Question

I may be in the minority here, but I just can't believe this quarantine is going to be extended until May 30th. Our small businesses will not survive. My heart absolutely breaks for our daycare and the wonderful teachers there, what will they do? Unemployment can't be enough. We sent gift cards to our teachers to help them out, but that will only help short term. I know restaurants are still getting some business, but not like they normally would and what about stores (not grocery or pharmacy) and coffee shops, salons and just everything else. We simply cannot afford an entire month of this. And yes I do realize this is to keep everyone healthy, but there has to be a better way. There has to be something else we can try to let SOME people get back to work. This is crazy and it just breaks my heart. And I'm half venting here, not really looking to get into an argument about what's best. I just don't think I'mt the only one feeling this way. Hang in there moms!  

Answer 1

And I guess here's the other thing dead people don't buy things. And they can't run businesses. So yeah we have to find a balance we have to keep people healthy and safe and we have to keep our businesses alive if we can. If Millions of people die doesn't much matter if the business stayed around if the owner didn't.  

Answer 2

The honest truth if you're a daycare worker at some place like KinderCare you actually financially are better off not working right now then working. The $600 a week plus 47% of your normal pay equals more than what most of those workers ever made. I'm not saying this isn't hurting small business owners believe me we are one it's hurting us horribly but please don't worry as much about them at least because they may actually be doing okay.  

Comments

@casta wow! I didn’t know it was that much. That’s considerably more than I make as a teacher.  

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Yeah it's to keep people propped up. It's not as helpful if you made something closer to 60k a year but otherwise it helps a LOT for folks who are most hurt by this at the bottom end of the financial spectrum. Waitresses, retail, daycare workers etc. The challenge is folks who were working in jobs like domestic work that are either often under the table or are independent contractors who get squat currently.  

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The other thing to bear in mind before you think wow sweet deal is those folks all lost benefits in many cases as well so suddenly are paying much more for marketplace plans or to maintain Cobra.  

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@casta our stimulus check (if it ever comes) will be way higher then our current monthly income.  

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Oh I wasn't even talking about the stimulas check I was talking about the money you get for unemployment. But yes that will help some as well

Answer 3

Wait, did it officially get extended?!?!? I haven’t watched the news in MONTHS, I refuse to. So I come here to get the latest updates  

Comments

@paugh its supposed to be announced at 230

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@unstressed202 nnnnnoooooooo!  

Answer 4

There are people who are getting more money with unemployment than when they’re normally working. Also, I can’t imagine that people don’t save money. This is one of those what if something happens moments where money should have been set aside. And the only way to get rid of this ASAP is for its to be an entire lockdown for 2/3 weeks if that. Nobody goes anywhere. Supply yourself with food and whatever and that’s it.  

Comments

@tildy most folks don't have any savings and if they do it's not much past two weeks especially if you're making 14 or 15 bucks an hour in this area.  

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@casta I agree most people don’t have lots of savings or if any at all. house repairs. life. have depleted my savings. lucky enough to be still working but still living in Cook Co has gotten so expensive it’s hard for most people to have “savings” for 2+ months

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@fallingout everyone is hurting. But it’s something we’re all going through. I dislike when everyone is all poor small business’. Makes me think the business is literally just opened to pay what they make in a month or whatever. How do you not have any money left over to pay bills rent or whatever it is. Or a cc that you have to pay back. Anything at this point really.  

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Some people genuinely can't. I'm not driving around in a BMW. My car is 7 years old. I couldn't tell you the last time I bought a new purse. Things just happen. In the 7 years I've been with my now husband, I can count on one hand how many times I've had a job change and he's lost his job. Life gets in the way. There are many middle class and low class families that just don't have the luxury of a savings. I've worked two jobs before, to get shit done. Never been on unemployment or any government aid (NOT SAYING ITS WRONG). I'm just saying it's not possible for many American homes to have a savings. It's something my husband and I have had many a discussions before this even happened. Guess what our goal was for this year. Pay down our debt and finally be adults with our finances in order. Maybe next year? ‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️

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He got laid off TWO WEEKS before our wedding. We had been engaged for 4 years. Finally getting married, paid for everything ourselves and HE GOT LAID OFF A COUPLE WEEKS BEFORE OUR WEDDING. I laugh now, but man did I cry a lot last year. My whole point is, you can plan and plan and life can be like ha! bitch you crazy, I got other things in mind for you.  

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@jawbreaker31 yeah we don’t have anything fancy either. My car is from 2004 used as fuck. Bought last August. My spouses is a 2001 truck. Do I wish for a newer nicer car? Absolutely! but I still wouldn’t spend money on a brand new one or any money saved Lol. We live looking for essentials. Like our wants are gone and only do needs. Yes we get our wants every once in a while but they’re nerves anything extravagant. Think just ordering takeout as a want. We’re far from middle class but I see how it would be hard to save but there has to be something somewhere.  

