LIFE DURING COVID-19
By Katie Loudermilk
W
ithin one week, I went from a college student working as a cashier in a grocery store to an essential worker on the front line. As the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread, lines grew across the store to get a package of toilet paper. Customers were stocking up on chicken and canned goods, and there was not a grain of rice to be found. Everyone shared the food craze in their eyes. However, I experienced some unique individuals that had similar reactions to the crisis. Here are the five common customers I met during the pandemic: 1. The Extremely Grateful Ones The moment this type of customer walks into the store, they thank every worker for showing up to their jobs. They thank the bagger wiping down the carts outside, the grocery clerks stocking shelves, and the customer service staff that are frantically answering
the public’s concerns during these frightening times. While ringing up a customer’s groceries, the man thanked my bagger and me for our service. It sounded a little silly at first, but we knew he meant well. I felt like I was a soldier fighting on the battlefield. Typically, these types talk to me about how wonderful we are for risking our health and family’s health. My coworkers and I do appreciate the gratitude from our customers. It changes my whole mood for the rest of my shift. 2. The Ones with the Gas Masks I have seen five or more people wearing gas masks and who have covered themselves from head to toe to prevent any skin exposure. It seems they stand 12 feet apart from everyone, as opposed to the required six feet. One woman had me wipe down the whole register before she put her groceries on the belt. I also had to put on extra hand sanitizer for her peace of mind.
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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2020
