Humble, Texas, April 20, 2020. Standing outside the local IHOP, essential service worker Christene waits for the next customer to pick up their To-Go order.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the U.S. economy to a standstill. Then entire country was affected, from Washington D.C. to Humble, Texas.

Businesses that are able to stay open are employing essential workers to keep everything up and running. Essential workers must balance their responsibilities with their health. They are the ones who stand outside in the hot sun to keep count of customers, take to-go orders, and deliver meals and groceries to those who order them. Without them, many people’s lives would be compromised.