The gregarious man at the farmers market fruit stand who asks about my family in the U.S.
The friendly coffee shop server who knows my dog (and me) by name.
Then thecoronaviruspandemic hit France.
Eskay Lim / EyeEm / Getty Images
On March 17the French government ordered a nationwide lockdown, including the closure of nonessential businesses.
Pariss normally bustling sidewalks are eerily still; empty buses zoom by on quiet roads.
But at least we can still get our croissants and baguettes.
France, of course, wouldnt be French without its boulangeries.
You need bread at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and for appetizers.
At least a dozen are within a 10-minute walk from my apartment.
He added that all small food businesses, including cheese shops and wine stores, also made the cut.
Just because boulangeries have remained open during thecoronaviruscrisis doesnt mean its business as usual.
But he fears other consequences.
Olivier is very worried about getting sick, especially after a wave ofCOVID-19cases swept our neighborhood a month ago.
Youd think theyre on vacation, Olivier says.
Still, hes never considered shutting down his shop.
These changes are of course impacting boulangerie employees in addition to the owners.
Theyre already benefiting from French employment laws that favor workers.
During the crisis thegovernment has further simplifiedan already robust unemployment program to minimize layoffs.
For minimum wage workers, its 100% of their net salary, up to 35 hours a week.
The business will thenget at least partially reimbursed by the French government.
About one in three workers had taken advantage of the program as of April 17.
Every French resident also has access tofree government-subsidized health care, even if they lose their job.
But such programs seem increasingly rational and humane in trying times.
No matter where in the world you live, were all fumbling through the same frightening and unprecedented moment.
The social distancing measures we know are necessary for our species havemade us feel more alone.
The physical distance from my closest friends and family has amplified that loneliness.
In this chasm, boulangeries have brought me comfort.
My family looks forward to our daily bread.
