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| ‘Over All a Bit of Numbness Right Now’: One Cafe’s Fight for Virus Relief | ‘Over All a Bit of Numbness Right Now’: One Cafe’s Fight for Virus Relief |
| (6 days later) | |
| The story of OatMeals, a Greenwich Village hot cereal bar, shows how the damage inflicted on businesses might cast a long shadow on the future of the U.S. economy. | The story of OatMeals, a Greenwich Village hot cereal bar, shows how the damage inflicted on businesses might cast a long shadow on the future of the U.S. economy. |
| By Jeanna Smialek | By Jeanna Smialek |
| Samantha Stephens realized her longtime dream eight years ago, opening an oatmeal bar in Greenwich Village where customers can build bowls with toppings that range from chia seeds and berries to bacon and poached eggs. Now, the coronavirus has left the little company fighting for its life. | Samantha Stephens realized her longtime dream eight years ago, opening an oatmeal bar in Greenwich Village where customers can build bowls with toppings that range from chia seeds and berries to bacon and poached eggs. Now, the coronavirus has left the little company fighting for its life. |
| Ms. Stephens had methodically prepared to jump into New York’s competitive dining scene, attending culinary school at night while working full time as an investment bank executive assistant. When she did, she turned an initial loan into a small but solid business, one that pulls in about $45,000 in revenue each month. | Ms. Stephens had methodically prepared to jump into New York’s competitive dining scene, attending culinary school at night while working full time as an investment bank executive assistant. When she did, she turned an initial loan into a small but solid business, one that pulls in about $45,000 in revenue each month. |
| But her shop, OatMeals, a 380-square-foot cubby that offers oat-themed pastries and 30 set bowls — among them “The Hot Date” and “Truffle RisOATto” — has suffered a serious blow amid quarantines. It has forced Ms. Stephens to make tough choices. Her story is one of many but shows why the damage inflicted on businesses today might cast a long shadow on the future of the U.S. economy. | But her shop, OatMeals, a 380-square-foot cubby that offers oat-themed pastries and 30 set bowls — among them “The Hot Date” and “Truffle RisOATto” — has suffered a serious blow amid quarantines. It has forced Ms. Stephens to make tough choices. Her story is one of many but shows why the damage inflicted on businesses today might cast a long shadow on the future of the U.S. economy. |
| Below is a diary of the decisions she has made, the hurdles along the way, and what lies ahead. | Below is a diary of the decisions she has made, the hurdles along the way, and what lies ahead. |
| Friday, March 6 | Friday, March 6 |
| “The shop is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, so my staff and I are there by 6:15. We get in early and start cooking the hot oatmeal and baking the fresh oatmeal pastries. We open at 7 a.m. — our main rush is 8:15, 8:30 to 10:30. That’s our big, busy rush. The deliveries start coming in, and we’ve got multiple tablets,” she said, explaining that the devices keep the oatmeal baristas posted on takeout orders, which are very popular. “They all start chirping and buzzing at us.” | “The shop is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, so my staff and I are there by 6:15. We get in early and start cooking the hot oatmeal and baking the fresh oatmeal pastries. We open at 7 a.m. — our main rush is 8:15, 8:30 to 10:30. That’s our big, busy rush. The deliveries start coming in, and we’ve got multiple tablets,” she said, explaining that the devices keep the oatmeal baristas posted on takeout orders, which are very popular. “They all start chirping and buzzing at us.” |
| Wednesday, March 11 | Wednesday, March 11 |
| “It all got serious overnight — I heard customers talking about it,” Ms. Stephens said of the virus, which was just beginning to spread in New York. Revenues quickly began dropping. “The numbers were down 22 percent from the previous Wednesday; Thursday was 24 percent down. Friday the 13th they were down 65 percent from the previous Friday. That Friday we dropped down to just myself and one other employee — on a morning shift, it’s normally three to four of us. Normally, I’m open until 5 p.m., but it was so dead that we closed at 1 p.m.” | “It all got serious overnight — I heard customers talking about it,” Ms. Stephens said of the virus, which was just beginning to spread in New York. Revenues quickly began dropping. “The numbers were down 22 percent from the previous Wednesday; Thursday was 24 percent down. Friday the 13th they were down 65 percent from the previous Friday. That Friday we dropped down to just myself and one other employee — on a morning shift, it’s normally three to four of us. Normally, I’m open until 5 p.m., but it was so dead that we closed at 1 p.m.” |
| Tuesday, March 17 | Tuesday, March 17 |
