Small businesses impacted by Omicron face tough choices ahead of holidays

by Joe Barrett | UPDATED December 23, 2021 07:00 AM EST

The Covid-19 surge comes as several owners of firms across the country try to make up for the setback this year

After nearly two years of dealing with labor shortages, pandemic restrictions and soaring prices, many small businesses are suddenly facing sickening employees from the Omicron version, which is leading to some tough choices.

Chicago’s Steingold, a deli in the city’s Lakeview neighborhood, had weathered the pandemic without a single case of COVID-19 until last week, when one in 10 employees tested positive. Co-owner Aaron Steingold returned a positive result a few days later.

Mr Steingold decided to close the shop, which is known for its bagels, lox and corned beef, on Saturday and reopened on Wednesday after the remaining employees tested negative on both rapid and PCR tests. Other workers who tested positive will continue to isolate, and the shop will be taking orders without indoor food for now, he said.

Everyone on staff has been fully vaccinated and boosted, he said, but that doesn’t matter with this strain of the virus.

“Every few hours I hear about a new friend or acquaintance who is getting it,” Steingold said in a text exchange as his voice is mostly gone. He said he is starting to feel better, although he still has no sense of smell or taste when he stands up and becomes dizzy.

As the Omicron version sparks another surge of infections nationwide, some cities have begun cranking up restrictions. On Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said that beginning January 3, Chicagoans must show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment venues that serve food or drinks. Boston and Philadelphia have announced similar plans.

For small-business owners, the current surge of the virus is approaching what seems like the worst of times. They have endured past closures, and a tight labor market has made it hard to return to capacity once they reopen. Supply-chain disruptions have also hurt business.

Brandon Hodge, who owns two stores on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, and is president of the South Congress Merchants Association, said the pre-Christmas crowds typically occur when small businesses survive the lean winter months. to earn enough money.

“Those of us who have survived now have the opportunity to put a little money at the cash register during the holiday season, only to get the rug out from under us,” he said.

Store owners have seen a drop in sales as news of the spread of the Omicron version has kept some customers at home, Mr. Hodge said. He said his toy store, Monkey See Monkey Doo, went on sale a few weeks ago, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, which fell by about 20% below normal as COVID-19 cases spread. was gone, he said. In the meantime, he and other store owners are hoping their employees stay healthy.

“We’re holding our breath, just trying to make it through to next week,” he said.

Julie Mabry, owner of Houston LGBT nightspot Pearl Bar, decided last week to close until after Christmas after five staff members, including herself, tested positive for COVID-19. The week before Christmas is usually a fascinating one, Ms Mabry said. It included the Venmo accounts of its staff members in its closing announcement so that loyal customers can still send holiday tips.

Ms Mabry, who said she has “a little bit of PTSD” from the bar’s six-month closure in 2020, said she is mentally preparing for another hit in the business. This time, she said, she just wants to make sure her employees don’t carry the virus back to their families for Christmas.

“I don’t think most businesses are going to choose to close, and I don’t judge anyone for their choices — we all have bills,” she said. “I’m not going to be as laid off as before, but I’m going to make sure people can stay healthy over the holidays.”

At Wren House Brewing Company in Phoenix, co-owner Drew Poole said he’s not making any changes to the taproom for now. Employees have worn masks since they reopened in March, and customers are encouraged to wear them.

“I think people are ready to come back to their lives,” said Mr Poole. “Yeah, O’Micron is scary, but I think people are almost ready to take risks to move on with their lives.”

Kevin Carey, co-founder of Beguile Brewing in Chicago, said he had to close the brewery on Saturday after a staff member tested positive and others had come in contact with the man, causing work during the holidays. There were only two servers available to do this. A second staff member later tested positive, and some others are still awaiting tests.

He said he expected a soft reopening after Christmas and a full reopening after New Years, but the situation remains fluid.

“We have some people who are healthy right now,” but the rate at which the virus is spreading makes it difficult to know who will be available next week, he said. “Basically, it sounds like you’re putting some level of risk on yourself regardless of the booster that’s going out in public.”