The world is currently enduring a time of unprecedented challenges due to the emergence of the Covid-19 virus. It continues to affect all ages, nationalities, and socio-economic backgrounds.
When the virus first emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019, it seemed like a far away problem. Nevertheless, in early March of 2020, the pandemic hit close to home when 11 of Norwood’s town officials were exposed.
Then, on March 31, Governor Baker issued an order for the closure of non-essential businesses and organizations for in-person operations. These businesses span every industry including retail, hospitality, goods and services etc.
Consequently, during this time of ambiguity, Norwood businesses are giving back to the community and staying strong to support one another.
“Ever since closing our doors to be part of the solution, we donated our unused face masks to front line staff and Norwood Hospital,” Swan Thang, the owner of Sky Spa nail salon in Norwood said.
According to an estimate by the Department of Health and Human Services, in the United States alone, fighting the coronavirus will consume 3.5 billion face masks. Still in early March, Alex Azar, secretary of health and human services, testified that there are only about 40 million masks in the stockpile — around 1 percent of the projected national need.
Therefore, selfless acts of kindness from local businesses like Sky Spa are essential during this time.
Additionally, Sky Spa has devoted their time into producing face shields with a 3D printer. Thang explained that it takes roughly 1 and ½ hours to produce one, and they are continuously being donated to front line staff, essential workers, and a local nursing home.
“Everyone is obviously being affected by the current state of the world, and we are no exception,” owner Cheryl Costa of Orange Leaf, a frozen yogurt shop, said as her way of giving back. “We are taking every precaution to continue to keep everyone safe, and just recently we donated cups to Norwood hospital to show our appreciation for the doctors and nurses that are working so tirelessly for us”.
The virus has also disrupted the work-force with many companies having to lay-off their employees.
“We are trying to keep as many people as they can so that the workers can at least receive some sort of a paycheck,” Costa said.
The company has even started an on-call shift list so that if business starts to pick up they will call to let employees know to come in.
To battle the social distancing rules, Orange Leaf has begun offering curbside pick up and delivery with Grubhub and other delivery services that offer non-contact delivery. Customers also have the option to pull up and call the number listed on their door, pay over the phone, and receive an order without having to get out of the car.
“We are just trying to keep a positive attitude during this funk, and want to bring joy to the community” says Costa.
Even those who are considered essential services like physical therapy clinics have seen a change in the way they conduct business.
“Just like everyone else, my business is being affected,” Michelle Donohue, owner of Move Well Physical Therapy explained. “Since I provide a service that is crucial to the well-being of many different clients, I have had to adapt to the current climate. Currently, I am offering tele-health visits for those who can’t come to the clinic”.
These visits are done via phone or skype, and they provide guidance for the client’s particular needs.
Overall, this pandemic has transformed the way Norwood is run. Industries are changing, and citizens everywhere are trying to help keep local businesses afloat. But even during this time of uncertainty, the Norwood spirit continues to thrive, as exhibited through acts of kindness from one person or business to another.
Issue Date:
May, 2020
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