COVID-19 is hurting local small businesses, says Downtown Business Council President Hanna Murray.



Many are bleeding cash right now as customers stay away while bills keep coming in, Murray notes. The rent, staff salaries, utility bills and other business expenses must be paid even in the midst of a pandemic.



Local small shop owners support the efforts being made to fight COVID-19, she adds. Some have even closed their doors if they can afford to, and others are taking extreme precautions to protect customers, staff and themselves.



But few downtown shops can afford to remain closed for long, and all will be hurt by the lack of business through the spring season. This is a big loss for many retailers and service shops, Murray notes. Mother’s Day alone is one of the most important days of the year for many shops, including her own Daisy A Day flower shop.



“There’s just started to be a little bit of a revival here,” she said, noting that three new retail shops opened in the downtown just this year. “This is going to ruin it.”



Help has been promised for average workers and big business, but Murray wants to see more done to support and protect these very small businesses. These shop keepers don’t qualify for Employment Insurance coverage and don’t benefit from corporate tax cuts.



What’s needed is more than promises from government, she says, noting that programs like the employee salary rebates promised last week still aren’t even listed on government websites.



Meanwhile, Murray suggests Fort residents can help somewhat by supporting those shops still open.



The downtown has some excellent take-out and delivery restaurants still open, including the Bear’s Den, Atlantic Kitchen, the Club House, Sandwich Factory, Pots, Perry’s Pizza, Sky Hy Pizza & Donair, City Donair and The Venue.