| The city had announced that restaurants could open only for takeout and delivery. “I was testing it out, and that Tuesday, I was down 86 percent. It was costing me more to open my doors than I could bring in, in sales. I really wanted to stay open for the community, I love my regular customers, and they depend on their morning oatmeal.” | The city had announced that restaurants could open only for takeout and delivery. “I was testing it out, and that Tuesday, I was down 86 percent. It was costing me more to open my doors than I could bring in, in sales. I really wanted to stay open for the community, I love my regular customers, and they depend on their morning oatmeal.” |
| “It was myself and one other employee. We worked until 1 p.m., and I told her: ‘Let me think about this. I’ll get in touch with you later,’” Ms. Stephens said. | “It was myself and one other employee. We worked until 1 p.m., and I told her: ‘Let me think about this. I’ll get in touch with you later,’” Ms. Stephens said. |
| It was a major inflection point for a small-business owner who depended on steady revenue but realized the need to control costs. “I was going to order new inventory: my dairy, my fresh fruits. I probably shouldn’t be ordering — who knows what’s going to happen?” | It was a major inflection point for a small-business owner who depended on steady revenue but realized the need to control costs. “I was going to order new inventory: my dairy, my fresh fruits. I probably shouldn’t be ordering — who knows what’s going to happen?” |
| “I had to text my employees and say: ‘Hey, guys, I don’t know what’s going to happen. I need to take you off the schedule.’ At that point, I thought it was going to be a week or two. I was really hopeful.” | “I had to text my employees and say: ‘Hey, guys, I don’t know what’s going to happen. I need to take you off the schedule.’ At that point, I thought it was going to be a week or two. I was really hopeful.” |
| Wednesday, March 18 | Wednesday, March 18 |
| That Wednesday was the first day that OatMeals closed its doors, leaving Ms. Stephens at home, scared and unsure what to do next. She scrambled for anything that could give her a sense of what might happen, reading newspapers, industry newsletters and mailing lists, and New York dining-scene websites. | That Wednesday was the first day that OatMeals closed its doors, leaving Ms. Stephens at home, scared and unsure what to do next. She scrambled for anything that could give her a sense of what might happen, reading newspapers, industry newsletters and mailing lists, and New York dining-scene websites. |
| “I was reading the news, reading any information that was coming in. My vendors and delivery partners were sending out notices. There was a lot of misinformation. There was a lot of confusing information.” | “I was reading the news, reading any information that was coming in. My vendors and delivery partners were sending out notices. There was a lot of misinformation. There was a lot of confusing information.” |
| Friday, March 27 | Friday, March 27 |
| After weeks of debate in Washington, President Trump signed a coronavirus relief package, known as the CARES Act, into law. It included funding for small-business loans, which are forgivable for firms that keep their employees, and for Economic Injury Disaster Loan advances, which are meant to give small businesses quick access to capital. | After weeks of debate in Washington, President Trump signed a coronavirus relief package, known as the CARES Act, into law. It included funding for small-business loans, which are forgivable for firms that keep their employees, and for Economic Injury Disaster Loan advances, which are meant to give small businesses quick access to capital. |
| “As soon as I heard that the government was somehow going to help — the mention of the CARES Act — I thought, well, that’s good. That seemed helpful. When there was a mention of some kind of assistance, especially forgivable assistance.” | “As soon as I heard that the government was somehow going to help — the mention of the CARES Act — I thought, well, that’s good. That seemed helpful. When there was a mention of some kind of assistance, especially forgivable assistance.” |
| Tuesday, March 31 | Tuesday, March 31 |
| “Very quickly, I realized that there’s no way I’m going to be able to pay what I owe on the store. And there’s no separation between the business and myself — I try to keep the lights on in my apartment and my store,” Ms. Stephens said. She knew she would miss rent on both, a “really scary” reality. | “Very quickly, I realized that there’s no way I’m going to be able to pay what I owe on the store. And there’s no separation between the business and myself — I try to keep the lights on in my apartment and my store,” Ms. Stephens said. She knew she would miss rent on both, a “really scary” reality. |
