Essential worker surviving in Fredericton´s orange phase
Fredericton– On November 26th when the New Brunswick government announced that Fredericton was moving back to the orange phase along with zone one and two, Moncton and Saint John respectively, many people were restricted on several activities that could involve social gatherings, but for some, being close to people was a part of their work environment. The essential workers had to keep attending their job normally to serve the citizens, carrying the risk of contracting the virus anywhere.
Carlos Alberto, a second-year student from Nicaragua has been working in Walmart for the past months. Where he has learned a lot but has also been facing the pandemic and its risks. What he thought would be under control soon became a worry, as he tried anything to keep his health and still serve the customers daily.
“It became harder. One day you could walk next to the customer, and then all of a sudden you had to be away, even from the other associates. There were arrows everywhere in the store and also new rules for us to tell the customers.” For Carlos, dealing with the pandemic in his workplace has become a challenge. He has to take care of himself while taking care of the people that walk in the store as well. He and the rest of the associates have been dealing with the new health regulations imposed by the store, where the safety of their employees is also a priority.
His girlfriend, also a second-year student from Ecuador has shown concern for her boyfriend´s health. From home, Anahi Alvarez has also been struggling to cope with the pandemic, where the orange phase has been present longer than in Fredericton. She is not able to leave home without a mask and hand sanitizer, and still, the fear of contracting the virus has her overwhelmed and worried.
“I can’t even visit my grandparents. My family and I have been taking the instructions very seriously to the point where we are almost confined in the house.”
However, Alvarez who is also working from home is terribly concerned about Carlos and his workplace, being always on the lookout for him even from the distance.
“I have to be working from home every day, and seeing him going to work daily with that many people has me worried. Anyone can be a carrier without him knowing.”
Like most international students in the Fredericton area, Carlos has considered going back home to visit his family in Nicaragua, but the increasing number of infections has him worried about taking that decision, as it could affect his household.
“I could get the virus to them, you know? You never really know. Yes, it is exciting to consider the idea of going back home to see them, but I have vulnerable family members as well, and I don’t want them to get this because of me.”
The couple has been talking every day through video calls, and the pandemic seems to always appear in their conversations. Anahi wishes to travel back to Canada to continue studying and see her boyfriend, but her travel plans have been delayed because of COVID. Leaving her the only option to communicate remotely.
Carlos still considers the idea of waiting until the pandemic decreases and travelling back home seems safer, but for now, the plan is to remain in Fredericton, where he will continue working as an essential worker while taking care of his health and others around him.
