Frontline heroes: Everyday workers press on through coronavirus #togetherfortasssie

As more people self-isolate, spare a thought for those who are working on the front line.

PAUL Barber says coronavirus has put him in a precarious position, working near people in their homes to make ends meet and fix their walls and doors.

“I have no other choice to keep surviving,” he said.

The sole trader said work had all but come to a standstill, fearing another fortnight of COVID-19 concerns would put his business in dire straits.

Tradie Paul Barber is trying to make ends meet working on the frontline at people's homes. Picture: SUPPLIED.

“I’ll be broke and I won’t be able to afford to keep going,” he said.

He said one renovation he had hoped would supply immediate income was knocked back by 14 days when the client fell ill.

“People can’t afford to be getting sick when they’ve got bills to pay,” he said.

“But you’ve got to be positive I suppose and just hope for the best.”

While many face unemployment, some are getting work but putting themselves at risk.

An anonymous Hobart area Coles employee said he would work an extra seven hours next week.

He said one of his friends was recently laid off, adding hospitality workers were “paying the ultimate price”.

He said he was grateful to keep his job, but felt uneasy working in a public space.

“At first I thought the disease was overblown, but now seeing how crazy it is at work my perspective has flipped a bit,” he said.

“I haven’t been seeing my family, especially my Nan, because I’m kind of worried.”

He said the added risk of working on the front line was “part of the job”.

He said it helped to have positive encouragement from customers.

“There are 16 and 17-year-olds having to deal with adults giving them strife over the rules of the corporation they’re working for,” he said.

“Most customers are OK about the restrictions, but some are pretty insistent that they are owed more than anyone else.

“Everyone has to abide, but the small minority seem to have this inflated sense of importance.”

He said extra security was on deck to handle rowdy customers, as Australia sees more panic-induced cases of supermarket fights and violence.

If you have a story of kindness, caring idea or know a Tasmanian doing good deeds, please contact us via email at [e-mail], message us on Facebook or use the hashtag #togetherfortassie on social media.