WABE’s Week in Review: COVID-19 and Essential Workers
StateFarm Arena is seen near an empty street in Atlanta.
Brynn Anderson / Associated Press
On the Week in Review for April 13-19, WABE’s Managing Editor Alex Helmick showcases stories from our journalists on essential workers and others on the front lines who are helping us when we are hurting, making sure we are safe and keeping us fed.
New York Is Recruiting …
Coronavirus hotspots like New York City have been recruiting tens of thousands of health care workers with higher hazard pay offers to relieve its exhausted hospital staff. Brandy Brown, a nurse practitioner based in Snellville, was one who answered that call.
When we talked to her, she had been there for three weeks.
Keeping Things Clean…
As the coronavirus outbreak moves some professions online and disrupts others entirely, one job has stayed steady: garbage collection. Throughout the economic uncertainty of the last month, solid waste workers have continued their usual routes throughout the city.
Cynthia Hartsfield Collier has worked as a custodian at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for more than 35 years. As many of us huddle in our homes away from others, she is cleaning up after them.
She told WABE’s Sam Whitehead on our podcast, “Did You Wash Your Hands” that her hours have been cut and she has isolated herself at homes so as not to catch or possibly spread the virus, but she remains optimistic.
Not Everyone Is Safe At Home…
As Atlanta’s airport is dealing with fewer people, the city’s police are dealing with more. At least when it comes to domestic violence calls. An Atlanta Police Department spokesman told WABE’s “Morning Edition” there was a 36% increase in reported domestic violence incidents from March to April.
Kelsi Deel is the founder of the House of Cherith in Atlanta. She told us how her organization is trying to help.
Feeding The Hungry…
With so many people out of work in Georgia and around the nation, groups are having to step up to help feed the hungry. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recently approved $10 million to support local businesses and residents as the coronavirus pandemic capsizes the U.S. economy.
Salvaging Crops…
Georgia is one of the top producing blueberry producers in the country, and this year’s crop was set to be a good one. But the efforts to contain the coronavirus mean every step in the supply chain is now a huge unknown. Shawn Davis is head of Southern Press and Packing in Blackshear, Georgia.
He says any benefits from this year’s crop are likely gone.
A Little Good News…
There has been good news from the pandemic and WABE has been constantly on the lookout for it. One of those stories is about pets. Animal adoption agencies are for the first time in a long time, not overflowing with animals.
Karen Hirsch from Atlanta’s Lifeline Animal Project said with so many people at come they are looking to adopt or foster a faithful companion.
You can hear WABE’s Week in Review on 90.1 or on our livestream every Saturday at 9:41 am and 5:41 pm/ Sunday at 9:41 and 5:41.
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