Business, schools, and many places all over the state have been shut down. The towns aren’t nearly as busy and social distancing is encouraged. The grocery stores are going empty, and the fear of what to do next has set in. Many people have lost their jobs for the time being, and many are forced to apply for unemployment in hopes of seeking some source of income. But some things are still open for people to come and go. Restaurants.

Restaurants and grocery stores are often where a teen gets their first job. I am included in that group of people. I work in a small family owned business that has been majorly affected during this time of the outbreak of the COVID-19 outbreak. My job is not seen as a direct threat for the virus outbreak, as that is why we are still open As well as, restaurants have to be able to supply the community with options for sources of food. 

 It is scary going into work knowing I am constantly talking to people and touching credit cards and cash, which are never cleaned. But my work has changed a lot of things like we do not let anyone eat in the store and we have switched over to us getting the customers food for them, and curbside only. But this has been quite negative to our store. We have gotten a lot of negative reviews as we have changed our ways to prevent as much contact and germs as possible. We wear gloves all the time, but it doesn’t feel right taking a part of the idea of our business away from the customers. But at the same time, hours are cut, money isn’t as good, and our business is losing a lot of money. 

A lot of people believe that working is dangerous right now. I know even at my work, a lot of parents have pulled their kids from working due to the fears of catching this virus. But for me, I have to work and I chose to work. That is because of my own fears of not being able to have money. I want to be able to have a backup plan if this pandemic continues on for a long time. 

My mom was told that her dental office would be closing due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This was heartbreaking for her because she thought the absolute worst. She was scared to not have a constant income source to be supplying or us to be able to fulfill our basic needs. Knowing this makes me want to be able to work even more, since I can. By having a source of income during this time is helpful because I know I am able to help my family if that is needed. But it is scary, and there is no doubt about that. 

A lot of people, parents especially believe that kids are a big reason this virus hasn’t been contained. That is due to the constant want to go places, see friends, and go to other’s houses. For me a teen, I am not constantly going places other than work. But that is the one thing I cannot get out of.

Many people do not understand how working during this time is due to themselves not having to or being forced to work. The people who are working during this time are at more risk than anyone as they have to do their jobs. If some decide to leave their house when they are sick, it puts us, as healthy people at such a high risk and that is the scariest thing. I am doing my job in which I have worked for about a year and a half with no fears, but now it has finally set in the realness and concern of this outbreak.