“We don’t allow that in here”

As I write, businesses are in different phases of reopening here in the United States, but concerns remain about the health of employers, employees, and customers based on the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It’s been months since I last visited a favorite local business. That day, a Saturday, which would normally have been busy, it was anything but business as usual. This popular antique store in my suburban neighborhood was almost empty when I came to browse. Hoping it might be because everyone was outside taking advantage of the sunny, mild weather, I suggested as much to the store’s owner as we chatted. 

But she had another thought. “I think it’s the coronavirus,” she said. Then, with a determined look in her eye, she added, “But we don’t allow that in here.”