come outside,” Quinn said. “If I couldn’t come outside, I’d really being having trouble with it.”
Quinn said she’s been getting groceries at Trader Joe’s and appreciates grocery stores wiping down carts and keeping people six feet apart.
“It makes you feel about as safe as you can,” Quinn said.
Kathy Sorensen was preparing to walk her dog Mia in the park to get outside for a bit.
“I’ve been home for three weeks and this dog is going crazy,” Sorensen said. “I’ve been getting depressed, that’s why I decided to take the dog for a walk.”
Sorensen is a Paradise resident and came to Chico for the walk with hopes of maintaining social distancing.
“I figured this was big enough we wouldn’t be seeing anyone else,” Sorensen said.