| “I emailed the landlords and said, ‘Hey, I had to close on the 18th, and I’m going to get right back on track, but I’m not going to be able to pay in April,’” she said. She was hoping for understanding, but what she got was a form email from her store landlord reminding her of her obligation to pay the $6,300 monthly rent, and suggesting that she check in with her insurance. She did. “Insurance is not going to cover this.” | “I emailed the landlords and said, ‘Hey, I had to close on the 18th, and I’m going to get right back on track, but I’m not going to be able to pay in April,’” she said. She was hoping for understanding, but what she got was a form email from her store landlord reminding her of her obligation to pay the $6,300 monthly rent, and suggesting that she check in with her insurance. She did. “Insurance is not going to cover this.” |
| Saturday, April 4 | Saturday, April 4 |
| “The Economic Injury Disaster Loan was the one I knew I could apply for,” she said. The loan program, which offers businesses low-interest working capital, had newly been expanded and made to include $10,000 grants. “The reason that I wasn’t able to submit right away is that the site kept changing,” she said, and it required lots of information that she did not have handy. | “The Economic Injury Disaster Loan was the one I knew I could apply for,” she said. The loan program, which offers businesses low-interest working capital, had newly been expanded and made to include $10,000 grants. “The reason that I wasn’t able to submit right away is that the site kept changing,” she said, and it required lots of information that she did not have handy. |
| “I reached out to my accountant. I needed a couple of details. One day, on April 4, I went through it, and I had finally gotten to the point where it was like, OK, you can submit. I submitted, and I never received an ‘application submitted’ email.” | “I reached out to my accountant. I needed a couple of details. One day, on April 4, I went through it, and I had finally gotten to the point where it was like, OK, you can submit. I submitted, and I never received an ‘application submitted’ email.” |
| “I’m just glad I took a screenshot.” | “I’m just glad I took a screenshot.” |
| TUESDAY, April 7 | TUESDAY, April 7 |
| Ms. Stephens, worried that she would not get loans, set up a GoFundMe page, asking for donations to cover her costs. “I tried to be very honest and say this money would go to my rent, my utilities and my employees,” she said. She got some backlash for that, because other restaurants in the area were doing GoFundMe campaigns that they said were exclusively dedicated to supporting employees. She thought she should be as upfront as possible. “We have to have a store to return to, and to do that, I have to pay the rent.” | Ms. Stephens, worried that she would not get loans, set up a GoFundMe page, asking for donations to cover her costs. “I tried to be very honest and say this money would go to my rent, my utilities and my employees,” she said. She got some backlash for that, because other restaurants in the area were doing GoFundMe campaigns that they said were exclusively dedicated to supporting employees. She thought she should be as upfront as possible. “We have to have a store to return to, and to do that, I have to pay the rent.” |
| The effort has raised nearly $6,000 of its $25,000 goal, largely from small donations of $25 or $50. | The effort has raised nearly $6,000 of its $25,000 goal, largely from small donations of $25 or $50. |
| Wednesday, April 8 | Wednesday, April 8 |
| “Around the same time, I was reading about the Paycheck Protection Program and realizing that it could be partially forgivable, so I should definitely try to get it. I thought it was also through the government — I didn’t realize it was through a bank.” | “Around the same time, I was reading about the Paycheck Protection Program and realizing that it could be partially forgivable, so I should definitely try to get it. I thought it was also through the government — I didn’t realize it was through a bank.” |
| “Then I read that banks were only lending to their customers. I bank with Chase, so I thought I had to go with Chase,” but it took days for the application to open on the bank’s website. Trish Wexler, a spokeswoman for the company, said that a simple form was posted April 3 and that a full application went live April 6. | “Then I read that banks were only lending to their customers. I bank with Chase, so I thought I had to go with Chase,” but it took days for the application to open on the bank’s website. Trish Wexler, a spokeswoman for the company, said that a simple form was posted April 3 and that a full application went live April 6. |
| “Finally, after a few days, they said they were able to start taking applications, so then I did apply through Chase.” | “Finally, after a few days, they said they were able to start taking applications, so then I did apply through Chase.” |
| Sunday, April 12 | Sunday, April 12 |
