West Orange Businesses Brace For Impact As Coronavirus Hits NJ

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Businesses across New Jersey – including West Orange – are bracing for impact as the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 spreads across the state.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that all movie theaters, performing arts centers, gyms and casinos in New Jersey must immediately close in an attempt to "flatten the curve of new cases" and avoid overwhelming health care systems. It's not clear when these businesses will be allowed to reopen. READ MORE: Restaurants, Theaters In NJ To Shut Due To Coronavirus

The order also requires all "non-essential" retail, recreational and entertainment-based businesses to cease daily operations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Restaurants can only offer delivery and/or takeout, both during daytime hours and after 8 p.m.

"Essential" businesses which are necessary for the public's health, safety, and welfare – like grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices and gas stations – can remain open past 8 p.m.

The decision comes as many businesses throughout New Jersey report being hit hard by the coronavirus’ arrival in the Garden State.

According to a survey conducted by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association from March 13 to 15, most respondents said they will need to cut costs due to coronavirus-related hardships, including a reduction of staff, hours and benefits.

“The concerns of our members are extremely clear during this unprecedented time,” NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said. “They are highly concerned about the overall stability of their businesses and the welfare of their employees.”

Are you a business owner or employee in West Orange? Let us know how the coronavirus has been affecting YOUR life (send emails to eric.kiefer@patch.com).

CORONAVIRUS: BUSINESS IN WEST ORANGE

Some local businesses and groups have had to cancel events, such as the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, which nixed its St. Patrick's Day networking mixer scheduled for March 17 due to "an abundance of caution" concerning the coronavirus.

Others have changed their normal operations due to heavy demand.

On Monday, ShopRite of West Orange reported that its staff is "working tirelessly to replenish shelves as quickly as possible."

The supermarket has placed limits on the following items to "help everyone get what they need":

• Paper Products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues)
• Household disinfectants
• Cold & Flu medicines
• Soaps and hand sanitizers
• First aid supplies
• Bottled water
• Chicken, Turkey and Ground Beef products
• Eggs

Whole Foods, which has a location in West Orange, reported that it's taking extended measures to further enhance sanitation procedures.

Whole Foods stated:

"Until further notice, the prepared foods bars will operate on a limited schedule. Hot bars: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm & 4:00 – 8:00 pm, daily. Salad bars: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, daily. We apologize for any inconvenience."

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