The recent orders from Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf to stop the spread of coronavirus in the state has left many local businesses shut down and business owners worrying about what their employees are going to do.
Channel 11 has talked with several local business owners who were forced to close up shop after Wolf ordered all ‘non-life-sustaining’ businesses to close Thursday night.
Wolf said enforcement actions against businesses that do not close will begin at 8 a.m. Monday. They could face citations, fines and even license suspensions.
Some organizations, such as Pittsburgh Police, were also caught off guard.
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Pittsburgh Police
Chief Scott Schuber addressed the issue during a news conference Friday.
“So, like many people, we saw it on the news last night. We have not had the level of communication that a lot of us in law enforcement side wish we would have had. So, we are working tirelessly now between our city, the DA's office, other chiefs of police within Allegheny County, Western Pa. to see just exactly what enforcement powers we have to do that. So, we'll be working on that all day to come up with that, but it would have been nice to have more communication with law enforcement on expecting us to do something – but to ensure that we have the powers to do it.”
When questioned about how it would take place, the governor didn’t seem to have complete certainty.
The North Park Lounge
A popular family-fun place for more than 30 years, the North Park Lounge shut down for two weeks.
It’s a decision owner Mark Baranowski has never had to make before – and one he did not make lightly, knowing many of his employees live paycheck to paycheck.
He said two of his managers have pregnant wives and that “a handful of people are not 100% healthy.”
The employees said they are like one big family and hope to get back to work soon.
Baranowski told Channel 11 he is still paying his employees’ health insurance through April.
Carson Street Tattoo
Cosimo Liberto, manager of Carson Street Tattoo, is also a father of three and wasn’t thrilled about having to close his parlor.
“I love what I do, it’s a great paying job. It’s fun, but if it comes down to business, I have a family to take care of. I’ll do whatever … anything. I’ll wash dishes,” said Liberto. Luckily, I have some money saved. I’m going to be able to take care of my family.”
Dev’s Barber Shop
“A lot of my clients and customers … they’re going to be devastated and hurt,” said owner Devon Knight. “Only way we can make money is to be here. Being able to shut this down, I know it’s going to be tough for me.”
Knight said business has been great, which makes packing up even more difficult.
Dragonfly Pilates
Misty Cauthen is the owner of Dragonfly Pilates. Both of her locations are physically closed, but she quickly became creative with how to keep her business going even during the pandemic.
She uses the internet to teach clients through video sessions instead of in-person training, and she’s doing just fine.
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