COVID-19’s Impact On Small And Local Businesses in Illinois
Chicago chefs gathered March 15 to talk about the future of their restaurants and uncertainty caused by the spread of coronavirus. Monica Eng/WBEZ
Across the country, employees have been told to work from home in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus. However, people who work outside of the traditional office setting often don’t have that option.
Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all the bars and restaurants in the state close to dine in customers. Though the businesses can remain open to delivery, drive-thru and pick up option through the end of the month, there has been a profound impact on the industry.
Roughly 10% of Illinois’ overall employment goes to the food service industry.
Along with the closing of restaurants and bars, musicians who make their living performing in bars are also facing sudden unemployment.
Guests: Monica Eng, reporter with WBEZ Chicago. Sean Neumann, Chicago musician in the bands Jupiter Styles and Ratboys.