By now, we all know that many areas of the US are sadly facing renewed outbreaks of covid-19. To help tackle these growing concerns, many businesses have stepped up to protect our health and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Keep reading below to find out how brands are enforcing restrictions and keeping us safe.

Retail Giants Require Masks

In recent weeks, scientists have released mounting evidence that face masks are needed to slow the spread of coronavirus, and some states have chosen to issue statewide mask requirements. Following suit, many of the largest retail chains announced last week that they would require all of their customers to wear masks while in their stores. The list of stores requiring masks now includes brands like Walmart, Kroger, Target, CVS and Starbucks.

These mask requirements still come with some degree of risk for retail workers, as some have faced violent backlash from guests refusing to wear a mask. In Michigan, one man was stabbed by a customer who would not wear a mask, while in Arizona, a woman destroyed a mask display in Target when asked to wear one. Find the full list of retailers requiring face masks here: https://www.businessinsider.com/list-of-chains-requiring-customers-wear-masks-walmart-starbucks-2020-7#cvs-12

Pike Place Market Converts to Community Health Hub

Usually Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market is the bustling home to more than 500 small businesses. During the pandemic, many of those businesses have been forced to temporarily shut down. To help care for people impacted by covid-19, the empty spaces have been transformed into a community health center of sorts. There’s an emergency food program for seniors, as well as a covid-19 test center for low-income households.

In addition to these services, the Pike Place Market Foundation has started raising money to support the market’s many vendors that have closed during the pandemic. According to the market’s community relations managers, the money will provide a safety net for both workers and businesses who aren’t making any money right now. Check out the full story on Pike Place Market’s helpful efforts here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/micheleherrmann/2020/07/14/how-pike-place-market-covid-19/#42f5d5c62224

Free Fitness Apps Keep Us Active

Throughout quarantine, people hoping to stay active have had to turn to virtual fitness options while their gyms are closed. As a result, fitness apps like Peloton, one of the most popular workout streaming options, have seen huge spikes in new users. In March, Peloton’s app downloads were five times higher than they were in February. Part of that increase may be due to a longer trial period – Peloton extended their one-month free trial to 90 days to allow anyone access to their strength, yoga and cardio workouts during quarantine. Other online fitness brands, including Nike Training Club, Planet Fitness and Corepower Yoga, are also waiving monthly fees to help people stay healthy while stuck inside.

Before the pandemic started, the online fitness industry was already expected to grow by more than $5 billion this year. That figure is only expected to grow while people search for more ways to stay fit at home. Do you think the at-home workout is a trend that will continue to grow even after the pandemic is under control? Read on here: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/free-workouts-from-peloton-nike-and-others-to-help-you-stay-active-during-your-quarantine-2020-03-27

Connecticut Company Simplifies Coronavirus Scanning

When doctors and nurses examine covid-19 patients, they often need an ultrasound in order to see inside the patient’s lungs. Typically, that requires a long trek to the exam room, potentially exposing others to the virus along the way. However, Connecticut ultrasound company Butterfly Network recently developed an exciting development: hand-held ultrasound scanners. Their product has a traditional ultrasound probe, but it also includes a cable that can attach directly to a smartphone or tablet, so the doctors can view the images on their own screen.

Before the pandemic started, Butterfly Network’s products were in thousands of hospitals around the world. Then earlier this year, it signed another deal with Atrium Health network to get them in dozens more hospitals in the US. Learn more about the portable ultrasound machines here: https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/ct-companys-hand-held-ultrasound-machines-are-helping-doctors-safely-scan-coronavirus