Here’s What Will Close Under Orange Zone Restrictions
The new 'orange zone' shutdowns go into effect today. Here's what will close and what will remain open (for now).
Credit: WGRZ
Today, some businesses will need to shutter their doors again due to COVID-19. Now that Buffalo and other parts of Western New York are designated as orange zones, there will be some 'risky' businesses that will have to temporarily close their doors. According to WGRZ, some of the last businesses to reopen during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic - gyms, salons, barber shops, spas, tattoo and piercing shops - will have to close again. According to the Empire State Development website, the new rules are in effect for at least 14 days, but it could be longer. The website directs owners to keep in contact with their local health department for updates.
While restaurants don't have to fully shutdown, there are new restrictions in place for those that can still operate. No inside service will be permitted. People can dine outside, but there's a four-person-per-table limit. Takeout and delivery are still permitted. Some businesses will be able to stay open, for the moment - malls, movie theaters, and casinos - do not have to close yet.
Here's what is closing as of today:
- Hair Salons
- Barbershops
- Tattoo Shops
- Piercing Shops
- Gyms
- Spas
- Restaurants (*outdoor dining, takeout and delivery still permitted)
- Schools (*virtual learning to start Monday)
Dottie Gallagher, President and CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, told WGRZ,
"I think what's really challenging from those businesses is they were the last businesses to sort of reopen, and now they're the first businesses to really be impaired. If it's only two weeks that's one thing, if this goes on for weeks and weeks and we move into the red zone that's a whole different ballgame."
If we head into a red zone designation, all non-essential businesses will close. We have to do our part to make sure that doesn't happen!