Effects of COVID-19 on Schools and Businesses

As the COVID-19 vaccine has been given out to people all around the world, many schools and businesses have decided to try to get back into the old way of life. However, many of these schools and businesses have had to change many things in terms of management and interactions with students and customers. These changes, which have to be made, are pricey and can make it difficult for business owners and teachers to communicate with these students and customers.

In many schools and businesses, to stop the spread of COVID-19, it has become mandatory to have a mask on before entering the facility, and if you do not have a mask you will either not be able to enter or will be given one to wear. Many schools and businesses also implemented social distancing to decrease the spread COVID-19. Some of these techniques include putting stickers on the floor which implement the distance of six feet. Some businesses also have plastic shields that cover their desk from other people so that there will be less spreading of germs while at the same time being able to communicate with each other face to face. Additionally, some schools and businesses have also created systems for people who enter the building or class; they have to write their names and times of entry or exit on a sheet of paper what room or building they have been in. Businesses do this so if anyone in the building or room catches COVID-19, the people exposed will be easier to complete contact tracing. Furthermore, most schools and businesses make sure to take your temperature before entry just to make sure people don't have a high temperature. Some of the schools and businesses that have opened back up are New Rochelle High School and many small businesses.

Although these protocols seem to be benefiting schools and businesses, many problems have still arisen from them. For example,  with the amount of customers coming in, businesses have had to spend more money on devices or protection equipment ,which can be costly and sometimes unaffordable. As a result, this lack of money can sometimes cause the shut down of a business. During the end of the year of 2020, Yelp data showed that 60% of businesses that had temporarily closed have now become permanently closed. Another example of problems due to COVID-19 protocols are that some people don't listen to the rules. People in school and businesses sometimes refuse to wear masks, which can endanger them and others. This has led to fights, disagreements, and protests. One of these protests had happened in Kansas City where dozens of anti-makers protested the mandatory public masking rule. Not only are these protests happening in Kansas, they are also occurring all across the U.S. where many protesters are refusing to abide by this rule.

Even though some people are protesting these new rules, a lot of people have also implemented them into their normal life, hoping that one day they could possibly go back to their old life.