COMPLIMENTARY COPY
Go to SanGabrielSun.com for San Gabriel Specific News THURSDAY, MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2020
Local. Relevant. Trusted.
COVID-19 Pandemic Hits Local Economy Hard
Is an economic Easter miracle on the horizon? Terry MILLER tmiller@beaconmedianews.com
L
ife as we knew it 10 days ago has changed. The sobering statistics of the dangers of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are staggering, as is the economic impact of a countrywide shutdown mandate. The World Health Organization (WHO) says there may be light at the end of the tunnel and time to “reverse the course” of the pandemic. Though the number of cases and deaths continues to grow in the United States, it's possible to reverse the trajectory, WHO's Margaret Harris told CNN. Testing, WHO says, is the “formula for success.” On Monday evening, President Donald Trump indicated that the country would open again soon, contrary to health care professional’s educated advice. The president wants the country “opened up and just raring to go by Easter,” according to Fox News town hall Tuesday. "I give it two weeks," Trump said earlier in the town hall, suggesting he was ready to phase out his 15-day self-isolating guidelines when they expire. "I guess by Monday or Tuesday, it's about two weeks. We will assess at that time and give it more time if we need a little more time. We have to open this country up," Trump stated. Fortunately, depending on how you look at it, the White House and Senate reached a deal Wednesday morning over a $2-trillion stimulus package to assist those most in need. As of press time, the Senate was set to vote on the bill Wednesday. However, federal payments will take time to get to your mailbox if the package is approved by Congress. Fourteen million U.S. jobs could be lost
A deserted Myrtle Avenue in Monrovia at noon, Tuesday was accented by shopkeepers’ notes on their doors regarding their status.– Photo by Terry Miller/Beacon Media News
by this summer as businesses shutter in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Economic Policy Institute predicts in a new report. That's 10.9% of all private sector jobs lost, according to the group. Retail, leisure and hospitality are expected to take the biggest hit. Indeed the economic reality for many of us is bleak during this crisis but perhaps most hard-hit are restaurants and related businesses, many of whom are not really geared for the take-out business. We’re all
deeply affected by the new COVID-19 and the intense restrictions on our daily life, mandated by law. However, not everyone is heeding the mandates. For many small businesses, it is stay open or go out of business. Many have already planned for that inevitability. There were some isolated tales of restaurants and bars not adhering to the mandate but this paper found no such violaSEE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PAGE 5
Since 1996
VOL. 9, NO. 13
BEACON MEDIA HELPS LOCAL SERVICES Community newspaper offers free local listings Economic assistance on the federal level during a crisis is slow at best. Combine this with a virtual shutdown of cities around the globe and we find businesses struggling to stay afloat with the stayat-home mandate. Restaurants, perhaps, have been hardest hit. Beacon Media is helping readers find local restaurants struggling during this COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis by offering free listings (in print and online) for those who offer take-out and delivery services along with hours of operation, etc. In this and upcoming issues you’ll find this directory of restaurants which offer take-out and delivery services within our area. Some even have added a comedic twist to lighten the mood. For example, Lucky Baldwin’s three locations offer a free roll of toilet paper with any order of $50 or more on the weekend. While this may seem inane to some, have you tried to get paper supplies at the local store lately? This service is free to all restaurants in our circulation area. Please contact our advertising department at (626) 301-1010 for details if you’d like to be included in our ongoing service directory. Our commitment to provide accurate news and business information in this economic crisis remains ceaseless.
