Many have felt the pinch of COVID-19’s economic and social impact here at Triton. There have been delayed orders and shortages on an unprecedented scale for Triton students along with the nation as a whole.

“Things that should take a week to get turned over are taking months,” says Patrick Kelly.

Due to Covid-19 going strong for over a year now supply chains and shortages are only getting worse. Online shopping in particular has seen a dramatic increase in usage, a 35% increase according to McKinsey Blog. Due to this unprecedented online commerce, along with the rise in panic buying, supply chains around the world have felt the pinch. Although a problem since the beginning of the pandemic, the scale is only now coming into picture. 

Triton Junior Morganne Maramaldi, remarked that she ordered a comforter in March of 2021 and that it has yet to arrive. Her experience is not uncommon among other students if not the world.

 The Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation or MTF functions as a representative of Massachuttes taxpayers for the government, while the MTF has contributed to important things such as healthcare benefits in jobs. 

“The Pandemic has not just affected one item or one aspect of our economy,” says Doug Howgate, Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, “We’re seeing a lot more of the political ‘low hanging fruit’ being dealt with.” 

Howgate also touched on the unpredictable nature of the implications of Covid-19. MTF also noted the critical federal intervention in the economy, and how despite all this, the state tax revenue has remained strong, allowing the state aid more of Massachuttes. 

 Patrick Kelly, principal of Triton Regional High School had some things to say about the effects of the pandemic as well.

 “There’s a labor shortage too,” said Kelly, when asked about the shortage of several staff positions in Triton. He also noted the contractor shortage, and that it is hard for the school to get the maintenance the building requires.  Despite only 1 of 3 custodian positions being filled, Kelly said that the school does have the capacity to function.