I want to help restaurants during the pandemic. But…

I am not a betting man. But I think during our current pandemic, it is safe to bet we all want to help out as much as we can. We want to keep the economy going while staying safe.

On that note, yesterday I decided to get a sandwich. Wearing PPE, I walked over to a store that makes a great chicken sandwich. Sadly, it was closed. When it reopens I will make my purchase. I walked a few blocks to another one. I’ve been a customer since it opened. I’ve recommended it to friends.

I saw through the window the staff was wearing gloves. I saw a cook over the stove. But couldn’t see through the door if he was wearing a mask. I was able to see him change his gloves and walk back to the stove. I stuck my head in the door and got a better view. Gloves, yes. Mask, no. I decided to go to the supermarket and buy chicken.

Now the virus can take hold in the supermarket, too. But from what I’ve witnessed over the last few weeks this store’s employees have all been wearing masks, gloves, and aprons. And some lucky soul has been walking around sweeping and mopping. I felt safer.

About a week ago, I wanted a bagel. I went to a store I often went to. I looked through the window. Sitting at the counter was a customer sipping her coffee and munching on her breakfast. The staff was not wearing masks or head coverings. Come to think of it I don’t remember them ever wearing head coverings. I chose not to go in. I walked to another bagel store. It was closed. I know under normal circumstances its staff wears gloves and head coverings. I decided to do the only responsible thing, go home and eat Frosted Flakes. After all, “They ‘re Gr-R-Reat.”

The question I have in my mind is will I go back to these stores when we are allowed to go back to business as usual or whatever constitutes the new biz as usual.

Unlikely.