So much happens so quickly. Since our last post, we’ve watched Seattle area residents and businesses rally together like never before amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Being in home lockdown, however, we don’t see what’s happening firsthand with the hardworking people on the frontlines. It seems appropriate to take a moment to salute all the grocery store workers, supply chain specialists, janitors, fire and police crews, nurses, doctors and health care workers, and sanitary workers. We can’t praise enough those attending to an overwhelming number of sick patients in clinics and hospitals, and those keeping our communities running safely and smoothly.

We were inspired by Greater Seattle’s show of “joyful noise” last Thursday evening, when members of Seattle’s cultural community, along with the city’s Office of Arts & Culture, encouraged residents to open windows or go to their balconies, yards or porches to contribute sounds of clapping, singing, raising their voices, banging pots and pans, and playing instruments in appreciation of health care and other workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

That same day, March 26, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the city would offer a free parking program for frontline healthcare workers near the high-density parking areas of Harborview Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Swedish Medical Center (Cherry Hill and First Hill campuses) and Virginia Mason Medical Center. The premise is that health care workers should focus on delivering care to those who need it most, NOT worrying about parking. In the same spirit of caring for the caregivers, companies across the country from KFC and Starbucks to Crocs and Uber have generously donated food and products for healthcare and frontline workers.

At home, we are far from powerless in supporting business and services that we can access creatively. We’ve adapted quickly. There’s takeout and delivery available to help support many hard-hit restaurants. Many gyms are renting out equipment (like kettle bells) to their members, while yoga and dance teachers are offering online classes, joining the ranks of online students and teleworkers. People are supporting their favorite independent retailers with online orders, and in Seattle, startup SnapBar recently launched a direct-to-consumer subscription box called “Keep Your City Smiling” that sells gift boxes filled with products from struggling local businesses. Our arts and leisure escapes are mere clicks away for online concerts, virtual museum tours and armchair traveling. While we enjoy home life, we’re also planting victory gardens and spring cleaning.

The grandest gesture to salute our frontline workers is simple and attainable: STAY HOME.

Social distancing and staying home are at the center of the fight to save lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic because these measures can help decrease the anticipated spike in cases in the U.S. As the need for physicians and other health professionals remains critical, it is vital that people stay home. To learn more about local Covid-19 facts, resources and policies, visit https://www.governor.wa.gov/tags/covid-19-coronavirus

We thank our frontline workers for their long hours of service, and the members of our community complying with shelter-in-place measures. We also want to hear from you via our Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Tell us about the helpful, uplifting community resources you’ve seen making a difference during this pandemic.

We are still here for you 24/7, If you are looking for a capital partner with flexibility and creativity in structuring your arrangement during these uncertain times. We draw strength in knowing that together, we will succeed.

Best regards,

 

 

 

Kurt Ursich
President, Juniper Capital