Be nice to supermarket staff, they're risking their lives for you

Picture :Phando Jikelo/African News Agency(ANA )

Picture :Phando Jikelo/African News Agency(ANA )

Published Apr 2, 2020

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DURBAN - Supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores continue with business as usual during the lockdown as people stock up on food, medicine and other essentials.

For those working at these places during the Coronavirus pandemic this means risking their own health to make sure that the rest of the population stays healthy, safe and properly fed.

An extract from a widely circulated letter on social media titled ‘Plea from a supermarket cashier’ says:

"I see you come in here with your husband and 3 year old daughter. I see you come in here with your 2 sons. I see you come in here for a chocolate and in half an hour I see you come in again for a Coke. So now I want to know from you: What is it going to take? What should happen before you realize how important it is for you to stay home? Yes we all have critical things to buy but ice cream or a pie is not critical. Customers come in and if you ask them to sanitize they look at you as if you insulted them or they reply that they don’t have the virus. What will it take to open up your eyes? Should your daughter first end up in hospital? Should your son first die? What will it take to open up your eyes? I ask you to put your money on the counter and you swear under your breath because how dare I? What will it take for you to realize? We do not ask you to sanitize your hands. We do not ask you to leave your children at home because we don’t like their company, in fact their smile is probably the best part of our day. We do not ask you to come alone to the shop because we are unreasonable."

You can read the full post here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/862193537590867/permalink/868512186959002/

This gives a sneak peek into what it’s like for those working during these trying times and made us stop to think - how can we make this an easier time for them. Here are a few tips to take into account for the rest of our lockdown essential shopping trips:

Go alone to the store if you can, don’t bring the whole family.

Don’t go to the store if you feel sick.

Follow the rules and do not ignore markers on the floor that encourage social distancing.

Respect the special shopping hours for the elderly.

Don't complain to your cashier about the inconvenience of lockdown - they are working remember.

- Be polite and kind - a 'Thank you' goes a long way.

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