Covid-19: Still getting a salary, but you’re self-isolating at the same time? Here’s how you can help.
We’re living in interesting times, and as the focus on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) ramps up, so many unknowns continue to present themselves to us all. What is certain is that people are becoming aware of risk; and because of that risk, they’re choosing to keep themselves safe by not attending events, eating out, going to crowded places and more. Many of us have already chosen to self-isolate ourselves, and whether you’re at risk or not, there is still a lot you can do – especially if you’re one of the lucky ones still being paid a salary while you work from home, or take paid leave.
Remember that at the same time while you’re self-isolating, there are businesses on the flip-side who are struggling with no custom, understandably. They, too, have their own challenges in keeping their own guests and staff safe, but they do also have additional stark realities; they, too, have mortgages to pay, bills to pay, responsibilities to their teams.
So, if you are making use of some of the fantastic support services that are being offered all over the community, whether it’s a dog walking business who has offered to walk your dog, or a cleaning service that’s offered to provide a different service, if you are able to – here are a 4 key things to consider:
- If you attend regular lessons or classes (whether that be at the gym, or art classes or lessons of any kind), consider talking to your tutor or trainer and agreeing a way to help them through this time. You may want to consider still paying for their services, but negotiate catching up on the classes at a later stage.
- If you’re cancelling hair appointments, beauty treatments, even lunch appointments, why not consider buying a gift voucher instead and use it at a later date when you’re able to leave your home again.
- Those businesses who are offering take-away services are more than likely adding these options to their business to keep themselves going throughout this time. Make use of it. And if you can’t collect it yourself, the chances are likely that many are offering delivery in and around the community too.
- If a business is offering to walk your dog for free, when it’s a paid service that they usually offer, why not consider paying them for their services and leaving the free opportunities for those who may not be in a fortunate position to pay for these services which they may not usually use.
To help our own Beaminster businesses through this period, we’re putting together a comprehensive blog about all the amazing services being offered by local businesses, which includes things like take away food, free delivery and more – so make sure you check back in with us again soon.
