Nebraska is taking heat for being one of few states who dont have " stay at home " orders. I am not going to debate that. But I got to thinking; who are essential workers? Sure, we can shut down restaurants, fast food, beauty salons, gyms, bowling alleys etc. But people who are essential workers still need gas for their cars ( convenience stores)...and some families dont have washers to do laundry at home. Shut down places that many rely on to keep their clothes clean? ( I know, wash clothes in the tub; I did it as a single mom) One of my employers drafted an "essential employee" letter two weeks ago that everyone is to have on their phone...in case things do get crazy.
The other part of this that ties in is that I am reading that many states are giving "hazard pay." Anyone working in a job that requires contact with other people is at risk...just not hospital workers. The LJS reported today that a non-clinical employee tested positive at Bryan. We dont know if the virus was caught at work etc. NYC and other larger areas may be different, but here in Lincoln I dont feel my current work is any more hazardous than the dietary aides, the housekeepers, the receptionists etc. There are receptionists getting admission paperwork who are within a couple of feet of patients for longer than it would take me to assess a patient. Paramedics, cops, etc.....they all come in contact. Reality? The checker at Walgreens pharmacy who is within 3 feet of customers checking out......think of how many people that checker is in contact during a 7 hour shift.....hazard pay? ( Walgreens needs to rethink their space)
The more I think about the feds giving an additional $600 a week for unemployment....that's on top of what the State pays...the more I realize how complicated....and a mess this is. I think concerns being expressed are valid. There are some people who will be collecting unemployment now....who will be receiving more than 100% of their wages.