Hoboken Wants Federal Relief For Retail Workers Amid Coronavirus

HOBOKEN, NJ — Not everyone is employed by a corporation and can work at home during the coronavirus spread, and still receive benefits and paychecks. Part-time employees of small businesses such as salons and cafes may find themselves suddenly out of work. On Monday, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla asked federal representatives to ask for relief for those affected by the extended closure of businesses.

In a letter on Monday -- the day the city confirmed its fifth coronavirus case, a man in his 20s -- Bhalla mentioned that there's "already a discussion about a third legislative package." He urged Sen. Robert Melendez and others to support it.

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He wrote, "I applaud you and your colleagues for quickly passing the bipartisan emergency relief package for free coronavirus testing, paid sick, family and medical leave, unemployment insurance, and food assistance programs. I am encouraged that there is already a discussion about a third legislative package, and I urge you in the strongest terms to include meaningful relief for both our small business and their employees, many of whom could be out of work for prolonged periods of time."

Hoboken was among the first cities in the country to impose curfews this week and also limit restaurants to delivery and takeout only.

The letter follows:

<blockquote>Dear Senator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Representative Sires:

As you may be aware, the City of Hoboken was the first in the country to mandate the closure of bars and restaurants in order to enhance social distancing and help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Multiple states and cities across the country have already implemented similar restrictions, and I am certain that others will as well in the days ahead.

While I believe this decision will save lives, I also know that our small businesses and their employees are suffering. Business owners fear that an extended closure will make it difficult if not impossible to remain in business. Their employees - many without benefits - don’t have the option of working from home, and they are fearful. We need the help and resources of the federal government now more than ever.

I applaud you and your colleagues for quickly passing the bipartisan emergency relief package for free coronavirus testing, paid sick, family and medical leave, unemployment insurance, and food assistance programs. I am encouraged that there is already a discussion about a third legislative package, and I urge you in the strongest terms to include meaningful relief

We are in uncharted waters, trying to navigate through an unprecedented global crisis. What is clear is that this is a time where we must pursue bold solutions to give our businesses a fighting chance.

Thank you for your dedicated service and leadership. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of assistance in any way.</blockquote>

Experts say that the novel coronavirus, because it's new, is more lethal and harder to treat than the flu.

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the common cold as well as much more serious diseases. The strain that emerged in China in late 2019, now called COVID-19, is related to others that have caused serious outbreaks in recent years, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

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