10 Ways to Support Essential Workers, Local Businesses and Those in Need During COVID-19

With the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Mainers are facing troubling and uncertain times. The first positive test result was reported on March 12th.  As of today, April 16th, we have 633 confirmed cases in the state―spanning 15 of our 16 counties―and sadly, 19 deaths.  The number of confirmed cases in the U.S. is gut-wrenching at 644,188 and rising. Though there is still no vaccine for COVID-19, there are a number of preventative measures recommended by the CDC to follow.

Essential Workers: Maine’s Unsung Heroes During COVID-19

While many of Maine’s residents are following safety guidelines, there are many for which these are not an option.  Our essential business personnel, whether working in large corporations or small businesses, put themselves at risk daily to ensure the welfare of the general public.  Our healthcare workers, first responders, postal and parcel delivery carriers, grocery, pharmacy and convenience store employees, production workers, food producers, preparers and delivery workers, and many others still at work deserve our immense gratitude for all that they do. This workforce is sustaining us and keeping our economy moving.

Out of Crisis, Comes Innovation to Keep Our Essential Workers Safe

With safety in mind, some companies have risen to the challenge in this time of crisis and altered their usual production to aid our essential employees with various needs. Here are just a few of the innovative ways Maine manufacturers, small and large, have stepped up and out of their comfort zone to help:

  • Food Meets Flannel: To meet the much higher than usual demand for food, L.L. Bean has partnered with Maine’s largest food bank, Good Shepard, to sort, package and ship food to food pantries across the state. Read Story.
  • From Sneakers to Face Masks: To address the significant demand for protective supplies, New Balance is planning to have all New England factories, including its three Maine locations, manufacture face masks from sneaker materials. Read Story.
  • From Beer to Sanitizer: To meet the needs of the state’s hospitals, breweries and distillers, such as Rising Tide, Baxter Brewing, and Split Rock are working with the University of Maine to produce hospital-grade hand sanitizer. Read Story.
  • From Backpacks to Face Shields: To help fill in the shortage gap of personal protective equipment, Flow Fold shifted its production from wallets, backpacks, and totes to manufacture face shields. Ready Story.

10 Ways to Support and Thank Our Local Heroes and Help Those in Need

In addition to larger manufacturing companies across the state shifting gears, owners of small businesses locally have also had to think outside the box to keep their businesses afloat while keeping their employees and customers safe. And many are doing it with a charitable focus in mind. Here are 10 ways to help local and statewide businesses and also support your neighbors and hometown heroes.

Anyone who calls Maine “home” knows it’s a special place. Even our biggest cities have a way of feeling like small towns due, in part, to the people who live here and the personal connections we make with each other. During the coronavirus crisis, Mainers are finding creative ways to come together like never before, while keeping a safe distance apart.

Berman & Simmons helps people who have suffered personal injuries throughout the state. We want to thank all those local heroes now helping to keep our communities safe and our economy moving forward during this difficult time.

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