Massachusetts began reopening its economy Monday after a two-month coronavirus lockdown. Companies large and small are receiving strict safety guidelines, many of which will completely alter how business gets done. It’s having some businesses wonder how they’ll be profitable in this new environment.
Business
Posted inArticle, Business
Massachusetts is reopening. Here’s what it means for South Coast businesses
Massachusetts, a state with some of the country’s highest COVID-19 deaths, will begin reopening its economy. Governor Charlie Baker announced a phased-in approach Monday that will gradually permit certain industries to open under strict safety guidelines.
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For some Chinese immigrants, the American coronavirus experience feels like déjà vu
Wende Chen, the owner of the Chong Qing House restaurant, experienced the virus through his family in China. Now, he worries about the future of his own family’s American dream.
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With dream weddings on hold, industry faces business nightmare
When couples tie the knot, they contribute to thousands of jobs and spill-over revenue at hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. But the industry has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic and wedding vendors and venues are scrambling to make it through what promises to be a very difficult season.
Posted inArticle, Business, Politics
Risk of reopening US economy too fast: A W-shaped recovery
When the coronavirus erupted in the United States, it triggered quarantines, travel curbs and business shutdowns. Many economists predicted a V-shaped journey for the economy: A sharp drop, then a quick bounce-back as the virus faded and the economy regained health. Others envisioned a slower, U-shaped course. Now, as President Donald Trump and many Republicans press to reopen the economy, some experts see an ominous risk: That a too-hasty relaxation of social distancing could ignite a resurgence of COVID-19 cases by fall, sending the economy back into lockdown. The result: a W-shaped disaster in which a tentative recovery would sink back into a “double-dip” recession before rebounding eventually.
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Gannett cuts newsroom jobs after recent furloughs
The nation’s largest newspaper company, Gannett, continues to cut newsroom jobs in southern New England. The latest reductions follow furloughs announced last month.
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RI set to reopen, but Raimondo warns ‘Do not try to outfox the virus’
Rhode Island is moving ahead Saturday with phase one of its economic reopening. But Gov. Gina Raimondo said people should remember the lifting of her stay-at-home order is the first step in a slow and steady process.
Posted inArticle, Business, Health, Politics
New Bedford mayor issues emergency orders to fish plants, other facilities, amid COVID-19 worker safety concerns
Businesses across the region will slowly begin to reopen in Southeastern Massachusetts as Governor Baker plans to lift restrictions in less than two weeks. In New Bedford, where manufacturing and seafood processing make up a large portion of the city’s income, plans are underway to protect workers as the new normal becomes a reality.
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Foster bartender faces uncertain future as shutdown continues
Many people who work in the food service industry remain unemployed as the business shutdown continues in Rhode Island. Allison Blanco of Foster works at Lucky’s Bar and Pizza. She’s been out of work since returning from vacation in mid-March. Joe Tasca spoke with her about the challenges of unemployment.
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Ice cream parlor perseveres during shutdown
For the past eight years, Mel’s Downtown Creamery has provided the Westerly area with quality ice cream year-round. Joe Tasca spoke with owner Melanie Goggin about her journey through the ongoing business shutdown.
