Local businesses are taking steps to protect employees and customers

A lot of people are now working from home to slow the spread of coronavirus. But essential workers are still clocking in. Now local essential businesses are trying to find different ways to protect their employees and their patrons.”

The city of Jackson and Madison county is now under a shelter at home order.

Making all non essential business close. And essential businesses like, grocery stores, pharmacies, hard ware stores, and gas stations stay open.

“I’m grateful and thankful to be able to work", says Tommy Sorrell.

Many essential workers are working long hours to make sure the demand of supplies are met and trying to stay protected from coronavirus.

Sorrell adds, “well, we are trying to wear our gloves and keep 6 to 10 feet apart from each other.”

Tommy Sorrell works at the Popular Corner Exxon on Hollywood Drive.

He says they are practicing social distancing between each other and their customers.

By pumping all of their customers gas…

“Because that way, if there is anything on the pump, any virus or whatever, they don’t have to even touch it. So we take their credit card, we run it for them. We make sure everything is there, we give them a receipt when we are finished", says Sorrell.

Sorrell says it’s the least they can do to help flatten the curve.

“So, we are trying to do our part from keeping the virus from coming around and doing the best we can from keeping it from being on us.”

If you are an essential worker and you have concerns about your work environment contact the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. In Jackson, for 39 News, I’m Imani Williams.