Nearly every job in the District has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic. Some people are working from their homes instead of going into an office; others have taken pay cuts or lost their jobs entirely. But there are plenty of people who are still doing their work in person, even as the world has changed dramatically. This series features the voices of the “still at workers,” telling us what their lives are like right now and what they wish other people knew about being an essential worker during a pandemic.
Irvin Amaya works at downtown fast-casual restaurant Immigrant Food. When the 26 year old started working at the restaurant in November, he was a cashier. These days, however, since the pandemic forced Immigrant Food to adapt its service model, he’s delivering food orders all around the city. Originally from El Salvador, Amaya lives in Columbia Heights with his parents, two younger brothers, and younger sister, who are 19, 15, and 10, respectively.
Delivering food during a health crisis comes with new difficulties, but Amaya says he welcomes the task. “I’m a person that likes challenges,” he says.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
How has your job changed since the start of the pandemic?
Ever since the coronavirus started, my role has changed, because now I’m not able to interact with the guests that come into the restaurant, to see the usual faces. I was excited to interact with them and get to know them. And now as a delivery driver, I just leave the food at the front door. No interaction at all.
What have your interactions with people been like?
I see people through the window or through a glass door, and it’s still been nice, because they’re still saying, “Have a great day, stay safe.” There are still small interactions, but not as it was before. Before, I’d come up with little jokes and try to make the guests’ day and put a smile on their faces.
What is your typical day like?
I usually get up about 9:40, because I live so close to work, and that just gives me time enough to get ready, have a cup of coffee, a small breakfast and then head to work.
We are open from Wednesday through Saturday, so when I get to Immigrant Food at 11, I just wait for an order to come in. And then I head out with the delivery to the destination.
If it was a regular open business day, on Fridays and Saturdays we do as many as 20 deliveries, but we divide it between two people. Weekends are when we are most busy.
I use my own car. We are going from D.C. to Alexandria, from Alexandria to Bethesda, Hyattsville. I get off no later than 7:30 I would say.
What kind of safety measures or PPE are you using to do your job? How are you staying safe?
We’re using gloves and masks, and we also have our own hand sanitizer in the car. After every single delivery, I change my gloves. I actually carry two packets with me in the car, so I’m always changing them after every delivery. They were provided by the restaurant.
How has your family been affected by your work?
They’re staying at home. And my baby sister is the one that’s most concerned, her name is Gabby. She’s like, “Please be safe, come back home fast.”
Since there’s bills to pay, and thank god I’m back at work, my parents are a little concerned as well, but they understand that the money’s needed.
Is there anything you want people to know about your job?
I just want them to know that it’s a safe environment and that we’re distancing and being cautious about what we’re doing.
Is there anything people could do to make your job easier?
No, we don’t ask for much. We’re honestly happy doing the deliveries.
Previous Still at Workers:
An Airport Wheelchair Attendant Worries About Paying Bills After Hours Were Cut
A Hardware Store Manager’s Business Has Been Busy With Quarantine DIYers
A Pharmacist Struggles To Get Much-Needed Masks, Gloves, And Hand Sanitizer