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@tildy I think the comment “I dislike when everyone is all poor small business’” is an uneducated opinion. Small mom and pop shops are the backbone of America. Employees may be able to file for unemployment and we are so grateful that they are taken care of. But the sheer volume needed on a daily basis for small retail and food service businesses to survive is high. When you have to make a specific dollar amount per day (before gaining a profit) JUST to cover your fixed costs, closing your doors for even a day or two can set that business backward a great deal. Rent stays the same, utilities and insurance and taxes have to be paid, past invoices and credit cards have to be paid from the previous month. These things don’t stop and money runs out quickly. It isn’t about just having a savings account for a rainy day. And when a small business closes the owners don’t necessarily have the option to say “oh well and just get a new job”. People have their entire lives tied up in the businesses. There really is more too it. I hope you don’t take this as me lashing out at you. But I really want you to understand the magnitude of that comment. I’m sure there are many small business families on this page too.  

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@talie that’s fine, I understand what you’re saying and you’re right. But I also don’t understand how someone could go down so quickly in matter of a month maybe 3 tops. After that fine, I’d get it. I also don’t want to come off like I’m high and mighty because we’re far from it. We have a small business that we started but it’s very small and property service based. We’re not working either. I’m just trying to not get all depressed again about something I don’t have control over. It’s sad and depressing to read. I’m looking at this as we’re all in the same shoes right now. We will all recover in some shape or form. This isn’t war and We’re not getting shot at. And I say that because my Parents lived it. So maybe my Upbringing is what’s causing me to state that we will be fine.  

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@tildy Thats where you’re wrong. We’re all on the same street but all wearing different shoes. Each situation is unique and for example if a business has to shell out $10k in overhead when only bringing in $3k in sales it’s a big problem. I empathize with your situation and I pray everyone makes it through. Keep you head up as we are. I’m not here to argue. Just simply to point out the many layers in the situation.  

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@tildy I 100% agree! We need to be completely locked down or this will never go away!  

Answer 5

It will be today. Look at any IL news source.  

Answer 6

The article I read said they’re considering opening national parks, salons, and clothing stores with the social distancing staying in place.  

Comments

I'll be curious to see how they propose staying 6 feet apart at a hair salon. World's longest scissors? I hope so, I'm so desperate to do anything outside of my house.  

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In most states, the hair/nail salons will be open as the last.  

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How can you stay 6ft apart in a hair salon, so stupid. People need to be locked in and staying away from people, nothing should be open except for pharmacy and grocery and customers shouldn't be allowed in, should all be brought out to curbside.  

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@infeudation I do not see anyone abiding by social distancing if this happens. The people I see walking around outside in small groups aren’t social distancing as it is. Doubt opening the state back up would make people social distance anymore.  

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Salons are not reopening. Here is what is.  

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Y’all I never said I agreed with it lol. I also said that’s just what I read ‍♀️

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@diocese2054 completely agree 100% . I’ve said this since the beginning this would probably be over or almost done by now .  

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@homemaking36648 Opening up anything more than grocery is severely angering to me!  

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@betteanne Groth What is the webpage for the whole order? Please and thanks!  

Answer 7

What's your small business? Genuinely curious. I can't speak for everyone, but I know a HUGE majority of people in my life are feeling like this is a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts. It's all so sad, scary, heart wrenching, and new in the sense, no one has ever been through anything like this. I'm not trying to argue with anyone or make this a heated debate. But I think since our country is so divided, it is our biggest downfall. People are losing their lives every day yet there are some people that act like this is made up/not true/etc. NOT SAYING YOU ARE. I'm saying that it's not helping anything for our country. Yes, obviously something needs to happen. Other countries are giving money to its citizens once a month to help. Kind of hard when some states don't want to be on lockdown or are and want to open back up. My opinion, we should have went on lockdown like Italy did. Again, yes we need to figure something out. It's just hard when it seems like our country, hell even some parts of the world, are more worried about the all mighty dollar than human freaking lives. This all is a lot to try and navigate mentally, emotionally, hell even physically. I get so drained just going to the grocery store. That used to be my happy time. Obviously yes, bills need to be paid and what not, I think that's why some people are showing up for work, even though they genuinely don't want to. I'm getting paid some money from the family I work for, but not going into work for safety first reasons. Honestly, without them we'd be fucked. I'd have to go out and get a front line job. Sadly, I haven't watched the news like I used to. Its just too much. I'm trying to protect my mental health.  

Comments

@jawbreaker31 We need to be on complete lockdown with only grocery and pharmacy open and make it curbside only. Trump was stupid and didnt shut down fast enough. No airports and planes should be open or going up.  

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I know! I was just trying to keep it civil because I know people take some topics/people to a whole other level. Especially on the internet, things get taken the wrong way, unintentionally. For awhile there I thought we were going to be like Italy, then realized the true power of money and how sadly, we never would be.  

