Coronavirus has affected nearly everyone in a wide spectrum of ways, especially the people on the frontlines, or “essential workers”, such as paramedics, police, firefighters and even people that work in grocery stores. People are feeling the pressure of holding everything together, but these essential workers are under countless amounts of stress; first responders are the ones that come in contact with the virus most, so they are the ones that are the most stressed. They have to go to work every day, not knowing what they’ll experience.

Some of the people that are risking their lives don’t get enough appreciation for the hard work they put into their job. Each day that passes is a day closer to breaking down for some people, and if this lasts into the summer like it’s predicted, some people won’t make it. The effect of potentially being around people who have coronavirus doesn’t just affect the people that are in contact, but it also puts their families in danger.

The coronavirus testing site is helping with detecting cases but is also inciting fear in people. Some of the businesses that still allow you to go in are requiring face masks and are cleaning more than they would normally. As an “essential worker,” I can personally say that it has been stressful. There are more things that need to be done to ensure the safety and security of everyone. Some jobs are more stressful than others and instead of accommodating for that, the CEOs of major businesses try to get by with continued underpayment of the workers that keep the country from plunging into economic ruin. The people that make these jobs more difficult are those who choose to find fault in the things that don’t suit them or don’t appreciate the people risking their lives to make everyone else’s better.

Next time you are at one of the essential businesses, say thank you to whoever is helping you. They’ll appreciate it.