Whatcom businesses considered non-essential begin process of temporary closures
Whatcom County businesses deemed non-essential have begun the process of temporarily closing down as Washington state continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
After looking over the list of what Washington state considers “essential jobs,” local businesses and industries have begun making the decisions of whether to stay open or close for the next two weeks, as mandated by Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday, March 23.
The real estate industry is considered non-essential, so the Northwest Multiple Listing Service sent out a news release telling its member real estate agents not to conduct business outside of their homes. That includes not hosting physical open house events.
Since the financial services sector is considered essential, real estate transactions that are under contract may be able to proceed to closing, but there could be delays, according to the listing service.
Small retail businesses are busy trying to figure out whether or not they are essential.
Sheri Wright, owner of Fourth Corner Frames, knows her business is not essential and announced that the downtown Bellingham store is temporarily closed. She was spending Tuesday, March 24, trying to figure out how to ensure the business survives beyond the temporary closure. That included reaching out to other business groups looking for ideas.
“It’s going to be tough,” Wright said, noting that there are still bills to pay even though no revenue is coming in. “One of the best things small business owners can do is ask each other for ideas. Right now it’s about making it through the next two weeks or month.”
Wright’s neighboring businesses are also already complying with the order to temporarily close down. Fourth Corner Frames is at 311 W. Holly St., near the Cabin Tavern and the Old Town Cafe. Those businesses have already closed, along with many of the nearby art galleries and salons.
“It’s pretty desolate around here,” Wright said.
When it comes to figuring out who should stay open, it’s a matter of looking at the list, said Guy Occhiogrosso, president and CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“If you’re not on the list, please stay at home,” Occhiogrosso said. “It’s the best thing we can do so we can get back to normal as soon as possible.”
For those businesses that are temporarily closing, they can still work from home. The Northwest Multiple Listing Service is suggesting that real estate agents continue to provide services from their homes, such as using online forms and giving virtual tours.
As for Wright’s frame store business, she’s got a few projects from customers that she’ll be working on. She’s also trying to stay optimistic, knowing everyone is working together to get through this pandemic.
“At least I have some pretty pictures to look at,” Wright said.
How long can businesses last?
Given the shock to the local economy in the past couple weeks, many owners and managers are calculating what they need to do to survive and eventually re-open. Occhiogrosso said companies, particularly small businesses, will have varying degrees of cash-flow issues during these temporary closures. That also means companies have different levels resiliency to avoid a permanent closure.
Businesses that continue to see revenue in the next couple weeks are probably in better shape, Occhiogrosso said. An insurance company, for example, will still probably still see money coming in as customers pay bills; a hair salon won’t.
Businesses with good cash flow or those who were able to build up reserves will also try to hold on to their employees, because rehiring and training is expensive. In theory, those companies that can’t keep their employees should have a good shot at getting them back when normalcy returns because workers will want to go back to what they were doing. However, this theory hasn’t really been tested before.
For the sake of the business, Wright had to take the step of laying off two of her employees, hoping to rehire them later. Wright has seen offers of loans and other assistance, but is wary of taking on debt at this time.
Time will tell how long the non-essential businesses can handle the temporary closures. Given the special culture in Bellingham and Whatcom County when it comes to supporting small, local businesses, Occhiogrosso said he is optimistic.
“We have a chance to shine through this,” Occhiogrosso said, noting that a lot of groups are forming on Facebook and other social media, looking for ways to support small businesses.
Wright agreed, adding that while some may be reluctant to spend discretionary income on things like gift certificates with all this job uncertainty, residents can help in other ways.
“Utilize a local business when you need then,” Wright said, acknowledging that it might have to happen online for now. “And keep in contact. That’s how we will get through this.”
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 1:23 PM.
