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Sick Workers and Spooked Customers: Coronavirus Threatens Small Businesses Sick Workers and Spooked Customers: Coronavirus Threatens Small Businesses
(3 days later)
If the new coronavirus causes workers to take sick days; customers to stay home; and officials to order quarantines, it will be hard on all American companies. For small businesses, though, it could be catastrophic.If the new coronavirus causes workers to take sick days; customers to stay home; and officials to order quarantines, it will be hard on all American companies. For small businesses, though, it could be catastrophic.
Many of them, like local restaurants and retailers, operate leanly, with tight profit margins and just enough people on staff. They might struggle to provide sick pay at the same time they are encountering slow business because of widespread illness or public caution. Already, businesses in areas where patients have tested positive for Covid-19 are feeling the effects.Many of them, like local restaurants and retailers, operate leanly, with tight profit margins and just enough people on staff. They might struggle to provide sick pay at the same time they are encountering slow business because of widespread illness or public caution. Already, businesses in areas where patients have tested positive for Covid-19 are feeling the effects.
At Tucci, an Italian restaurant in Lake Oswego, Ore., one mile from the elementary school that closed when an employee tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, restaurant business has been down and takeout orders have been up. It suggests that people are staying inside, said Gregg Matteucci, the owner.At Tucci, an Italian restaurant in Lake Oswego, Ore., one mile from the elementary school that closed when an employee tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, restaurant business has been down and takeout orders have been up. It suggests that people are staying inside, said Gregg Matteucci, the owner.
“On any given night, if I have even just a couple chefs call out sick, we’re hurting,” he said. If multiple members of his 30-person staff were out, he said, “that would be really, really tough on us.”“On any given night, if I have even just a couple chefs call out sick, we’re hurting,” he said. If multiple members of his 30-person staff were out, he said, “that would be really, really tough on us.”
“Not only would I have to pay the sick time, I would have to close my doors,” he said. (Oregon law requires employers to provide up to 40 hours of sick leave.)“Not only would I have to pay the sick time, I would have to close my doors,” he said. (Oregon law requires employers to provide up to 40 hours of sick leave.)
The economy has been affected by the outbreak in ways large and small, including stock market declines, supply chain backups and company cancellations of business travel and meetings, in the United States and elsewhere. But for small businesses, there could be long-term effects on daily life and work in local communities.The economy has been affected by the outbreak in ways large and small, including stock market declines, supply chain backups and company cancellations of business travel and meetings, in the United States and elsewhere. But for small businesses, there could be long-term effects on daily life and work in local communities.
Policymakers in other countries have already put in measures to help small businesses during the outbreak. China — where 70 percent of Beijing restaurants remain closed — has pledged to help small and medium-size businesses by allowing them to defer certain payments and to provide lower rents and interest on loans. Italy has designated several billion dollars in aid, including for tax cuts and credits for companies.Policymakers in other countries have already put in measures to help small businesses during the outbreak. China — where 70 percent of Beijing restaurants remain closed — has pledged to help small and medium-size businesses by allowing them to defer certain payments and to provide lower rents and interest on loans. Italy has designated several billion dollars in aid, including for tax cuts and credits for companies.
In the United States, Congress is expected to vote on a funding package this week for affected communities. The package would expand a small-business loan program usually offered to companies experiencing natural disasters. Some lawmakers have also called for legislation to offer reimbursement to workers who need to take sick leave, though no such provisions are in the current legislative draft.In the United States, Congress is expected to vote on a funding package this week for affected communities. The package would expand a small-business loan program usually offered to companies experiencing natural disasters. Some lawmakers have also called for legislation to offer reimbursement to workers who need to take sick leave, though no such provisions are in the current legislative draft.
“Small businesses are on the front line of this crisis,” said Amanda Ballantyne, executive director of Main Street Alliance, a public policy group for small businesses. “The impact on consumer demand can really impact the economy, so we think there’s an urgent need to get planning to local businesses.”“Small businesses are on the front line of this crisis,” said Amanda Ballantyne, executive director of Main Street Alliance, a public policy group for small businesses. “The impact on consumer demand can really impact the economy, so we think there’s an urgent need to get planning to local businesses.”
There is no federal law requiring employers to provide paid, job-protected sick leave; 59 percent of small business employees have it. Ten states, 20 cities and three counties mandate it, though it would still be difficult for small employers to pay for days off for many workers at once, or to replace them.There is no federal law requiring employers to provide paid, job-protected sick leave; 59 percent of small business employees have it. Ten states, 20 cities and three counties mandate it, though it would still be difficult for small employers to pay for days off for many workers at once, or to replace them.
Workers without sick leave, or without enough of it, risk spreading the disease or staying home and losing their job. (The Family and Medical Leave Act provides unpaid, job-protected leave, but only at companies with 50 or more employees.)Workers without sick leave, or without enough of it, risk spreading the disease or staying home and losing their job. (The Family and Medical Leave Act provides unpaid, job-protected leave, but only at companies with 50 or more employees.)
Three Democrats in Congress have introduced a bill to provide interest-free loans of up to $2 million to businesses affected by the outbreak. Others have proposed more expansive paid leave to protect workers and businesses. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts released a coronavirus response plan that would, among other things, establish a federal fund to reimburse workers for lost wages if they missed work because of coronavirus symptoms.Three Democrats in Congress have introduced a bill to provide interest-free loans of up to $2 million to businesses affected by the outbreak. Others have proposed more expansive paid leave to protect workers and businesses. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts released a coronavirus response plan that would, among other things, establish a federal fund to reimburse workers for lost wages if they missed work because of coronavirus symptoms.
