Update from the USA - Mary Ann Hargrove shares what life has been like during the Covid-19 pandemic

GREETINGS FROM THE UNITED STATES

Phase One      

Since mid-March, the world as we know it has continued to change for all of us. Words like “Novel Virus”, “pandemic”, “sequester at home” have intruded on our way of thinking and living in a way we would never dreamed of a few months ago.

Because our optical functions are considered to be vital services in this country, we are free to decide just how we will go about responding to the challenges of the COVID 19 virus. In our vertically integrated retail lab we took the science of respiratory infection very seriously from the outset.  

Masks were not considered optional and very strict procedures for sanitizing hands, frames and surfaces were introduced as soon as the situation became known. The governmental response to the need for small business loans and temporary help with salaries has had a positive impact on the struggle to “keep the doors open”.

Phase Two

The need to restart the economy has been a very real one.  Faced with the question of not being able to feed your family or risking the virus has caused very difficult pressures for all.  It appears that the “NEW NORMAL” will involve trying to educate discontented populations to exercise wisdom in how they try to live with a risky return to the world of work while protecting themselves and others from spreading the virus in this “live free or die” environment. The wearing of masks has become a political issue.  

Unfortunately, our political leadership has not shown a willingness to come to grips with the science of this ever menacing threat and we are now beginning to understand the cost of that position.  For the world of the optician, it is currently a delicate dance.  Our business has experienced record highs and lows of income in recent weeks. Reduced hours is not uncommon in small businesses as management tries to maintain their valuable assets … their staff.  With cash flow so unreliable, purchases from suppliers of frames, lenses and assorted optical materials has been significantly curtailed.  Outstanding balances are of great concern to all.

Phase Three    

We are now beginning the most sobering phase as the relentless virus continues to duplicate itself exponentially.  Even the most myopic leaders are about to be blindsided by the sheer numbers of positive tests that are accumulating.  There is a rethinking of the “Return to Business as Usual” movement.  Hopefully, it’s not too late to find ways of coping.  There is no doubt that this phase is not going to be easy.  Those who do what they can to reduce contamination with masks, hand sanitizing and social distancing will be our best models until successful vaccines can be produced. How long this worldwide siege will last and how well we find ourselves acclimating to the realities of the COVID-19 challenge, I cannot predict.  

I will say that a return to a less frenetic pace has given many of us an opportunity to rethink some of the behaviors that we until recently have taken for granted.   Hope each of you has found a few of those insightful moments for yourselves. We are, after all, just a worldwide family on this big blue marble of Earth…. take care…. be safe.    

Blessings, Mary Ann