Widespread Effects of COVID-19 Creates a Multitude of Challenges

Widespread Effects of COVID-19 Creates a Multitude of Challenges

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

COVID-19 has affected everyone in some way shape or form over the past five and a half months.

As to what degree? That depends on your age, health, responsibilities, and circumstances There’s also no question that it has affected the day to day activities of people; everything from work to school to interacting with family and friends. Additionally, social activities and public events have been dramatically impeded.

Generally speaking, COVID-19 has created widespread repercussions on many different levels, both personally and professionally.

Businesses have felt the brunt of the public health emergency and resulting restrictions with many having to close up shop entirely or scale back operations significantly.

Vijay Massey, who has owned Hair by VJ for the past 16 years, admits it’s been quite the adjustment for him; having gone from full-time to a complete shut down which lasted just over two months.

The work stoppage has been difficult, working six days a week to a total closure, was a big adjustment. With four children and bills to pay dealing with the stress has been challenging. Even though the shop was closed during that time, he says he would come into work most days to try and keep some sense of normalcy.

VJ says he was never so happy when he was given the green light to reopen to the public in mid-May. “I was very excited to go back to work.” VJ wants to reassure people that he is taking all of the safety precautions and following health protocols, and will provide face masks if customers do not have one.

VJ says in general people are still leary about returning for regular visits, and he is grateful for anyone who comes in to get their hair cut, styled, or coloured. He said the first customer that came in to get their hair cut after he reopened made him feel like he had won the lottery. He hopes that feeling will continue and business will also continue to pick up. With every new day, comes new opportunities, and says he will continue thinking positively.

Many customers have become friends over the years, and VJ says Vegreville feels like home, and his shop is where everyone is greeted with a smile and treated with kindness.