Puzzles have become essential in households since the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States. Just like a puzzle, we are all scattered and separated from each other while simply trying to become a unified working system again.
This is a project about how the Michigan community is being affected by the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Monday, March 24, 2020 an executive order for a shelter-in-place by Michigan Governor Whitmer went into effect and all non-essential businesses shut down resulting in an increase of unemployment. I was inspired to create this project because I am one of nearly 10 million Michiganders affected by this virus outbreak and I believe it is important to document and to educate the future generations on what we are all going through.
These photos show how homes and lives are being changed and people have to adjust to new routines while worrying about their family’s safety. Jerry and Sandy DiMaso, my parents, have learned how to cope with the changes but worry because their older age puts them at a higher risk for the COVID-19 virus. It has been difficult for me to see them without feeling like I am indirectly putting them in danger. Both are also self-employed and have not been able to work for weeks.
Tyler Plunkett, my boyfriend, has been working from my apartment living room since the executive order was put in place. He has struggled to work effectively and stay on task with such drastic changes to his every day routine. Regardless of his productivity, he will soon be out of projects to work on and forced to be laid off if the executive order continues to keep the company workers at home.
I hope you see the severity of the pandemic and how difficult it has been for everyone to live day-to-day without knowing when it is going to end.
The DiMaso household stocks up on cleaning supplies to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus on Thursday March 26, 2020. The virus can live on surfaces potentially up to 72 hours. Photo by Jordyn DiMaso 
Sandy DiMaso, 67, wears a face-mask while running errands to protect herself from the airborne COVID-19 virus on Thursday March 26, 2020. Older people are at higher risk for the virus which causes respiratory issues and can lead to pneumonia and organ failure. Photo by Jordyn DiMaso 
The DiMaso household stocks up on food, as well as cleaning supplies, to avoid leaving the house on Thursday March 26, 2020. Grocery stores, have experienced large crowds of customers preparing for the worst during this pandemic which makes them high risk areas for virus transference. Photo by Jordyn DiMaso 
Jerry DiMaso, 64, grabs chicken from his plethora of frozen foods during the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday March 26, 2020. Along with certain foods, toilet paper and paper towel are scarce among grocery stores so citizens are also stocking up on those items. 
Gas prices start to drop in Michigan on Friday March 27, 2020. Fewer people are traveling with the shelter-in-place executive order issued by Governor Whitmer on and gas prices are expected to drop even lower. Photo by Jordyn DiMaso 
The majority of businesses indefinitely shut down in Macomb County on Friday March 27, 2020. Macomb County has one of the highest COVID-19 reports and deaths in Michigan, along with Wayne County and Oakland County. 
Gloria Jean’s Coffee Shop closes their in-store services and shortens their hours on Friday March 27, 2020. Other non-essential services are forced to close or resort to carry-out only services. 
Non-essential worker Tyler Plunkett sets up his make-shift desk and continues to work from home on Tuesday March 24, 2020. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7 million people are unemployed in the U.S.and Plunkett fears he may be one of those people soon. 
Puzzles become essential for households during the COVID-19 lockdown on Tuesday March 24, 2020. According to the Washington Post, big retailers like Amazon and some local stores are selling out of puzzles. 
Business signs across Michigan share prayers and thoughts on Friday March 27, 2020. Americans adjust to a new way of life with the longterm effects of the COVID-19 virus unknown. Photo by Jordyn DiMaso
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