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Update on the shop and covid

7/8/2022

18 Comments

 
I thought maybe it was time to update everyone about the studio and how we feel and continue to deal with Covid. 

We are still wearing masks to protect ourselves and ask that our customers do the same.  I am not here to preach about our beliefs versus yours, whether you agree or disagree with our policy.  We need to do what is best for us, live within our comfort zone, and do risk management from the information that is provided by the experts.  We continue to listen to the scientists and medical professionals and it seems that the course we are on is right for us at this time.  We hope in future we can begin to relax, but right now with a more virulent, highly contagious, BA5 on our doorsteps, now isn’t the time.   

I do have to say with some disenchantment that I am disappointed in the reactions of others with our policy.  Most of the customers that cross our threshold tell us thank-you for protecting them and ourselves, that we have to do whatever keeps us safe.  Being in retail people talk to us so we hear who has had Covid, along with their families and friends, some who have passed, it is all around us and touched pretty much everyone in one way or another.   
 
But and there is always that infuriating but, some feel it necessary to bully, to shame, to holler at us for our stupidity in thinking that a plague even exists.  I’m going to call it a plague instead of a pandemic because the latter is too friendly a word to describe what the world is experiencing.  It sounds more like the Olympic Games, something fun.  A plague conjures up thoughts of the black death hunting us down, and according to WHO, the true global death toll from this Covid plague is almost 15 million. 

A woman yesterday hollered into the shop, “You come highly recommended but I’m not wearing a mask and I won’t be spending my money here!”  

I was hooking one beautiful summer Saturday with the door open.  I could hear the comments of the passersby as they read my notice.  They mumbled and shook their heads, sometimes saying I was nuts.  Looking in at me in my mask as if I was someone to pity.  At one point a woman walked by with a young child no more than 6 and she stopped to read my sign and then hollered in “That’s ridiculous!” and continued walking.  Then sent her child back to climb up on our step and scream in the door, “That’s ridiculous!”  He laughed at me and ran back to his mom.  I was flabbergasted, thinking how a mother could do that to a child, what kind of message will ferment in his young, impressionable mind? No child is born to hate, their parents teach them all they need to know. 

How many times have I heard comments about the studio being Fort Knox?  One guy said that because we’ve vaccinated and have had boosters, we are the ones spreading Covid around.  He said he hasn’t had any vaccinations so he will be safe. 

One gal said, “I don’t have a mask so I won’t be coming in. I’ll come back when you take that sign down!”  She huffed away before I could tell her we sell masks for $2.00.  I somehow don’t think that would have been appreciated and until the plague starts petering out, the sign is here to stay.

What do I say to all of this?  Well, what can I say? First of all, I am shocked speechless every single time because it knocks my brain offline. In my wildest imagination I can’t figure it all out.  By the time I’m collecting my wits, the person is gone. Maybe I need to prefabricate replies, have them ready but I’d probably still have trouble with the spontaneity of it all.  I’m not a scrapper but I do admit that after the fact, comments come easy and are clever, then my hubby chimes in with even better retorts but that’s like locking the barn after the cow ran away. 

For now, the masks will stay on.  I live for the day when I can feel safe removing it, pluck my chin, whiten my teeth and get out that coveted lipstick, but while we’re still in the middle of this plague, I’ll continue to get my boosters and hope when it finally finds me, with my compromised immune system, I’ll be strong enough to withstand its blow and continue to keep Encompassing Designs going.  So, bear with us please.  If you don’t support our decision that is your right and we respect it, but maybe you could keep your comments in check and respect ours.   
18 Comments
Beverley Russell
7/8/2022 12:07:35 pm

Thank you for putting your customers and your health first. I am a cancer survivor in remission. I wish I lived closer. I would visit your store everyday. I wish there were more people like u out there. ❤️

Reply
Kris Stojic
7/8/2022 12:16:41 pm

I agree with you wholeheartedly! You are doing what you need to do to keep yourself and your customers safe, and if I lived close enough I would be visiting your store regularly. I'm so sorry that you are being bothered by the loud, rude minority. They always seem to be the loudest, don't they!!

