Here is a real-world example about how covid has changed work. This week I went for a haircut, which I had not had since very early March. It was either get a haircut or start wearing a ponytail or a man bun. The general consensus by my entire environment was that neither of those alternatives was a good idea.
I had tried a bit of self-barbering, but it turned out to be a decidedly poor idea. Having a 'friend' cut my hair was risky, not just covid risk.
![Smiley :)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/xsmiley.gif.pagespeed.ic.R8GFI-pF6f.png)
In the last month, I received two text messages from the place (more of a salon than a bloody pole barbershop - but not too upscale) which I have been going to for many years - they were simply saying that they will reopen as soon as they can. I appreciated the texts because you just don't know whether retail independents have survived "shutdown" (there is the first thing they did right).
I make the appointment and briefly discuss the "changes". I washed my hair before going so that I did not have to have my hair washed as normal. I wore a mask as did the stylist who has cut my hair for several years.
They took my temperature using a non-contact thermometer when I came in - I smiled and silently wondered if they bought it on eBay. There was a large bottle of sanitizer (hand crank) and I could smell the vegetable-based, poorly distilled (my opinion), isopropyl that is now common place. I had brought my own ethyl and they had no problem with me using it instead. I forgot to bring latex or nitrile gloves, but that was not a rule. You could buy masks (which were required) at the counter for US$2.00 - they were the cheapos and that is within the range of the going price around here.
Then I had to answer a bunch of written questions affirmatively and sign the paper. This was basically a promise that I would not sue, that I understood that there was a risk of infection and I had to adhere to all the rules. I know the owner, who was there, and there is no way on earth she came up with any of that. She clearly had simply followed guidance provided by the local government (it wasn't written well enough to be made by a private lawyer).
They had makeshift barriers around the customers and there were only two (including me) at the time.
I wore my mask the whole time, lowering the ear strap when needed. We chatted briefly and he chuckled and said he remembered the last time I was there and how I was telling him that everything was about to change and that I would likely not see him for a while. He also laughed when noticing my self-barbering attempts.
No blow dry and I was in and out quickly. I gave him the usual tip and included the tip for the person who usually washes my hair.
Some might think that these new procedures were ridiculous, unnecessary and ineffective. I note that, as usual, we had more new cases today, in the tiny state in which I live, than the entire country of Canada.
I was happy with everything they were doing and told the owner so...and I also said I will see you soon as I left. Next week, we are scheduled for phase 2 of reopening.