My Life During Covid-19 Part 4a Read Count : 87

Category : Diary/Journal

Sub Category : N/A
Today is Monday, April 6, 2020. This is the newest addition in my continuing series about how the pandemic COVID-19 is affecting my life, the people in my neighborhood,  and my city Paterson NJ. Since my last report, there have many more reported cases in New Jersey. The number of cases in the state is now at 37,505 the amount of recovery at 92, and the death toll at 917. The situation is worsening with no real end in sight. Over the past weekend, I was able to interview two people. My first was with Keith who resides in Paterson and is employed at The Home Depot store there. I asked Keith how has life has been affected. He told me that the store that he works in has made a number of changes since the pandemic started. The store has added extra security. They have police officers on duty assigned there. These measures were taken to both prevent theft and to enforce the changes that the store has implemented since the crisis began. Keith told me about the changes. The store closes earlier 6 pm instead of 10 pm. The store restricts the number of people in-store, only fifty allowed at once. When inside the store, social distancing is enforced. The items that you may purchase are also restricted. A customer may only purchase 2 cases of water 2 rolls of paper goods like toilet paper and paper towels 2 packages of gloves per customer. Home Depot doesn’t have masks in stock as they have been donating them to area hospitals where they are urgently needed. Keith says that even with the restrictions these items and others such as cleaning supplies don’t stay in stock long. He says they haven’t had hand sanitizer in weeks as it goes out as fast as it comes in. He says the amount of deliveries has quadrupled as people are ordering online rather than shopping in the store. As for the employees, Keith says that they must wear masks and gloves at all times and the store has given them a number of extra incentives to come to work during this trying time. The store gives bonuses to work the usual 40 hours if full time. They also are giving people extra vacation time as a reward for their hard work during this time. As far as keeping himself safe he wears his mask and gloves, stays as far from people as possible, and washes his hands often both at home and work. I asked him if he has a message for the readers and he says to stay home as much as possible. wash hands often and stay a safe distance from others. I thanked him for his time and all the helpful information. My second interview was with a friend that I haven't seen in a while. My friend's name is Rebecca and she resides in Bergenfield with her mother. Rebecca has to work from home now as the school she works for closed to students as of 3/13 the school while closed is still operating online for both students and staff. Rebecca is able to do her regular work from home although it's a little more of a challenge.she has to make sure that she has enough space on her computer to keep the files that she needs for her job. But she is able to communicate with the school and students if necessary. As far as her life at home, she is taking measures to keep herself and her mother safe. Rebecca's mother is older and in a high- risk grouping as she is in her 60s and has an autoimmune disease. So it could be very bad if she contracted this virus. For her protection, Rebecca doesn't let her leave the house and does all their shopping and laundry and picks up whatever is needed for their house. When Shopping Rebecca keeps a safe distance from other shoppers wears a scarf over her face also wearing gloves on her hands and whenever she brings anything home she wipes it down and places it into a duffle bag that has never been outside. When she has been outside, once inside she showers and changes her clothes. She washes her hands frequently. She is doing this to protect her mothers and of course her own health. These steps have become necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. Because Rebecca also has a job in the service industry as a bartender. I asked about that. The restaurant she works in. The Casual Havana cafe had to close to diners temporarily but is still open for taking out and delivery and yes they will deliver alcohol. Her cousin has a nice restaurant in Fair Lawn that also had to close to dining customers Sage restaurant is still open for delivery and are running very nice specials for people if they order. I have enjoyed this interview and as a final question, I asked Rebecca if she had any final comments. She said for people to use this as a reminder not to take simple things like eating out and spending time with friends for granted. And also to practice good hygiene. I thanked her for the helpful info .PS. The picture on the blog is of my late wife who I remember every da

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