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I write this with a heavy heart, not taking our unprecedented situation lightly. My heartfelt deepest condolences go out to anyone who has lost a loved one to this dreadful COVID-19.
Moreover, my heartfelt thanks go to those who are on the front lines putting their lives and the lives of their families at risk of infection. (including my firefighter son). Thank you.
Certainly, we need to heed the voices of the health experts and do all we can to limit the spread of this virus. Surrounding ourselves with people wiser than ourselves helps guide our decision making.
Notwithstanding, in the midst of this health crisis, we still need some calm; some sense of practicality; some sense of sound judgement when it comes to the economy. Yes, we should trust expertise. At the same time, we should be asking very specific questions to maintain accountability.
And so, I am compelled to ask these questions.
When will our leaders begin to discuss and help guide our back-to-work strategies?
While still isolated, what can small businesses do to prepare.
Can small businesses that have little to no physical contact with customers, other employees, or the public, do their jobs safely with the right protocols in place?
Should the workers that were already physically distancing, as part of their function, be the first workers back to work?
What exactly is an “essential” business? Should we be revisiting the list of companies that are able to function and adhere to distancing practices?
So how does a small business like ours prepare?
As a lawn care operator (we fertilize and aerate lawns plus do weed, grub and insect control, including poison ivy), we need to ensure we operate while also adhering to all physical distancing guidelines.
Physical distancing is a necessity right now - so we would stagger start times for our staff so only one technician is at the shop at a time. If by chance they return at the same time, one technician would need to wait until the other is finished with day's-end duties.
Plus, obviously, we would be able to comply with self-distancing as we do applications alone, and then leave an invoice in a mailbox or door.
With one team member per vehicle, after receiving their “runs” placed in each truck in the morning - no entrance into the office - they can do applications on properties throughout the region, adhering to all health protocols. We would not allow two technicians in a vehicle.
Pricing/quoting properties is the same scenario. Measure and leave the quote with recommendations. Both doing the applications and quoting are accomplished by our team with plenty of physical distancing. Each vehicle will be equipped with gloves, mask, and wipes if needed.
From the list of essential services, as noted by our Chief Medical Officer, our business falls under "maintenance." Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties.
While lawn care is not essential to many (even most), we certainly are very important to some.
First of all, to our employees – five people to be exact. They are all depending on income from their wages to sustain themselves during this time. They would be able to complete their job without compromising their health or the health of others.
In addition, our customers – several of whom suffer from allergies and/or asthma, may consider our applications essential. With COVID-19 being a respiratory disease, perhaps we can help just a little (with flattening the curve and avoiding unnecessary patient intake) when we reduce weed populations.
Thirdly, my family. Our small business is home-based and makes up the vast majority of our income.
Fourthly – the charities we support, including the Lighthouse where I chair the board and focus our giving to the most vulnerable in our community. (It is vital that we are able to support social services like the Lighthouse so that unnecessary traffic is minimized in hospitals and beds are kept available for those that are ill).
If small businesses are able to maintain physical distancing, and are able to operate and employ safely, then we need to ensure we plan, and execute, appropriately to help “flatten the curve” as we get back to work.
Glenn Wagner
Wagner Lawn Care
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