Many small businesses in the Triangle are hoping to reopen soon but, with a shortage of cleaning supplies, some are worried they won't be ready to safely serve customers.

Many businesses were forced to close suddenly due to COVID-19 and were not able to stock up on cleaners and disinfectants before the shortage.

Even commercial suppliers are feeling the pinch. According to retail experts, products like Lysol and Clorox won’t be fully back in stock until July or August.

Dr. Mike Walden, an economist at North Carolina State University, said the process of businesses reopening will happen, but it will be slow.

"Businesses and consumers will both need to learn what to do, how to do it," Walden said.

Customers may even be asked to sign waivers before entering stores and restaurants to signal they know the risks of contracting coronavirus.

Some nearby states, like Georgia, have already eased up on stay-at-home orders while implementing very strict cleaning policies. The owners of restaurants, movie theaters and social clubs there are deciding whether to open Monday or not. All of them are allowed to, but some say the cost of safety measures is too high. Others just don't want their staff and customers to get sick.

"It's a health hazard," said Jordan Toler, a Georgia resident. "Honestly right now, with everything that's going on, it's way too early."