Impact of Coronavirus on Local community

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If one steps into the local Casey’s, they will notice several floor stickers which are kept six feet apart to help meet social distancing guidelines as well as protective cases set up on the counter which offer additional protection for cashiers. As with all places in Memphis, there are protective measures businesses are taking to keep workers and customers safe. Measures include protective cases, closing the lobby, as is the case with the local banks, and use of the drive-through and drive-up ATMs, wearing face masks and gloves, and sanitizing items or work areas, and limiting the maximum capacity of people allowed in a store or restaurant.

For example, as Gerth and Baskett Furniture, was semi-closed, starting in April to follow the stay-at-home order issued by Governor Parsons; Gerth and Baskett Furniture reopened on May 4.  Most deliveries were canceled or limited, which meant employees, who were kept on the payroll, had other things to do, such helping with building and automobile fleet maintenance. Gerth and Baskett Furniture did say they are as open as can be as they are resuming deliveries and the store is full accessible.

Melissa Schuster, Director of the Scotland County, said that with the soft reopening, the library has been busier since the publication of an article, saying curbside service was available. She noted that there seemed to be a high demand for public computer use, which is not currently available. She did mention she hopes people will remember the library is still here.

When asked about what their hopes moving forward are, Gerth &Baskett Furniture said, “we fully expect the economy to rebound, even have a higher than usual bump as more people get back to their daily routine.” In a similar vein, when asked about she believed Covid-19 would affect business going forward, Schuster commented that people will be much more likely to isolate themselves in addition to changes in how businesses are conducted. Schuster did say it was good to get back to work, though the building does feel empty except for staff.

Scotland County R-1 superintendent Ryan Bergeson had nothing but praise for the teachers and parents, saying it has been a team effort, saying that everyone is trying to do their best to make sure the kids have what they need. Those who are still working include the teachers, secretaries, custodial staff and kitchen staff.