Other lawmakers have long proposed a national approach to sick leave. The Healthy Families Act would require employers to pay for sick leave. But that bill might not work well for the coronavirus outbreak, since workers would earn sick time over the course of the year, up to 56 hours.Other lawmakers have long proposed a national approach to sick leave. The Healthy Families Act would require employers to pay for sick leave. But that bill might not work well for the coronavirus outbreak, since workers would earn sick time over the course of the year, up to 56 hours.
Eileen Appelbaum, the co-director of the left-leaning Center for Economic and Policy Research, which has studied the effects of two local sick leave mandates, said a disease like coronavirus might require a different response from what states have tried so far. “If someone gets the coronavirus, and they are out of work for two to three weeks or they are quarantined, that’s a place for the government to do something,” she said.Eileen Appelbaum, the co-director of the left-leaning Center for Economic and Policy Research, which has studied the effects of two local sick leave mandates, said a disease like coronavirus might require a different response from what states have tried so far. “If someone gets the coronavirus, and they are out of work for two to three weeks or they are quarantined, that’s a place for the government to do something,” she said.
The National Federation of Independent Business, a business trade group that has often supported lower taxes and deregulation, is not calling for any changes to current policy. Holly Wade, the group’s director of research, said the organization opposed any mandated sick leave policies, and does not see a need for targeted loans for small business, given current low costs of borrowing.The National Federation of Independent Business, a business trade group that has often supported lower taxes and deregulation, is not calling for any changes to current policy. Holly Wade, the group’s director of research, said the organization opposed any mandated sick leave policies, and does not see a need for targeted loans for small business, given current low costs of borrowing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised businesses to do things like require sick employees to stay home; establish sick leave policies that do not punish workers or require a doctor’s note; and ask employees to inform them if their family members are sick. It also suggested that businesses prepare for multiple employees to stay home, including to care for children if schools close, and emphasize hygiene for employees.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised businesses to do things like require sick employees to stay home; establish sick leave policies that do not punish workers or require a doctor’s note; and ask employees to inform them if their family members are sick. It also suggested that businesses prepare for multiple employees to stay home, including to care for children if schools close, and emphasize hygiene for employees.
For Asian-American-owned businesses, there is an additional risk: discrimination. Representative Judy Chu, a Democrat from Southern California, said Asian-owned businesses in her district had reported a 50 percent drop in business, driven by “dangerous misinformation and xenophobia.”For Asian-American-owned businesses, there is an additional risk: discrimination. Representative Judy Chu, a Democrat from Southern California, said Asian-owned businesses in her district had reported a 50 percent drop in business, driven by “dangerous misinformation and xenophobia.”
Wesley Kang, a founder of Nimble Made, a New York-based start-up that makes men’s dress shirts and promotes Asian-American representation in fashion, said xenophobia, coupled with the fact that manufacturing and shipping partners in China were closed, were hurting the fledgling business.Wesley Kang, a founder of Nimble Made, a New York-based start-up that makes men’s dress shirts and promotes Asian-American representation in fashion, said xenophobia, coupled with the fact that manufacturing and shipping partners in China were closed, were hurting the fledgling business.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
In some cases, public alarm is affecting small businesses even where there is no widespread outbreak or official guidance to stay inside.In some cases, public alarm is affecting small businesses even where there is no widespread outbreak or official guidance to stay inside.
At Chuckie Pies, a pizza restaurant in Lake Oswego near the school where the patient with Covid-19 worked, business was down 25 percent on Saturday, said Lisa Shaw-Ryan, the co-owner. Business was also slower at her nearby coffee shop.At Chuckie Pies, a pizza restaurant in Lake Oswego near the school where the patient with Covid-19 worked, business was down 25 percent on Saturday, said Lisa Shaw-Ryan, the co-owner. Business was also slower at her nearby coffee shop.
If the slowdown continues for too long or gets worse, she said, they could go out of business. “Bigger companies potentially have more resources or other businesses that aren’t being affected and can balance that out,” she said. “It’s potentially devastating for us. Solid information that isn’t fear-driven is very helpful.”If the slowdown continues for too long or gets worse, she said, they could go out of business. “Bigger companies potentially have more resources or other businesses that aren’t being affected and can balance that out,” she said. “It’s potentially devastating for us. Solid information that isn’t fear-driven is very helpful.”
Patrick Day, who runs two board game stores in King County, Wash., the site of the largest U.S. outbreak of the disease, said his business had very little slack to absorb reduced foot traffic or staffing shortages. The company’s profit margin is only 2 percent in a good year, he said. Most nights, his stores host board game tournaments that can draw nearly 100 players, but he said that business had already begun declining this week, after local cases of the disease were announced. One store has seen sales drop by a third; the other by nearly half.Patrick Day, who runs two board game stores in King County, Wash., the site of the largest U.S. outbreak of the disease, said his business had very little slack to absorb reduced foot traffic or staffing shortages. The company’s profit margin is only 2 percent in a good year, he said. Most nights, his stores host board game tournaments that can draw nearly 100 players, but he said that business had already begun declining this week, after local cases of the disease were announced. One store has seen sales drop by a third; the other by nearly half.
“If we have a few days out for snow, that can be pretty tough, but snow lasts, at worst, for a week,” said Mr. Day, who shares ownership of Uncle’s Games with two partners. “If we have to go longer than that, we’d need to figure out a way to get outside financing to stay afloat.”“If we have a few days out for snow, that can be pretty tough, but snow lasts, at worst, for a week,” said Mr. Day, who shares ownership of Uncle’s Games with two partners. “If we have to go longer than that, we’d need to figure out a way to get outside financing to stay afloat.”