COVID-19 Leaves Businesses Closed Or Restricted

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In a small period of time COVID-19 went from a foreign concern for most countries to an issue that effected everybody almost no matter where they are.

The only difference between people`s experiences with COVID-19 now is simply how  it`s effecting them.

Whether immunocompromised or not, Frederictonian`s are getting hit one way or another, big or small; whether losing jobs, missing important events, running low on money and resources, etc.

One thing that`s effecting everyone, however, is the closure or restrictions of countless businesses.

For many none-essential businesses such as Winners and The Shoe Company, their stores have completely shutdown because of COVID-19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, that`s not to say all non-essential businesses are closed.

For example Montana`s BBQ & Bar and East Side Mario`s in the Corbett Centre have both restricted people from entering their buildings, though have continued doing takeout and deliveries to peoples homes throughout particular time-frames.

But many restaurants–especially locally owned small businesses– like the Wetmore Street Pub in New Maryland, has had its doors closed since March 19th because of COVID-19.

Though all the closed businesses touched on and their employees will endure the consequences of closing, it`s particularly a much different and harder time for locally-owned businesses such as Wetmore-Street as opposed to franchises like Winners or The Shoe Company.

 

Manager of Wetmore-Street Pub, Steve Bishop, says the business has dealt with many losses.

“When we shutdown sixty per cent of our food went to our staff, the food bank or in the garbage, while only about forty per cent was freezable,” Bishop said. “Though most went to a good cause, wasn’t wasted, and only a small amount was thrown out, its still a substantial loss for the business money-wise.”

Especially considering the locally-owned business is, even during a global pandemic, still paying rent, insurance, power and oil for a building that has its doors closed with no money coming in.

As for why the pub has refrained from doing takeout, Bishop said with all the necessary procedures required by the province, it likely wouldn’t be worth it.

“We aren’t set up with a takeout window or system, so to install the fiber-glass boards and follow all the other precautionary measures the government put in place just wouldn’t be worth it financially,” he said “Especially considering the traffic likely wouldn’t reach even half as we normally do.”

Though there`s much uncertainty regarding how long COVID-19 keep people inside and businesses closed or restricted, one thing`s for certain; the closures have already had a detrimental effect on locally-owned small businesses such as Wetmore-Street, and will only get worse.