Manalapan CVS Employee My Personal COVID Hero

MANALAPAN, NJ — Last week, Patch asked our readers in Monmouth County to nominate a local "coronavirus hero," someone who may not be getting the recognition they deserve.

And a reader nominated Patricia Batres, who lives in Morganville and works at the local CVS on Gordons Corner Road in Manalapan. Here's why:

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker?" Yes

What does the nominee do for work? CVS store employee AND works the pharmacy window.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
She is either in the store ringing people up all day or at the pharmacy window giving people their meds.

She is working 50-60 hour work weeks. Where she works, the pharmacy lines are endless, and everyone is upset due to the wait — People are screaming at her because the line is long; people refusing to get off the line until their meds are ready, even when they know they're not ready yet; people holding up the line; people who are sick and not wearing masks; people picking up medicine that have the virus and other illnesses.

She is there all day, every day and helps as fast as she can. Patricia has worked more than 40 days straight with no day off. She is on her feet for 10-hour shifts each day, while wearing a mask and gloves, and is dealing with people who are either sick or angry coming into the store every day.

She never calls out and has covered other shifts: She is such a hard worker and doing her best. She doesn't make a lot of money, but works that job with pride and works hard. She deserve to be recognized: She is amazing and helping everyone on the front lines.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your COVID hero?

She has a wonderful heart, hard worker and beautiful inside and out.