THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 5 2020 | FROM PAGE 4 starting at the CHA Everett campus, dozens of police offi cers, fi refi ghters and city offi cials arrived at the hospital to thank the countless healthcare professionals entrenched in the war against COVID-19. Sirens fi lled the air on April 17 as police cars and fire engines rolled down Garland Street with Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love” playing in the background. During the rally, every hospital employee received a hot meal and a bouquet of fl owers. “We simply want to say thank you to those who run towards danger and selfl essly go to work every day to save people’s lives,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. Christian Lanphere, CHA director of emergency management, said he valued the city’s benevolence. “Our staff greatly appreciated the tremendous turnout from the City of Everett – from Mayor DeMaria, Representative Joe McGonagle, many city councillors and both the Police and Fire Departments – your energy and kindness were felt by all,” he said. Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro said hosting the rally was the least the city could do. “Being able to thank those employees on the frontline at CHA is just a small token of appreciation from the people of Everett; actions speak louder than words,” he said. Business impact April was the start of what would be many turbulent months for Everett’s business community. “It’s honestly been a roller-coaster ride since this all began,” said Enrico Botta, owner and operator of the HP Cookie Company. “We are very fortunate to still have orders coming in, but it hasn’t been easy.” He also had a number of employees who chose to stay home for fear of becoming infected with COVID-19. “At the beginning of all this, we were missing half the staff because they were afraid to come to work,” said Botta. “The biggest challenge was making the employees feel safe.” At that point, Botta felt it was prudent to shut down the business for one week to thoroughly clean the building. During that time, he purchased face masks, face shields, non-contact thermometers and additional hand sanitizer. “I sent videos to my staff showing them we were taking all the necessary precautions to create a safe and healthy work environment,” said Botta. “New rules have been implemented. Our protocols may seem extreme to some, but my team and myself feel safe coming to work.” He said HP Cookie’s daily production rate had diminished with fewer employees allowed in that part of the building at any given time. “But that’s okay – it’s not about making a profi t right now – it’s about creating a safe, healthy work environment,” he said. “The city and state will give standard recommendations on what to do, but people can’t expect them to hold their hand and do it for them. If people think it’s going to be like it was before, then they aren’t living in reality.” Michael Oxton, co-founder of Night Shift Brewing, said his business was moving forward with an “adjusted approach to operations.” “We are still making beer in Everett, still out there distributing and selling to partner accounts that are open,” he said. “A majority of our staff was furloughed, but we are confi dent we’ll make it through whatever comes our way.” William Nogueira, owner of Sal’s Pizza, said that although the number of takeout and delivery orders had improved, there was still a noticeable decrease in revenue. “We have remained open, but I have opted to keep the door closed,” he said. DeMaria vowed that he and his administration were prepared for the long-term eff ects of COVID-19. “My feeling is this will drag on for the next few months,” said DeMaria. “We are continually helping residents; reach out to us, call 311.” DeMaria sympathized with those coping with the challenges of social distancing, saying most residents are not accustomed to going months with2020 | SEE PAGE 6
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