Working during a pandemic
Students share their experiences of working during this time
Many local businesses and restaurants such as Scooter’s continue to stay open despite the pandemic. “Customers that still come to Scooter’s during this whole situation seem really grateful that we can provide some source of normalcy,” senior Olivia Oeth said. “We get a lot of calls asking if we’re still open, and there’s always a sigh of relief once we tell them they are allowed in for a drink.”
April 16, 2020
Despite non-essential businesses being asked to close due to COVID-19, there are still many places open and dedicated to providing for the community despite the presence of the pandemic. The backbone of these companies are the employees who come into work every week in order to complete their jobs while also staying safe and healthy. Many students make up this workforce that is having to push through despite fear and uncertainty.
From restaurants to grocery stores to hardware stores, these individuals do the best they can to stay safe and healthy while still providing for customers. While working, the state enforces new changes that must be followed immediately in order to keep businesses sanitary. The adjustments to businesses have been difficult, but these Millard West employees have been working hard to adapt to the new business as usual.
“I do enjoy how work has been going throughout this quarantine experience,” junior and Over Easy employee Jasmine Hermosillo-Padilla said. “I have been getting a lot more hours and tips, and I feel like during times like these people are very understanding as far as meals taking a little longer than usual since there are a lot more people wanting to get orders placed than usual.”
Not only are these people excited to be helping out the community, but they are also grateful for the opportunity to have interaction with their coworkers. With people stuck at home, the lack of human interaction has been very tough for many individuals. Therefore, getting to help the local community while also seeing friends has been a great use of time for many.
“My favorite part about working right now is that I get to get out of my house and see my work friends,” junior and Little Caesars employee Ceibhionn Stevens said. “It’s nice to have interaction with people in person when I can.”
Companies themselves have had to make changes in order to keep both the staff and the customers safe and healthy. Many workers are required to wear masks and / or gloves at all times. Also, the building itself must be sanitized frequently in order to try and prevent potential spread of COVID-19.
In addition to new safety measures, some companies are adding new features to their businesses to help the community. For example, Over Easy has added a pantry menu that includes items such as soaps, toilet paper and eggs. With lots of fear and uncertainty right now, local businesses are doing all they can to help out.
“We can only do drive-thru or to-go orders right now,” senior and Scooter’s employee Olivia Oeth said. “Recently, we’ve all had to start wearing masks to protect ourselves from any sickness and prevent sickness for the customer.”
Times are tough for local businesses right now, but the help of incredible employees and supportive members of the community make it a little easier. By adjusting many areas of these businesses, they are still able to operate safely and smoothly. These hard-working Millard West students are doing everything in their power to help make life go along easier despite having to avoid public places.
