Abigail Miramon Urias is head cashier at a local West Michigan grocery store. In the lead up to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s stay at home order, Urias witnessed the number of customers double.
“Because usually on a normal transaction day we get about 200 and some people in. On our busy days it’s usually around 300 max of 400.”
At this location, it’s keeping current hours of operation. Grocery store cashiers experience a high volume of face to face interactions. So, I asked Urias what protective measures are being deployed limiting exposure to coronavirus.
“I sanitize my hands, I put my gloves on—I sanitize my gloves too, I check out their items and usually sometimes I have a bag or Ill bag their items myself; and then I’ll go through with them the steps of paying and I’ll give them their receipt like with my fingertips from far away and I will wish them well on their way.”
Urias and some of their coworkers say they’re anxious about face-to-face interactions with customers who may be unaware they they’re carrying or infected with the virus. If store workers were to get sick they would not be able to get paid time off.
“I definitely feel that I am more at risk than being able to work from home because we are all not provided safe masks and I feel like that would be a good contribution to what’s going on.”
To make Urias’ job easier, they suggest customers make a list of necessities before heading to your local grocery store.
