ROCKINGHAM — The mandated and suggested gathering limits in response to the coronavirus pandemic are having an effect on many businesses, including the food service and entertainment industries.
About a dozen states — including California, New York and Ohio — have ordered that all bars and restaurants shut down as more cases of COVID-19 are diagnosed across the country.
And gathering limits keep getting smaller.
On Saturday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper mandated that all events drawing a crowd of more than 100 be postponed or canceled. The following day, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that number be reduced to 50.
On Monday, President Donald Trump suggested keeping gatherings to 10.
Media outlets reported on Monday afternoon that residents in San Francisco have been ordered to “shelter in place.”
With the CDC’s recommendation lasting the next eight weeks, that not only affects large venues, but also local clubs.
Double Vision announced on its Facebook page Monday evening that it would be closed until further notice.
“The health of our patrons is always a priority,” reads the post. “We hope everyone stays healthy during this time. We look forward to seeing you guys soon!”
Local cover band Aftermath was scheduled to play this coming Saturday night and has upcoming April gigs at The Sports Connection and Hudson Brothers Deli, according to frontman Franklin Branch.
“Hopefully it won’t interfere with (those gigs),” he said. “We shall see.”
Hudson Brothers Manager Robin Roberts said her establishment would remain open until otherwise directed by the Health Department, adding that they will “assess the situation daily.”
Guitarist and singer Jonathan Robinson, of Hamlet, said he has lost several gigs through May and the chance to work at the Taylor Guitars booth at Merlefest, which was canceled on Friday.
So far, though, he hasn’t lost any gigs in neighboring Moore County. Nor has the band Dark Horse, according to Frankie Moree.
While Merlefest has been cancelled, promoters of the Epicenter Festival have yet to make a determination.
Danny Wimmer Presents posted late Monday afternoon:
“We know you are anxious for an update regarding the status of our May festivals … Information is changing incredibly fast and we are assessing the situation very carefully with health professionals and government officials. As soon as we have a definitive direction … we’ll be making an announcement … Thank you for your patience in these uncertain times, stay tuned and stay safe.”
The RO is not yet aware of any local restaurants closing.
Also on Monday, the governor requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration grant a disaster declaration for business owners facing losses due to the coronavirus.
“The state is currently sustaining severe economic impacts from this pandemic,” Cooper said in a letter. “Many of our schools and universities have limited operations and major events have been canceled. These economic injuries and losses to businesses have just begun and will continue through this crisis. The impact of these losses is being calculated and based on current conditions I can certify that many small businesses have suffered substantial losses and need financial assistance not otherwise available on reasonable terms.”
