At the time of coronavirus pandemic, essentials workers proved to be the real life heroes, standing up to serve the community.
Among these are Muslim workers, across sections, who put themselves at risk by being at work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
So, it’s very inspiring to see a Muslim hijabi woman featured on a cover of a British Vogue magazine, for its July issue, in addition to other two essential workers
Anisa Omar, a 21-year-old supermarket worker from London, is also studying for a degree in business management, The National reported.
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She is photographed in her uniform, along with her black hijab, for the cover image.
“When the lockdown was announced, I felt like I just had to go in and do my job. I have felt slightly anxious, but, honestly, that’s because we’re in a pandemic now – people are just more on edge,” she told the publication.
“You’re putting yourself at risk by being at work, but it’s worth it because you’re helping people. If you show in your face you feel some type of way about the pandemic, it shows to customers.
“If I can put a smile on someone’s face because I’m smiling, that’s amazing for me. That’s all I need.”
More Understanding
Though experiencing difficult time with some customers, the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way Omar’s work is viewed.
“Before the pandemic, people would look at us as service assistants – we’re there to show them where the eggs are or if they want to complain about something. But now they’re a lot more understanding,” Omar said.
“They understand that we’re here all the time, and they don’t have to leave their houses. People are a lot nicer, they’re warmer.
“It’s nice being a key worker. My job was not something that was that big of a deal before. But now it’s like we’re important. We have to be here, regardless of what’s happening in the world. It’s more than just a job now.”
The other Vogue covers feature Midwife Rachel Millar, 24, who works at a London hospital, and Narguis Horsford, a driver for London Overground trains.
As of Thursday, June 4, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected 6,603,599 and killed other 388,514, according to the latest estimates by WorldOMeter.
In the UK, there are 279,856 COVID-19 cases. The virus has killed 39,728 so far in the country.