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Charlotte Talks: How Local Businesses Are Coping With Coronavirus, Stay-At-Home Order

WFAE/Erin Keever

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Gyms, theaters, hair and nail salons have been ordered to close along with restaurants because of the coronavirus pandemic. We find out how they intend to weather the storm, especially now that Mecklenburg County has issued a "stay at home" order.

The coronavirus outbreak is testing every part of our modern way of life. It’s grown beyond a health crisis into an economic one as well. It’s having a devastating impact on business as people work from home and the governor sets limits on public gatherings and some businesses.

On Monday, Gov. Roy Cooper announced schools will remain closed through May 15 to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. He has also banned gatherings of more than 50 people and ordered gyms, theaters and salons to close. They join restaurants and bars that were ordered to close for anything other than takeout orders. Some of them may never reopen.

With Charlotte’s business community in a state of tumult, we gather some of the city’s business reporters to find out what they are hearing from various sectors. And since this is impacting small business so acutely, we hear from local business owners about how they are weathering the storm.

Guests

Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County manager

Tony Mecia, editor of The Charlotte Ledger business newsletter. He can be heard Thursdays on WFAE’s BizWorthy segment on Morning Edition.

Katie Peralta, senior editor at Charlotte Agenda

Danielle Chemtob, economic growth and development reporter for the Charlotte Observer

Frank Scibelli, CEO of FS Food Group. Owner of a number of Charlotte restaurants, including Mama Ricottas, Midwood Smokehouse and Paco's Tacos & Tequila

Emily Warner, an independent contractor at Bohemian Stylehouse, a hair salon in Plaza Midwood

Clay Reynolds, owner of Arrichion, a hot yoga studio and circuit training gym in Charlotte

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Erin Keever is Senior Producer of WFAE's Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins. She has been with the show since joining the station in 2006. She's a native Charlottean.