What lies beyond the pandemic? MassForward is MassLive’s series examining the journey of Massachusetts’ small businesses through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

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More than 90% of restaurants in Massachusetts were forced to lay off or furlough workers as sales dropped by at least 81% since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.

Through a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, the MRA found that 93% of Massachusetts restaurant operators cut staff in their establishments. The average reduction in staff was by 87%, the association said.

In total, more than 211,000 restaurant employees were laid off or furloughed in Massachusetts. By comparison, the association said 261,000 employees were working within the state at restaurants and bars in February.

The staff cuts came as 96% of restaurants in the state said they experienced a decline in sales. The loss on average was by more than 80%. If the trend continues, the National Restaurant Association estimates that restaurants in the state will lose more than $1.3 billion in sales in April.

The data was collected through a nationwide survey from April 10 through April 16. It included 6,500 respondents.

The survey conducted also asked what actions were taken by restaurants as a result of the coronavirus.

Forty-five percent of restaurants said they continued offering takeout or delivery service. About 62% of restaurants in the state said they closed as a result of the pandemic. Of those establishments, 59% said they closed temporarily.

Restaurants can fall into multiple categories such as George’s Coney Island in Worcester, which offered takeout and curbside pickup, but closed temporarily as well.

When asked what actions restaurants anticipate taking in the next 30 days, 8% of businesses said implementing more layoffs and 6% said closing permanently.

Nationally, about 40% of restaurants had closed with more than 8 million employees laid off. The National Restaurant Association predicts an $80 billion loss in sales by the end of April and $240 billion through the end of the year.

The first round of financial aid through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program ran out last week. Despite offering more $349 billion to small businesses, 61% of restaurant operators said the relief won’t prevent more layoffs.

MassForward is MassLive's series examining the journey of Massachusetts' small businesses through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

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