Business & Tech
Scotch Plains-Fanwood Businesses Brace For Impact Of Closures
Local businesses will offer delivery or take-out as they struggle with the financial impact of the new coronavirus shutdown.
SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — The community is being asked to support local businesses as they struggle with the financial impact of the new coronavirus.
On Monday Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jersey will also not allow gatherings of 50 people or more. All movie theaters, restaurants, gyms and casinos will close in an attempt to flatten the curve of the spread. Restaurants will still be able to offer take-out though. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus Curfew: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut)
"We have been in contact with several of our members and in most cases, the closures have the potential to have a severe impact on them. We fully understand the need to contain the virus and want to encourage everyone to stay at home or be a good safe distance from other people. Small businesses that are forced to close will feel the impact right away, which includes gyms, beauty salons, barber shops, dry cleaners and retail stores, just about everyone," said Gene Jannotti, CEO of the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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Although restaurants were not permitted to offer sitdown service after Monday night, many in the area will be providing delivery services as well takeout food items that will be available to be brought to the curbside for pickup.
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"We hope that the local community will take advantage of these services and help to support these businesses. Unfortunately, may other types businesses may not be able to do the same," Jannotti said.
As of Monday there were 178 positive cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. Of those eight were in Union County.
Along with the shut down of non-essential businesses Murphy is also imposing a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for "non-essential travel."
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