Mechanic Derry Dillabough is busy at work Wednesday at A&M Auto Centre in North Battleford. (Submitted photo/Dave Park)

By Angela Brown

Essential service

Essential service providers help meet residents’ needs during difficult time

Apr 1, 2020 | 5:46 PM

While grocery stores and pharmacies are essential business providers during the pandemic, auto repair shops and of course mail delivery are also some of the much needed services people can’t do without.

North Battleford’s A&M Auto Centre owner-manager Marie Suberlak said people always need vehicle repair service available.

She said business has been a bit slower lately, since more people in the community are staying home due to COVID-19 precautions and are not driving as much.

Suberlak said ensuring both staff and customers are meeting the pandemic safety measures is a priority for the shop.

“I’m making sure when anybody comes in the door, we don’t go near them,” she said. “They tell us what the problem is and we write it down. Then, they have to leave, and we wipe everything down – on their vehicle and our doors, just in case.”

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Suberlak said the aim is to see that people don’t gather in the shop, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, for both staff and customers’ protection.

In the back of the shop, the mechanics are required to have more than two-metres space apart to work, which is not an issue because there is plenty of room available.

Suberlak mentioned an auto mechanic service is really an essential business at this time because residents always require access to a vehicle, especially for health reasons.

“People do need to have their vehicle in excellent condition, if they had to run and go to the hospital,… or if they have to get groceries,” she said.

Letter carrier George Plews shown in North Battleford last week. (Submitted photo/George Plews)

Letter carrier George Plews said business is still busy for him delivering mail and parcels to residents in North Battleford as part of his duties.

He said he misses the opportunity to chat with residents along his route when he can though due to COVID-19 safety precautions.

A sign of support seen in North Battleford last week. (Submitted photo/George Plews)

Plews mentioned he has seen a lot of positive support in the community for those who continue to provide essential services in their work. Last week he saw an inspiring poster displayed on a family’s lawn thanking everyone who is helping the community during the COVID-19 situation. Plews was very touched by the gesture.

“I thought it was a nice thing to see,” he said, adding it tugged on his heart-strings a little this sign of respect to all those who serve the community during this difficult time.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @OCoureurDesBois