We must expand what we think of as essential

I would like to say to Premier Doug Ford:

While I understand the need for public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, I have a major issue with your definition of what is considered essential goods. I am a Black woman, who is a single parent with an eight-year-old son.

As an essential worker, I have to send my child to go to daycare to facilitate his online learning. Headphones are required.

Last week, my child’s headphones were not working and I needed an immediate replacement. I know the dollar store has them for $4. But, when I went inside there, I was told that electronics are not considered essential items.

How are the headphones my child needs to facilitate learning outside of our home, in a room with other children, not considered essential?

My child needs a pair of indoor shoes at daycare.

I haven’t bought shoes in a while and their feet are growing.

Should I just randomly pick a shoe size and hope that it fits?

I cannot buy the product in the supermarket for my delicate hair. In case you and you other major policy-makers are not aware, hair care is essential, especially for a Black woman.

There are products I have to use, and as luck would have it, every time I run out of product, there is a lockdown.

I am losing my hair because it’s not getting the treatment and care it needs to be beautiful. My hair is my beauty; it is a part of my body.

The inability to provide my child with one of their basic needs, clothing and my inability to care properly for my body is taking a major toll on my mental health.

I do not need to go to LCBO or the Beer Store; I need to buy a pair of shoes for my child as well as hair products, so I don’t go bald.

Teisha Williams, North Bay, Ont.