We were upset by the news that a long-time ice cream parlor in Cape May County was forced to temporarily shut down because of problems arising from COVID-19.
It is a reminder for all of us to be considerate to the businesses we frequent and to be patient, understanding that many of them are working under tough conditions because of the coronavirus.
The owner of Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream in Stone Harbor wrote a lengthy post on her business’s Facebook page explaining the decision to shut down her business briefly. She felt it necessary to explain – in great length – why staffing was short (COVID-19 fears and safety precautions) and how hard the remaining staff had to work to keep up with demand on a busy July day. What was most troubling about the post was her noting how many customers were reacting angrily to her business and many others were refusing to wear face masks to protect themselves and her staff members.
Fortunately, she was able to reopen soon after and even better, she was flooded with positive comments from people supporting her business and her explicit requirement that customers practice safe measures if they want to be served.
As she and others have noted, wearing a face mask is not a political statement, nor should it be. It is a matter of public health and consideration for others to stem the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.
We urge people to read the Facebook post under the name of her business. It is eloquent, heartfelt and to the point. We urge that because we know she is not the only business locally that is facing customers who are both unconcerned about the safety of others and feel entitled to complain if they don’t get the fast service they are used to, ignoring the reality that businesses, struggling to cope during this pandemic, are forced to work under unusual conditions themselves just to stay in business and serve their customers.
As numerous stories in the Sentinel have pointed out time and again over the past few months, life is not the same because of the pandemic. That should be no surprise to anyone, but when cases like this arise, it reveals the fact that there are many people who want to act as if they’re going to consider the pandemic is over just because it is inconvenient to them.
That is why there are so many people who refuse to wear masks in public places and act as if they’re entitled to complain bitterly because their usual dining spot or retail business can’t accommodate them as usual.
Our plea: Give the businesses support and give them a break. Don’t treat employees poorly because they’re more at risk, working with the public. We know the majority of people – residents and visitors – have been acting responsibly. For those who aren’t, please be kind and think about others. Social distancing, good hygience and masks are not just meant to protect you, they are meant to protect everybody else.