Plexiglass Barriers Are Becoming the Norm for Businesses Re-Opening During COVID-19

The photograph depicts two plexiglass barriers suspended over counters at a Domino gas station in Blanchard, Oklahoma. These barrier are suspended from wire chains connected to the ceiling. These barriers act as a "sneeze guard" much like similar system have placed in restaurants in the past. Much like CDC recommended social distancing, these barrier act to protect employees and customers while they stand closer than six feet for transactions. This particular barrier at Domino was installed specifically in response to COVID-19. Local businesses, such as Domino, Spencer's Grocery, Subway, and China House were just a few of thoes that had been observed with these plexiglass barriers installed since COVID-19. In addition, local state and federal government offices such as Gayla's Tag Agency and the Blanchard Post Office had made the transition to these plastic protective barriers as well. As many locations make the shift to re-opening, the plexiglass barrier has become a growing standard of how people do face-to-face business, even in rural communities. Personal story submitted for the Rural Voices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.

May 31, 2020

Clinton P. Roberts

Clinton P. Roberts

HST580

Arizona State University

photograph

English Social Distance

English Rural

plexiglass

store

consumer

six feet

public

barrier

Oklahoma

Blanchard

rural voices

rural

social distancing

public spaces

consumer culture

Rural Voices

05/31/2020

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