There isn’t a handbook on how to live through a pandemic. Our sense of normalcy was shaken to its core as society was forced indoors for an uncertain time period. This pandemic has caused us to realize just how much we depend on other members of our community to make our lives easier.
With everyday conveniences gone, we’ve relied heavily on the remaining essential workers to get us through this pandemic. We’re incredibly grateful for the scientists, doctors and nurses who have seen us through these uncertain times. We can’t thank them enough for their hard work, and they’re certainly not the only ones. We wanted to shine a light on some of the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 crisis as well.
1. Truck Drivers
From parcel services delivering necessities from Amazon to farmers delivering produce to the store, truck drivers are necessary to keep everyday life rolling along. While many of us are seeking safety in our homes, these drivers interact with merchants, customers and many other people along their travels. Every time they step out of their door, truck drivers take risks to make sure others have what they need.
2. Auto Repair Workers
Whether you’re a nurse on their way to work, a delivery driver transporting goods or a family member going to check on a relative, we can’t get around without our cars. Some auto shops are not open for cosmetic purposes, but many are still making essential car repairs. Without their help keeping us on the roads, we’d have much more trouble getting the supplies or help we need to get through this pandemic.
3. Food Service Workers
Whether you’re stocking grocery store shelves, putting online orders together or work at a restaurant offering takeout and delivery, thank you. Without food, we wouldn’t have the energy to power us through our day, the nutrients to keep our organs going or the brainpower to remember everything we just binged on Hulu.
4. News Journalists
Media reporting during a pandemic is a vital asset for our health and safety. We rely on the news to explain what’s going on in health briefings across the nation. With a novel coronavirus, news is always breaking. There is no precedent. Their round-the-clock dedication is much appreciated in these uncertain times.
5. Celebrities
As concerts got postponed, movie premieres were canceled and TV shows halted production, we were about to lose our minds. Thankfully, many of the celebrities we know and love have banded together to provide us some escapism with unique content.
From John Krasinski hosting Some Good News to iHeartRadio hosting a “Living Room Concert,” we’d like to thank the entertainers who’ve taken our minds off these scary events.
6. Gym Owners/Fitness Instructors
Many of us love breaking a sweat, and COVID-19 has unfortunately gotten in the way. We are grateful for the many fitness facilities that have provided us free content to use while gyms across the country are closed. There are so many opportunities to get physically fit online. Thank you to the yogis, HIIT trainers and pilates instructors out there. With added free time to work out, this summer bod might just come to fruition after all!
7. Marketing Specialists
With many small businesses forced to close up shop, they’ve had to rely on online operations. For many small businesses, the internet is still new ground to break and this transition has been an abrupt introduction to online marketing.
Thankfully, marketing specialists have made the transition easier. Whether they’re social media promoters, blog writers or video editors, marketing experts are helping small businesses stay afloat in these unprecedented times.
8. Law Enforcement
Social distancing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, not everyone adheres to these precautions. We would like to thank law enforcement in high-risk areas for working to curtail the spread of this virus. We also realize that being indoors doesn’t simply stop crime. In fact, it could even increase instances of domestic abuse.
We are extremely grateful that law enforcement personnel are willing to put themselves in harm’s way for our protection.
9. Teachers
Schools are closed across the nation, but teachers still scrambled to make sure our children got an education. As if they didn’t wear enough hats, teachers have now become online learning specialists. They’re setting up classes in their very own homes and making the best out of a difficult situation. Without their resourcefulness, we parents would be lost!
10. Family Members
Let’s face it; they’re angels for putting up with us! Quarantine has forced us into tight quarters with our loved ones. We’ve seen them without their hair dyed, after a few too many drinks and at their peak annoyingness. Despite all this, we realize how much we love them more than ever.
There are also the family members who we’ve had to be away from. Through this difficult time, we have learned to appreciate them more than we did pre-pandemic. Our FaceTime sessions and Zoom Easter dinners have helped many of us to put what’s important into perspective.
Did we miss any of the unsung heroes? Who else should we give a shout-out to? Shout them out in the comments below!