As I write this in early April, the coronavirus is the dominant topic on everyone’s mind. In most states, businesses that allow crowds to gather, such as restaurants, bars and even barber shops, have been required to close. Essential businesses, such as food stores and gas stations, have been allowed to remain open. Under these guidelines, contractors and allied tradesmen are considered to be essential. Most locksmiths have categorized themselves as tradesmen providing essential services and also remain open.
Remaining open doesn’t guarantee a full schedule of jobs for locksmiths or any other tradesmen. The majority of states have asked people to stay home and "shelter in place." In the interest of self-preservation, people have seemed more interested in stocking up on food and gasoline and less interested in security upgrades or repairs.
Current world conditions are reminiscent of a baseball game. Of all major team sports, baseball is the only one that doesn’t require a clock. If the score is tied after nine innings, a baseball game extends into an unknown amount of extra innings until an inning is completed with the score no longer tied. Our world is in the same situation. There is no known time frame as to how long it will take for the coronavirus to run its course and allow us to return to normalcy.
The coronavirus has caused two problems at the same time. First, people are concerned about their health and even their life, because there are no medical remedies. Second, a loss in business has caused financial downturns or even unemployment for millions of people.
Both alternatives must be taken into consideration. Business is what makes the world operate. Locksmiths continue to receive jobs, albeit at an unsustainable rate. At this time, the only logical step is to "shelter in place" and put health and well-being ahead of doing business. When the virus finally is defeated, we can go back to the success we all once had.
