Community businesses react to COVID-19 pandemic

Store employees (left to right) Ket Christianson, Jasmine Christianson, and Kelly Christianson, are shown standing behind one of the checkout counters at KC’s Market in Greenbush. As a precautionary measure, they are outfitted with masks and rubber gloves,. A clear plastic sheeting separates them from the customer(s). (photo by Mavis Gonshorowski)

The plastic sheeting between Nikki Hanson and her daughter, Shundra, and Kelly Christianson, serves as a protective barrier at the checkout counter between customers and store employees. (photo by Mavis Gonshorowski)

Greenbush Pharmacy employee Joyce Gambill hands Mary Anderson an order in “The Shed”. This is one more example of safety measures instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. (photo by Mavis Gonshorowski)

“The Shed”, a five by five foot structure, is abutted next to the front door of the Greenbush Pharmacy. Employee Joyce Gambill is shown handing Mary Anderson her order. Customers have access to the shed’s interior through the door on the backside or via one of the two windows. The structure was built and donated by Waage Post Frame of Greenbush.

Not since the Spanish Flu Pandemic in 1918, has there been anything as devastating as the current worldwide Coronavirus Pandemic.

Multiple media sources, including lifescience.com and KARE11.com, reported that in December of 2019, a 55-year-old individual from China may have been the first person to have contracted COVID-19. Since then, as in the domino effect, it has continued to spread into a worldwide pandemic.

A portion of a COVID-19 Medica Update dated March 25, 2020 from the office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan reads …

“Today Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan continued their strong and steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and announced a Stay At Home Executive Order directing Minnesotans to limit movements out of their homes beyond essential needs from Friday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. to Friday, April 10, at 5:00 p.m. By limiting social interactions, we decrease the transmission of Covid and help ensure our health care sector can prepare for increased demands.

“The Governor also announced executive orders extending the closure of bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations until May 1, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., and authorizing the Commissioner of Education to implement a Distance Learning Period of Minnesota’s students beginning on March 30 through May 4, 2020.”

Some of the local Main Street businesses in Greenbush shared how they are complying with the necessary changes …

Ace Hardware employee Alisha Evans stated, “We are continuing to be open during our present business hours for our customers and especially for area farmers. We’re doing our best to wipe down after each customer visit, especially in the counter and till area.”

Sherri Waage, Greenbush Pharmacy employee, commented, “It’s definitely a change. As of now, the supply of drugs has been pretty good. We can also help those who are in need of over-the-counter items. If we don’t have what you are in need of, we will definitely try to get it for you.

“We are very appreciative of our customers and we thank you for your patience and understanding.”

From Kelly Christianson at KC’s Market … “We can’t count on (getting) any products until they are received by our wholesaler, Mason Brothers.” –Direct quote from Mason Brothers.

“We are going to see shortages.

“If you are sick, we strongly recommend you call in your order – we are offering curb side pickup.”

Neil Lund at Oren’s Parts (NAPA) stated, “The demand hasn’t changed; it’s like a normal March. When dad (Oren) and I come to work in the morning we wipe everything down with Clorox wipes and continue to do throughout the day.”

Restaurants and other places such as River’s Edge, Co-op Services West, have takeout food only.

To see the complete story, read the April 1 issue of The Tribune in print or online.