The spread of the novel coronavirus across Massachusetts has brought big changes to businesses of all sizes and their customers. CDC and Massachusetts DPH guidance urges consumers to avoid getting up-close and personal with each other. Government mandates have forced many types of businesses to close their doors to customer crowds. As we all work to protect ourselves and each other through social distancing, several Woburn firms in the Cummings Properties portfolio have hit upon ways to keep a small business healthy through the COVID-19 crisis. Check out these creative solutions that are allowing our client firms to bring their services to a largely homebound public.
Stay in Shape with Virtual Gym Classes
Many of us use gym memberships as a way to stay physically fit and mentally sharp, burning off calories and the stress of the day with regular workouts. If your favorite fitness center has temporarily closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, fear not. These creative fitness gurus will get you sweating in the safety of your home.
High Function Fitness has introduced a virtual membership package that includes online coaching with equipment-free workout videos for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Join for a one-time fee of $49.00 by emailing jeremy@highfunctionfit.com or texting “I want to join” to 617-431-0077.
Barren N9ne Studio continues to offer virtual classes via Zoom. Learn more and register for individual classes online.
Centre Yoga is also conducting remote fitness classes via Zoom. Detailed information is available on the studio’s website.
Feed Your Cravings with Takeout and Delivery Options
By this point, most of us have embarked on a high-pressure supermarket mission or two. We’ve braved the hordes attacking each aisle, drummed our fingers through an endless grocery store checkout line, and even posted photos of the cleaned-out shelves. Although there is no substitute for a cartful of fresh groceries, a few local eateries have stepped up to offer a convenient alternative for individual meals.
Hostess Catering of Gill Street is offering grab-and-go meals. Menu items include chicken cordon bleu with rice pilaf, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, and baked salmon with quinoa salad. Orders placed by 5:00 PM can be picked up the next day between 3:00 and 5:00 PM. Call 978-206-1799 or email info@hostesscatering.com for more information.
B.GOOD will provide free delivery on orders placed through its mobile app, plus it is offering up to two kids’ meals free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Typically available only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this deal is currently being offered every day of the week when you select this option in the “My Rewards” section of the app. As a convenience to hungry folks in the area, B.GOOD’s Woburn location (in Cummings Park) will also remain operational for takeout. Please call 781-305-4186 to confirm its hours.
Corner Office Gourmet at West Cummings Park will offer no-contact prepackaged takeout meals until 3:00 PM daily. In addition to soups and hot and cold sandwiches, two different specials are available each day. To order ahead, email orders@cornerofficegourmet.com or call 781-281-2662.
Soothe Your Spirit with Telehealth Services
An expansion of telehealth services has come to the fore among governmental measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. In this age of technology, many patients have some familiarity with services like Patient Gateway, an online portal facilitating communication between patients and their primary healthcare providers. Licensed mental health counselor Debra Broadley of West Cummings Park has gone high-tech, and is now offering therapy sessions via video conference call through a secure platform.
Ease Chronic Pain with Online Tutorials
Those who suffer from chronic pain may rely on regular visits to a chiropractor, massage therapist, or holistic healer for pain management. Our collective efforts to minimize physical contact and practice social distancing make receiving hands-on treatment a virtual impossibility. Alternative therapy provider Skin to Soul has temporarily closed its studios, but is offering myofascial release self-care courses online and through Facebook.
As COVID-19 continues to alter the way we live our lives and do business, we see that now, more than ever, is a time for personal and professional resilience. We offer the examples above as opportunities for consumers to take advantage of and potential ideas for other local firms to emulate. Housebound or not, there is still a market to be served—provided businesses can devise a creative way to reach it.
Cummings client firms: Have you found an innovative way to serve your client base in a climate of isolationism and social distancing? Let your account manager know.