Supply Chain

So far today I've seen at least one neighboring state put executive orders in place to prohibit utility shut-offs and evictions, reopen closed medical facilities, and allow out-of-state medical practitioners to practice there. In our state, workers impacted by closures (either unable to work, or their business has closed) can also file for unemployment. These are all recommendations I've seen suggested at a national level, so I imagine we'll be seeing more of this. School districts have also organized to ensure students who relied on school for their daily meals will still have access.

Elco van Staveren

For the last week or so, everyone has been getting inundated with e-mails from basically any company they've ever communicated with, advising what steps they are taking to mitigate virus transmission. Mostly it's made me wonder why places apparently weren't cleaning and sanitizing before. With the recent prohibitions on dine-in services in many areas, we've been continuing to get revised messages from restaurants offering take-out or delivery service, or some just closing down temporarily (like the Melting Pot - I guess it's too hard to offer fondue to go - I'd still be up for a meal kit though, like I suggested!) At least one restaurant whose list I'm on has launched a "marketplace" to give customers access to purchase individual ingredients from their wholesale market, which I think is also a great idea!

However, some e-mails I got today had a bit of a troubling undertone, saying things like, "While I can’t predict what will happen in the coming weeks..." Especially coming from my meal kit delivery service, which never had any physical contact to begin with, this is a little bit concerning. Do they see something on the horizon? How are their supply chains looking?

Some of my favorite YouTubers have caught up to the point where their content is now impacted by COVID-19. The Try Guys published a video about preparing their staff to work remotely, and what they did at home on their first few days of social distancing. They're acting very responsibly, and considering their target audience, I think this sets a good example. Kathryn of Do It On A Dime shared a "typical" cleaning and meal prep video, with explicit references to "sanitizing" your kitchen, and the lack of groceries in many stores.