| Ms. Stephens received a confirmation that she had applied for government help four days after submitting the Paycheck Protection application. (Ms. Wexler said Chase’s system did not register the application until April 11.) It left her feeling uncertain, with no real information about if or when a reprieve might come. “I didn’t get any additional detail — it just says ‘soon.’ I don’t know what soon means.” | Ms. Stephens received a confirmation that she had applied for government help four days after submitting the Paycheck Protection application. (Ms. Wexler said Chase’s system did not register the application until April 11.) It left her feeling uncertain, with no real information about if or when a reprieve might come. “I didn’t get any additional detail — it just says ‘soon.’ I don’t know what soon means.” |
| THURSDAY, April 16 | THURSDAY, April 16 |
| The initial $349 billion that Congress allocated for the CARES Act programs ran out on April 16. Ms. Stephens had yet to hear back — nor had any money appeared in her bank. Even though she knew the funding had been exhausted, she thought that she must have gotten across the line before that happened. | The initial $349 billion that Congress allocated for the CARES Act programs ran out on April 16. Ms. Stephens had yet to hear back — nor had any money appeared in her bank. Even though she knew the funding had been exhausted, she thought that she must have gotten across the line before that happened. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| 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. |
| 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. | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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.) |
| 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. |
| “I was hopeful, because I have a relationship with Chase, that I would have a foot in the door.” | “I was hopeful, because I have a relationship with Chase, that I would have a foot in the door.” |
| Friday, April 17 | Friday, April 17 |
| The email from Chase Business Banking came on Friday, as Ms. Stephens sat on the couch, her laptop propped up next to her. The funds had run dry before her application had made it through. | The email from Chase Business Banking came on Friday, as Ms. Stephens sat on the couch, her laptop propped up next to her. The funds had run dry before her application had made it through. |
| “We understand that many of you are disappointed,” the email read. | “We understand that many of you are disappointed,” the email read. |
| The letdowns and stress have left her in tears, she said. | The letdowns and stress have left her in tears, she said. |
| “It’s panic and worry, and it’s fear,” she said. “But over all a bit of numbness right now because this is all so weird.” | “It’s panic and worry, and it’s fear,” she said. “But over all a bit of numbness right now because this is all so weird.” |
| Tuesday, April 21 | Tuesday, April 21 |
| Ms. Stephens relocated to Florida, where her long-distance boyfriend has a house, after closing her shop so that she wouldn’t have to wait out the shutdown alone in New York. Now, she’s eager for any sign that she can return and reopen. | Ms. Stephens relocated to Florida, where her long-distance boyfriend has a house, after closing her shop so that she wouldn’t have to wait out the shutdown alone in New York. Now, she’s eager for any sign that she can return and reopen. |
| She never heard back about the first application, but that program is also out of cash. If she is approved for money after Congress adds more funds to the program — as is expected this week — she’ll use it for missed payments and wages. If she doesn’t receive some help, she doesn’t see how she will manage after two months of missing her shop rent. | She never heard back about the first application, but that program is also out of cash. If she is approved for money after Congress adds more funds to the program — as is expected this week — she’ll use it for missed payments and wages. If she doesn’t receive some help, she doesn’t see how she will manage after two months of missing her shop rent. |
| “It’s really hard to imagine; I don’t even want to think about it,” she said of losing the shop. At the same time, “it’s going to be impossible if we don’t get some assistance.” | “It’s really hard to imagine; I don’t even want to think about it,” she said of losing the shop. At the same time, “it’s going to be impossible if we don’t get some assistance.” |
| She keeps in touch with her 11 employees, some of whom have applied for unemployment insurance. | She keeps in touch with her 11 employees, some of whom have applied for unemployment insurance. |
| “The vibe is good. They’re excited to get back to OatMeals and do what we do best,” she said. | “The vibe is good. They’re excited to get back to OatMeals and do what we do best,” she said. |
| But “they’re panicking, too — everybody has their own bills to pay.” | But “they’re panicking, too — everybody has their own bills to pay.” |
| Jim Tankersley contributed reporting. | Jim Tankersley contributed reporting. |