This is one in a series of articles in the feature called "The Front Line" that takes a look at those local people working on the forefront during the COVID crisis and beyond. This time we speak to a professional cleaner.
Deanna Lafontaine knew that cleaning was hard work, but the independent cleaner has learned a lot more about how hard it can be when faced with a pandemic.
"I'm still working, but the situation has taken a hit on my business. I was just about to be able to hire my own staff when all of this happened. I've had 11 residential contracts go on hold, and you can't blame anyone right now, they have to do what is best for them," she explains.
Her business now is mostly commercial, including a doctor's office, as well as a well-known non-profit organization.
She says a couple of things have kept her motivated to work through the COVID pandemic. The first is the fact that she truly enjoys what she does.
"My main motivation is that I like to work, I like to see my clients happy, and I like knowing I did something that makes their day just a bit easier," she adds.
The other is something not everyone can say - she's dealt with deadly viruses before. Her mother had SARS, and she had a child, and a former partner deal with H1N1.="I've learned that there are steps you can take that make things as safe as they can be for me and for my clients."
She says her routine now includes gloves, masks, and her cleaning uniform goes directly in the wash before she really even gets into the family home. She typically showers before she goes to work for client safety and after work for her family's safety.
Still, she says she does miss her residential clients who are on hold for now and look forward to seeing them again. She's also now able to take on new clients.
Anyone wishing to see if she and they are a good fit for her services can contact Lafontaine at 705-358-4766.
