Group Warns Many MA Small Businesses Won't Survive Shutdown

BOSTON, MA — Scores of small businesses could close permanently as a result of Gov. Charlie Baker's decision to close all nonessential businesses in Massachusetts for at least two weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance warned Monday.

The conservative think tank called on Massachusetts lawmakers to pass aid packages for small businesses, including tax cuts and lifting regulations that "harm employers."

"Many small businesses will not be able to survive," said Paul D. Carney, a spokesperson for the alliance. "Over the next two weeks, the administration and State House leaders must develop a plan for the state’s business community that demonstrates their willingness to help businesses and their employees stay afloat."

Comprehensive tax cuts and lifting regulations on small businesses will state leaders show "show they have skin in the game," he said.

Are you a Massachusetts small business owner willing to share your story with Patch readers? Contact dave.copeland@patch.com

As owners of Salon Amalfi in Millis, Alycia and Jacob Ostreicher cannot apply for unemployment insurance. Alycia Ostreicher said the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act ignored the hairstyling and barbering industry while offering aid to other sectors of the service economy.

"We now have zero income with which to pay our bills for our young family or small businesses, most importantly to include our staff and creditors including our landlord, utilities and product/equipment providers," she said. "We need client revenue to cover our expenses in order to pay part-time independent subcontractors or commission-based staff."

In addition to a statewide stay-at-home advisory, Baker on Monday ordered all nonessential businesses to close by noon on Tuesday. Grocery stores and pharmacies — and the businesses that support their operation — will remain open, as will medical facilities and gas stations. Restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery services, provided they observe proper social distancing. Liquor stores and medical marijuana dispensaries will also be considered essential.

Related story: What Is Open, Closed During MA Stay-At-Home Advisory

"If you're not an essential business, based on this list, you basically need to close your doors with respect to your physical operation," Baker said.

Massachusetts has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases as testing expands and the virus spreads. State health officials reported 646 cases as of late Sunday afternoon.

Five deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported since Friday. Four cases were men in the 70s, 80s or 90s, with two having an underlying health condition, and the other case was a woman in her 50s, who also had a preexisting condition.

Massachusetts has been under a state of emergency since March 10.

Patch staff writer Neal McNamara contributed to this report.

Patch will keep you updated on the state and local level throughout the coronavirus crisis, free of charge. Subscribe to your Patch for the latest.