What are "Essential Services"?
With the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic, there are more and more people being quarantined, cancellations of Sporting and Entertainment events, closures of schools....and the list keeps getting longer. When any crisis hits, we automatically hear that "Essential Services" will remain functioning throughout whatever the situation happens to be. At first glance, such positions as Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, and Police come to mind. This would surely be followed by at least some Power Infrastructure, Public Transit, and Road Maintenance Personnel (especially during Winter Storms). Whether we like them or not, we will still need some Politicians/Government Officials to co-ordinate all this too.
But this time around, things are a bit different. As the Outbreak stretches on, it is both comforting and somewhat disconcerting to know that Grocery Stores will remain Open (whether there will be any Toilet Paper left is another unsettling matter). The Public needs to know that the Supply Lines are there for them and their families, though some things may no longer be available. Since I am employed by a Grocery Store, it is good to know that there should still be a Pay Cheque coming in until this is all resolved. Odd though it may be, am I now considered "Essential" to helping our Society overcome COVID-19???
The "Essential Services" label has also been used recently to my daughter's position at University. It has been decided that all the courses and exams will be conducted Online for the rest of this Semester, and that Students have been told they do not need attend classes or stay on Campus...BUT the Residences will remain functioning as planned. This is good, as many Students are unable to go Home or anywhere else with little or no notice. On the other hand, being in the position of a Head Resident, my daughter, as well as those who are Dons have been deemed "Essential" to maintaining the order and structure of Residence Life until the end of the Semester. On the surface, this is both reasonable and understandable, but somewhat troubling at the same time. She is still there, while so many others are being permitted and encouraged to leave as soon as possible. Definitely something any parent would think about.
All I'm really saying is that for the time being, the "Front Lines" in this Outbreak seem to be expanding like never before, so please be considerate and patient. The people you come in contact are doing what they can, when they can...the best they can! Everyone would rather be at Home protecting themselves and their families too.
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These times are even more of a concern to pre-existing health compromised Loved Ones. Whether they be old or young, they require access to certain resources now, more than ever before:
A More Serious Side of the Coronavirus...
It has always been difficult enough to the Needed Supplies when they are needed before this Pandemic, but even more so now.
Please Buy What You Need...and NEED What You Buy
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