This is a short post. Mostly, I’m conflicted about the best way to support my favorite local businesses and their employees. I’ve seen a lot of my friends go back to work, especially in the food industry, and some of them have legit concerns about getting sick. To my friends deemed essential workers, what would you prefer? Do I go to my favorite local business, restaurant, or bar with the knowledge that there could be a second wave of COVID-19? Or do I stay home and further compromise the economic situation for these businesses?
I’ve definitely gone out to some and I don’t think I’ve been as cautious as I should be. I try to be as considerate as possible when I am at local businesses though I don’t usually wear a mask at a restaurant. When I see local businesses re-open, my first instinct is to support them. But I can’t help but feel like my presence and anybody else’s is potentially putting their lives at risk. I know some people perceive these precautions as being paranoid, but in most situations I trust the professionals and the professional say that there will most likely be a second wave of cases. Do you understand my predicament? What’s the best way for me to support local businesses and my essential worker friends?