The streets of Norristown are clear as the COVID-19 stay-at-home order remains in effect. The order first went in effect on March 23 for seven counties in Pennsylvania, including Montgomery County. However, Governor Tom Wolf extended the order to all of Pennsylvania on April 1.
The order has reshaped many resident’s daily lives and jobs. My sister, Kassandra Duncan has been working from home for two weeks. She is one of the lucky ones in her company, as many others have been laid off.
Over 40 people were laid off via conference call. This included “temps to higher people, managers, people that have been there for 10 years – all got laid off” she said.
According to Kassandra, because of all the layoffs, her “workload has increased greatly.” She spends most of the day working inside but tries to go on walks to get fresh air whenever she can.
Unlike Kassandra, my mom Caroline Duncan, who is a Black Sheep Theory Brand Ambassador, is out of work as all non-essential businesses are closed.
Caroline said that “as soon as Montgomery County got put on lockdown, all my jobs canceled. So, there’s no income coming in.”
Like many others all over the country, the effects of COVID-19 have been taking a toll on personal finances. According to Caroline, her “financial situation is getting thinner by the moment.”
The United States government passed the CARES Act to offer relief to those impacted financially by COVID-19. The act includes a weekly increase in unemployment and a stimulus package.
Despite possible financial struggles, people have been remaining positive in this unprecedented time. Caroline has been using her extra time to do puzzles, zoom with family, and take the dog on extra walks.
Caroline says with all the free time, she just tries “to keep [herself] busy throughout the day until it’s time to go to bed.”
On Sunday President Trump extended social distancing guidelines to April 30th. Until then Norristown residents will stay at home and continue adjusting to this new way of life.
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