Over the past couple of weeks, Americans have faced unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus.
COVID-19 has altered the way citizens go about their daily lives in ways never before seen, with churches, schools and businesses closing up shop to help stop the spread of disease.
Earlier this week, a major blow was dealt to local economies in Indiana, as organizations were forced to make major changes to their business models — models that were already operating under day-to-day changes as new information was being released by health officials by the hour.
Monday, Gov. Eric Holcomb restricted restaurants and bars from in-dining services. The businesses may still operate, but as delivery and take-out eateries only.
This measure, while necessary according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will affect local business owners and their employees both in the short and long term.
While a percentage of the population has the ability to work from home, a majority of us still have to wake up each day and go to our workplaces.
Those in the service industry can’t work from home.
Some of those workers, who make minimum wage plus tips, live paycheck to paycheck to put food on the table.
Unlike major chains — which will also feel the ripples of change — small businesses don’t have mounds of reserve capital to stay afloat in this trying time. Nor do they know how fast the government will help them to stay afloat.
A detailed plan of how to help the number of soon-to-be unemployed and struggling businesses hasn’t been given to the public.
Vera Reichennbacker of Seymour said it best in an article published in Wednesday in The Tribune.
“I’m really worried about all the jobs and how are people going to manage with things getting shut down and kids having to stay home?” she asked. “I just feel like this is all like a movie. I never thought we’d ever be in a situation like this. It’s unreal.”
Now, more than ever, local restaurants need support from the community.
Citizens can help alleviate some of the mounting anxieties by buying local.
Many businesses are adapting to the changes by adding new delivery and takeout services.
The most uniform method of relaying this information is through social media. If you’re not sure if a business is still offering services, stop by the location and see what’s posted on the facility doors, or give them a call.
People’s livelihoods depend on it.
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