Montclair Businesses Brace For Impact As Coronavirus Hits NJ

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Businesses across New Jersey – including Montclair – are bracing for impact as the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 spreads across the state.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that all movie theaters, performing arts centers, gyms and casinos in New Jersey must immediately close in an attempt to "flatten the curve of new cases" and avoid overwhelming health care systems. It's not clear when these businesses will be allowed to reopen. READ MORE: Restaurants, Theaters In NJ To Shut Due To Coronavirus

The order also requires all "non-essential" retail, recreational and entertainment-based businesses to cease daily operations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Restaurants can only offer delivery and/or takeout, both during daytime hours and after 8 p.m.

"Essential" businesses which are necessary for the public's health, safety, and welfare – like grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices and gas stations – can remain open past 8 p.m.

The decision comes as many businesses throughout New Jersey report being hit hard by the coronavirus’ arrival in the Garden State.

According to a survey conducted by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association from March 13 to 15, most respondents said they will need to cut costs due to coronavirus-related hardships, including a reduction of staff, hours and benefits.

“The concerns of our members are extremely clear during this unprecedented time,” NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said. “They are highly concerned about the overall stability of their businesses and the welfare of their employees.”

Are you a business owner or employee in Montclair? Let us know how the coronavirus has been affecting YOUR life (send emails to eric.kiefer@patch.com).

CORONAVIRUS: BUSINESS IMPACTS IN MONTCLAIR

In Montclair, township officials declared a state of emergency which became effective Monday, March 16, although Gov. Murphy’s order imposes more stringent restrictions.

Under the order, gatherings of 250 or more people are prohibited, and restaurants and bars are affected. The Montclair OEM previously stated:

“No restaurant or bar in the Township of Montclair shall serve food or alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises on all days between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Nothing in this order shall prohibit take-out, to-go or delivery service as otherwise permitted by law. Customers must vacate the premises no later than 10 p.m.”

The order will be in effect through March 31, unless extended, township officials said.

In an effort to help struggling businesses, Montclair Township is immediately suspending all parking meter and permit parking enforcement – with the exception of the lot at 205 Claremont Avenue – through March 31.

Several Montclair businesses have said they’re temporarily closing due to the coronavirus, including:

Rabbit Rabbit – “With the utmost thought I have decided to temporarily close Rabbit Rabbit Interiors for the next two weeks, beginning tomorrow, Monday 3/16. We feel it is the right thing to do for our families, our customers, our staff, our town and surrounding towns. We look forward to coming together soon. We will be in contact through our website, FB, IG, and email. Take care of yourselves.”

The Little Daisy Bake Shop – “At The Little Daisy Bake Shop, the health and well-being of our employees, their families and our customers are always our top priorities. With that in mind, and out of an abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to close The Little Daisy Bake Shop for the next week. During that time, we will be monitoring guidance from public health officials and plan to reopen as soon as possible. We did not come to this decision lightly. In addition to Bakers, we are parents, students, expecting moms, and members of this amazing community, and we are hoping all returns back to its normal course quickly.”

Dream Martial Arts – “After much thought and deliberation we have made the difficult decision to suspend regularly scheduled martial arts programming for one week, effective immediately. According to the guidelines recommended by the CDC and State health officials we believe this is the most responsible action to take. The Summer Camp Info Session planned for tomorrow is also postponed. We are in the process of planning outdoor programming which will take place in local parks for active Dream students. Look for announcements in the coming week. Outdoor instruction and nature activities are at the core of Dream's mission and work. Our hope is to offer outdoor programming so that our students can get exercise, see friends and simultaneously give parents a (much needed) break! We will only offer this programming if it falls in line with WHO, CDC and State guidelines for children's programming. Your children and family's health and safety are paramount to us.”

Culture Couture – “Having to temporarily close this week is heartbreaking, but we believe this is the right thing to do. Please everyone be safe, stay home when possible, read, meditate, burn your incense and sage, and support your local businesses once we get through this together!”

DollyMoo – “To our beloved extended family, in light of the COVID-19 updates, we have decided to close the DollyMoo shop until further notice. We will still be launching our Spring Equinox Collection online, this Thursday, the first day of spring. Faith before Fear. Sending so much love to everyone in our community and beyond.”

Micro Instruments - "In an effort to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, our office will be closed until further notice. We are offering telephone support for our patients as well as scheduling. Please call 973-744-2466 for assistance. We thank you for your understanding and hope you stay healthy and safe."

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