I find this extremely important to have you share my concerns during this very fluid pandemic. As I do some business in the city which is minimal now, I have found very inconsistent practices at local businesses such as stores, takeout and grocery stores.
At a local convenience store such as Y NOT as soon as this Covid 19 situation began. The proprietors installed a lexan shield along with wearing gloves they added paper on the counter that can be changed regularly. The same was done at a Dunkin Donuts where the employees wear gloves that are changed on a regular basis. Re-useable bags have been banned and plastic ones are back a change i hated.
At Home depot there is a line with markers six feet apart and so many customers are allowed in as another leaves the store many of the employees are wearing masks for safety. At Stop n Shop they closed the deli counter and have instituted a grab n go process where all the coldcuts are pre-sliced and packaged. Also allowing so many customers at a time.
At Market Basket there is a double line with markers guiding you to keep 6 feet apart and the same only so many in as others leave with a maximum of 107 customers. The real hazard is at the cold cut counter where the slicers are not wearing masks, they are involved in a conversation while they are doing so. If there is ever a health issue during this very unsafe time this is it. No unpackaged food should be handled unless there is full protection measures being taken.
I have seen the same situation a restaurant that is doing take out orders not one worker is wearing a masks. I think with the peak of this virus coming it is imperative that the city enforce more stringent health codes across the board to protect the most vulnerable residents from a possible death sentence.
I understand social distancing closing parks and playgrounds but I think food services are more of a threat than anything else.
The City of Somerville and the Health Department needs to step up to the plate and begin inspecting businesses to enforce the standards needed to protect the customers and workers alike.
Please post this message so our City can wake up and do the right thing before another resident succumbs to this silent but deadly killer.
John L Sullivan