Workplace Returning Since COVID-19 Furlough - Suggestions?

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Today, I received a letter from my workplace stating that the business is set to return back next week. I'm personally scared as the business (a retail clothing store in a mall) is in has just entered the second phase of returning back to normal out of the fourth one. I'm experiencing anxiety as I'm used to being in solitude as it became a new norm since being furloughed. I was also born with a pre-existing condition that puts me at a high-risk group in the COVID-19 pandemic.

I haven't heard from my boss except for earlier this month regarding state-required intake questions and I don't know what to expect.

They said that they were going to put standards such as:

1. Daily hours of operation will be changed.
2. Customer and worker capacity would be lowered while meeting state standards.
3. Cleaning protocols throughout the day for restrooms, main sales floor, etc.
4. Masks being provided (no word on customers being required to wear masks inside.)

I've been scared for my own safety and the anxiety I gain from changes in routine. Is there any advice or help you would suggest?

First thing first - the coronavirus threat IMHO is weakening. You might get it now but it will probably not kill you, which is quite a different outcome from a couple months ago. This is because the viral load is reduced as we move into the summer months.

Here are 3 suggestions to help protect you.
1. Wear N95 mask. They are probably at the moment is short supply, but they will protect you from infection. I suspect that the mask provided by your retail clothing store will provide little protection. I recommend you buy your own.
2. Take a Vitamin D supplement daily. Research has shown this vitamin to be effective in countering the effects of the coronavirus.
3. Buy a small portable air cleaner with far ultraviolet "UVC" light sanitation. UVC light kills the viruses. This can be a small unit that uses very little electricity and you can have it running near your workstation without blowing circuit breakers. I discussed this in the Practical Preparations for a Coronavirus Pandemic - see below.

With a pre-existing condition, you might be able to tap into some extended unemployment money.

Yes, unfortunately, some damn bureaucracy just to find out.

Another option is to start back very part-time, maybe with mask and portable air filter. And I would physically walk away from anyone coughing, I really would.

Anyway, for the part-time option, you just honestly state health. All the same, it also gives you a transmission, from new normal back to old normal I guess!

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And didn’t Washington state have that church choir practice back in March, which was a really big deal in showing how easily it could spread? As well as some extended care facilities.

Meaning, people in Seattle really ought to be hip to all this. And if they’re not, one or two sentences from you ideally ought to bring them up to speed. Ideally. Of course, people have their preconceived notions.

Stay calm, matter-of-fact, and brief (often that’s most important!). If someone happens to throw you off your game, just try to get back on your game.

I’ll tell you, in Houston, COVID is a big deal, but we still have are ‘skeptics.’

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I hope things are going good, whichever option you picked!