It’s a lot of work maintaining COVID-19 safety protocols at Sisters businesses. Much of that work falls to retail staffers, who have the thankless task of continually reminding people to maintain physical distance and wear masks as mandated by the State of Oregon.

Most people are understanding, cordial and appreciative. However, it only takes a single unpleasant confrontation to make a bad day for a worker — someone who doesn’t make the rules and is just trying to do their job.

Things are likely to get more stressful as the weather turns chilly and more and more activities have to move indoors. It looks like we’re in for the long haul with the coronavirus pandemic, which means that local business owners and workers are going to be stuck for the foreseeable future in an enforcement role none of them signed on for.

Give ’em a break. Do what they ask of you. Wear the mask. Keep your distance. Sanitize your hands. If your principles don’t allow you to do that, you have options that don’t require berating people who are just trying to make a living in tough times.

Jim Cornelius

Editor in Chief