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Adena
7/8/2022 12:33:56 pm

"head shake"

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Susan Robinson
7/8/2022 12:34:34 pm

Totally supporting you in this. I wear a mask everywhere I go and at work. Thank you for keeping yourself and others safer from COVID 👍

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Connie Keating Pettigrew
7/8/2022 12:35:52 pm

Good for you! I believe we should do what we are comfortable doing and respect those who think differently. Each business has the right to have their own policy. Congratulations and stay safe. 🤗

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Claire Milton
7/8/2022 12:56:18 pm

If I were a shop owner, I would maintain the same policy. You are wise. And I hazard a guess that the rude people who yell in your doorway were never planning to shop in your store anyway. Your store is your space and you are free to dictate the conditions of entry.

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Julie McClair
7/8/2022 01:24:49 pm

Always remember Christine…This is You…The owner of…Your Business ….Your Choices….You doing the right thing to keep you & your customers safe!! 🙋🏼‍♀️👏 Thank You for the Blog!

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Peggy
7/8/2022 06:33:59 pm

You are very wise. Here in Colorado more and more people we know are getting COVID (including older people) and some have sort of shrugged their shoulders in weariness I guess and have stopped protecting themselves My husband & I wear masks when we shop whether others do or not (and we see plenty of young people also wearing masks in stores). Not only do we not want to get COVID, but we are also unwilling to risk getting long COVID. Be well and stay safe.

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Aileen Cassells
7/8/2022 08:03:41 pm

It has been odd the last months where everybody started acting like COVID was over when it wasn't. I now know more people who have had COVID than I did one year into the pandemic. Wearing a mask is a smart thing to do when you know there is still a risk to you and your family. It is a shame that your customers don't realize that you are protecting them too. Very sorry you have been subjected to ridicule. Clearly common courtesy is something not well understood by all. I was very happy to wear a mask when I visited your store. The people who left in a huff missed out on the opportunity to buy some gorgeous dyed wool, yarn and patterns. Glad I didn't! Take care and keep safe!

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Donna Gass
7/8/2022 11:54:09 pm

Good for you! Your shop equals your rules. I am continuing to use my mask, besides being elderly, I have other medical problems. So.I would feel safer in your shop than others with out masks. I was in Halifax yesterday, unreal that most everyone is not wearing masks, yet last week 9 more Nova Scotia people died. PEOPLE the pandemic is far from over. We average 21 deaths per month!! Get real.

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Heather L
7/9/2022 04:50:50 am

Good on you! I appreciate going into a shop that cares about themselves and me!

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Linda H
7/9/2022 05:34:25 am

How do we vaccinate against and ultimately eradicate rudeness and incivility? I suspect that the “objectors” are in the minority and the majority appreciates what you do. Brava!!

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Sheila Livingston
7/9/2022 02:54:54 pm

Stick to your guns, Christine. We are now in the 7th wave of Covid, and while many of us have all our vaccines and boosters, I still do not feel comfortable being unmasked in public buildings, especially with a compromised immune system.. So I will continue to wear my mask and use hand sanitizers regularly. And so should you. Thanks for sticking your neck out.

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gail metcalfe
7/11/2022 04:35:02 am

I do agree with you. I choose to wear a mask to protect myself from*those* people, but also,those vulnerable populations for whom contracting the disease could be deadly. I find most complaints are from younger populations who haven't yet gotten to the point of understanding of what it could do to those vulnerable folks they are passing it along to... at least, not until Grandma gets sick and passes.

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PBen
7/31/2022 09:47:10 am

I don't wear a mask because of COVID. I wear a mask because I haven't had a cold since I started wearing a mask in early 2029. That's reason enough. Those simple shortsighted people who refuse to wear masks should realize there is more than COVID to protect yourself from. But I like the COVID protection, too.

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Karenv
8/9/2022 09:17:00 pm

The answer I like the best is that the mask is a condition of my bail!

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Cathrin Ronnebeck
9/11/2022 05:00:08 pm

I am a registered nurse of 35 years and have always had to wear a mask and other isolation gear to protect either myself from the various diseases or the patient from myself. So sad that you’ve encountered these responses. These people are a minority. An ignorant uneducated minority.
Looking forward to being able to take one of your beginner classes. I 100% want to learn the art of rug hooking!

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Wendy
4/4/2023 06:09:18 pm

I’m writing this almost a year later, and my local quilt store owner still asks that her customers wear masks. I love this lady, and gladly wear a mask, as requested. Without invading her privacy, I suspect that she is at risk. I am pleased to do this.

I’m surprised at the lack of respect that people show one another.

Wendy in Ontario

Reply



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