By Allison Perrine
MONMOUTH COUNTY – In the midst of a global pandemic, people are being asked to practice social distancing, proper hand washing and additional cleaning measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
And while that advice can certainly help slow the spread, how is it impacting local communities and businesses?
The Two River Times approached different community members and business representatives to see how the virus is impacting their daily work and lives. Here’s what they had to say.
Stewart Goldstein, owner of
Monmouth Meats, Red Bank
“The streets are empty,” Monmouth Meats butcher shop owner Stewart Goldstein told The Two River Times March 17.
Since Red Bank’s emergency management coordinator declared a state of local disaster emergency March 15, all nonessential businesses with more than 25 people have been closed to the public, including restaurants, liquor stores, gyms and theaters. Additionally, Gov. Phil Murphy ordered the closure of all nonessential businesses after 8 p.m.
Luckily for Goldstein, his business, located on Monmouth Street, can remain open and serve meat products as usual. He gets three shipments a day, so there’s no shortage in sight. “It’s been good, no complaints,” he said.
However, Goldstein said he feels “really sorry for the independent guys that have to close at 8, the restaurants,” he added. “It’s going to be really tough, especially in Red Bank where a lot of people rely on restaurants.”
Paige Bouzaglou, owner of
Wandering Gosling, Red Bank
It’s a chaotic time for travel agent Paige Bouzaglou of Wandering Gosling, to say the least. She’s dealt with “quite a bit” of cancelations and trip refunding. Some of her clients have underlying health conditions and can’t fly. Others are canceling out of fear, she said March 12.
The outbreak is not good news for airlines or other transportation methods, but it’s especially bad for cruises. It’s the No. 1 thing people are scared of right now, as far as travel goes, she said.
“This is the last thing they needed; they were struggling before quite a bit already,” said Bouzaglou. Once the outbreak subsides, it will take cruise lines even longer to get over that hump of fear, she projected.
While no one knows what the next few months will bring, she hopes everything subsides by the time the weather gets nicer. It’ll make for a great time to find alternate travel plans, too, like taking road trips in the U.S.
Danny Murphy, owner of
Danny’s Steakhouse, Red Bank
Danny Murphy walked around his restaurant passing out disinfectant wipes to his customers so they could clean their phones, he told The Two River Times last Thursday.
“They say that’s the worst thing,” said Murphy.
The 76-year-old has always taken pride in maintaining a clean restaurant, but in light of the rapid spread of coronavirus he took things a step further. “At my age, I can’t afford not to,” he said. That included ensuring everything was cleaned and wiped down with disinfectant sprays and wipes – doorknobs, tables, countertops and other surfaces.
Murphy was unable to be reached for an updated comment by press time in response to Gov. Phil Murphy’s call mandating that restaurants serve customers for to-go or takeout orders only. He did, however, mention March 12 that he has partnered up with the DoorDash food delivery service so people can enjoy Danny’s Steakhouse from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, the business posted on Facebook March 17 announcing that it is delivering to Red Bank, Middletown Township, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands, Rumson, Fair Haven, Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Shrewsbury and Little Silver. A $5 delivery charge will apply.
“Last Friday I was busy and Saturday we were crushed and that I couldn’t explain,” he said March 12.
Synergy Hot Yoga,
Fair Haven
Yogis are encouraged by Synergy Hot Yoga representatives to “stay calm and practice on,” but to do it outdoors. As of March 17, the studio stopped hosting its group indoor hot yoga classes and instead brought its mats outside.
“Knowing how important yoga can be in maintaining a sense of physical and emotional wellness, we will be inaugurating our newest venture – ‘Synergy Cold Yoga,’ ” the company wrote. Classes will be held outdoors for as long as it is feasible. “We will be able to spread out and still connect with each other (from 6 feet apart).”
Additionally, the studio will offer free Yoga Nidra meditation sessions through its website, which according to the studio will be posted soon. Synergy hopes to reopen March 30 but will monitor the suggestions and guidelines of the CDC and local authorities. Any unlimited class cards will be on hold for as long as the studio is closed.
William G. Kenney, president of
Little Silver Liquors
It’s delivery only until further notice, William G. Kenney, president of Little Silver Liquors, announced Monday, March 16.
“We treasure our community and our employees. Our number one priority is their safety and well-being while at our stores,” said Kenney. “At this time, we have assessed that the risk of communal spread of the novel coronavirus far outweighs any potential fiscal benefit of continuing business as usual.”
For now, customers cannot walk into the shop, located at 497 Prospect Ave., for service. That also includes temporary in-store service suspension at The Cellar at 594 River Road in Fair Haven.
“It’s a great tradition of American small business to adapt to changing conditions and to find solutions. By taking this action, we are safeguarding our employees and patrons while still offering the superior service to which our customers have become accustomed,” he added. Both locations will resume walk-in services as soon as possible.
Jessica Porter, teacher in the
Henry Hudson Regional School District
Jessica Porter found her students to be “extremely anxious” and distracted from their school work last week, before schools were closed and operating remotely. She said more students than normal were absent from class and those who were there were leaving the classroom periodically throughout the day to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
Some students joked about the virus. Others asked “logical questions” about the epidemic, including what would happen if the school shut down, she said March 13. “They appear excited to not come to school, but many students are genuinely anxious and several are absent due to the anxiety being caused by COVID-19.”
What To Do
While there are precautions we as individuals can take to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading, people on social media are also suggesting purchasing gift cards from local businesses during this time of need. The businesses will be able to use the money right away and the customers can redeem the cards for purchases at a later date.
In the meantime, stay home as much as possible, wash your hands and don’t touch your face.
The article originally appeared in the March 19-25, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
