Some Lancaster County businesses are opting to keep their doors open into the holiday season, despite restrictions announced by Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday aimed at curtailing Pennsylvaniaâs spike in COVID-19 cases.
Wolf ordered restrictions that prohibit indoor dining at bars and restaurants for three weeks. Gyms, theaters and other facilities also have to close during that time, and indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 people are prohibited.
âWe have 87 employees that need a job,â John Smucker, owner of Coffee Co., said of why he is choosing to keep his business open.Â
Smucker complied with the first shutdown order in the spring and had to lay off his staff of 95 at three locations (Lancaster, New Holland and Mill Creek Square), he said. He started bringing them back in the summer, but he said he cannot do the same again.Â
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Before the pandemic hit, the companies were in sound fiscal shape with âreally good balance sheets,â meaning an ample surplus of assets over liabilities. When the pandemic roared in, the companies âcut expenses dramaticallyâ and took advantage of local, state and federal relief programs, he said.
Without the relief programs, Hosler said, âIâm not sure how weâd be looking at all these applicants as still viable businesses. Thatâs what really has helped bridge the gap to this point.â
But what about surviving beyond this point, with proposals for additional federal relief programs in limbo in Congress and the timetable for widespread vaccine distribution yet to be determined?