As the world continues its battle against the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, Americans are retreating to their homes in hopes of preventing infection and spreading the disease to their loved ones.
Companies have made the necessary adjustments to still employ some of their workers by taking adopting a work-from-home program to keep their business afloat and still provide for their employees.
Some, however, are not as blessed to have the privilege to stay home and work. These are the ones that we call “essentials.” They are still required to report for work amid the dangers they are exposed to.
Restrictions on Public Movement
While public movement is not entirely banned, it will be heavily restricted and strict enforcement of this will be applied.
With almost everyone retreating to their homes, the government is discouraging any means of public movement unless necessary. This includes transport by foot, bicycle or motorcycle, automobiles, air and sea travel, or any means of public transport. The only exceptions to this rule are those that are deemed essential by the government such as the delivery of supplies and raw materials for essential businesses.
Unfortunately, some places around the world apprehend even these essentials and confiscate whatever load it is they are carrying. If you are a victim of such apprehension or you know someone who was involved in one, get in touch with any truck river rights lawyer in Washington, Tennessee, Texas or wherever you are in the country. Essentials are supposed to be exempted from this restriction to allow the supply chains to keep moving.
Defining Essential Businesses
While the government has already announced what the essentials are at this point, some are still unable to fully comprehend what it means.
By definition, businesses, institutions, and establishments tagged as “essential” are the ones the general public depends on for their daily survival. Non-essentials, on the other hand, are establishments that people go to for leisure such as restaurants, movie theaters, concert halls, gyms, bars, malls, and other similar businesses.
While the government has encouraged all non-essential establishments to temporarily shut down in light of the crisis, the local state government are in charge of implementing and enforcing their closure to help prevent the virus from spreading any further.
What are Some Examples of Essential Businesses?
The following are some examples of essential businesses that remain operational during this time of health crisis.
- Hospitals – These are non-negotiable since the nature of the threat is medical. Doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and other medical practitioners required to keep a medical institution fully operational are all essential personnel.
- Supermarkets – Food is the most basic necessity the people need to survive in their homes at this time. Owners, operators, clerks, cashiers, and others who help keep the food supply chain alive are needed for food stores to function properly.
- Drug Stores – Drug stores and pharmacies supply medicine and medical equipment for both those who are afflicted with the disease and those who have other medical needs.
- Banks – In the midst of all the chaos, the economy still has to function so it doesn’t collapse.
- Gas Stations – Despite the restriction in transport, fuel is still essential in moving frontline responders, essential workers, and the supply chain moving.
- Post Office and Deliveries – The safe and immediate transport of raw materials and equipment needed to provide for Americans’ needs is a non-negotiable matter. Supplies need to be deployed to locations where they are needed to help combat the disease and keep the public safe and healthy.
We are living in unprecedented times and are venturing into unchartered territory. We are operating under new circumstances which we can only hope and pray will not be the new norm.