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@jawbreaker31 you mean like when you got compared to the Philippines drug lord because you said there should be a quarantine team I stead of calling the police over wearing gloves? Seriously. I died a little reading that.  

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Sorry, drug lord isnt the correct term and I've lost too many brain cells to find the right term.  

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Hahaha. Yeah that post got out of hand fast. Real fast! I wanted to bang my head up against the wall.  

Answer 8

Renee, took the words right out of my head! I don't have the right answers, but this is not good for businesses or people.  

Answer 9

My company will be there when this is over, but I'm really afraid I won't have a job there because of how difficult it is to try to get my work done while caring for a 2-year old at home who is having a hard time and while my husband works outside our house. I'm exhausted, frustrated, and feel like a caged animal. I really hate this.  

Comments

@consumedly I'm in a similar boat although we are both home. I'm doing work until 9 or 10pm to catch up after bedtime. It's exhausting.  

Answer 10

Your lucky to get unemployment. We have a small business in Chicago. Unfortunately as a Independent contractor we get $0! We are suppose to qualify but it’s still not in there system!  

Comments

@dote409 first week of May from my understanding. And I'm sorry

Answer 11

Hi. My sister and I own Twisted Tree Yoga in Des Plaines. We have had our doors closed since 3/15. This is terrible for our business. But even when they allow us to reopen, I think we are wise to wait. It would be irresponsible to reopen too soon. I am heart broken, I am exhausted, I am scared. But I would rather be on the right side of science here. The long term impact is bigger than our yoga studio, bigger than the hair salon, bigger than the massage parlors, bigger than the nail salon. This is hard, and it hurts, but it is important that we make choices that are best for the health of our community. And the best choice is often the most difficult.  

Comments

@almost0 what if you guys offered classes via zoom? Pay per class or a package. That way you can get some kind of cash flow. I know I’d love to do something like that.  

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@almost0 i would too!  

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@stelle2633 yes, we are offering drop-in class through zoom, which is great. And able to pay a few instructors. But it is not even close to covering rent or other costs (insurance, electricity, subscriptions, etc) I'm just grateful that our online classes can keep people connected.  

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@feil6 our class info and schedule are online (and we have a super sweet New Student special 20 days for $20)

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@almost0 thank you!  

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@almost0 I’ve never done yoga but I would love to learn. I’d pay just for the stress relief.  

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@wieren5 it's very helpful. Twisted tree yoga is amazing.  

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@wieren5 would love if you try it out! Please reach out if you have questions.  

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@almost0 omg I will spread the word! We are in!  

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@almost0 Thank you! I’m going to check out the online class schedule  

Answer 12

Public school teachers are still working, and getting paid.  

Comments

@whiny our daycare is not a public school. They rely on us to pay them weekly to pay staff and we are not paying them right now so very unlikely staff is being paid.  

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@publius938 I read your original post as teachers in general. I understand that daycares do not get paid. But, as a parent, I can’t imagine sending my child to a daycare in these times, even if it was open. Kids have no idea how to not spread their germs or socially distance. Lol. It’s no one’s fault, it’s just a reality.  

Answer 13

If anyone is in a position to remain employed, here is the link for the Des Plaines food pantry if you can give.   
https://sites.google.com/view/close...aines

Answer 14

Most if not all teachers are still getting paid, and Pritzker just said that as of May 1st some businesses will be able to open up for delivery and pick up options. It’s not everything, but it’s something.  

Answer 15

Totally with you! This is destroying our economy. Our taxes will increase even more to help get Illinois out of this deep hole. At least he is modifying the order to allow non-essential retail stores to reopen for pickup or delivery. Hopefully that will help some businesses.  

Answer 16

I feel ya! I just want to go to a park!  

Answer 17

As hard as this is - we have to stay the course. This is saving lives. I’m just as frustrated as everyone else here. I want to go out and do all of the things I used to be able to do but I also understand that saving people is more important. Sometimes the best thing to do is also the hardest.  

Answer 18

Trust me I hear you. This is hurting everyone. This sucks. This is not easy.  

Answer 19

If you don't have your health you won't be going to back to work. Should all be staying in and staying healthy. It takes money to turn on the lights and the equipment of businesses if nobody feels safe enough to come out then maney is being spent just to turn on the lights of said small businesses. Stay hone and stay healthy and help everyone get over this and then go back to work.  

Answer 20

Honestly I feel we are damned if we do and damned if we don’t. If they open up everything to soon, we are going to have an endless cycle of reoccurring waves from the virus. Economically speaking, I am now receiving more from unemployment. But on the other hand my partner is a self-employed small business owner that is receiving no income at this time. His business finances are going to be in the hole for a very long time. But I would never want the government to open things up too early and someone else’s death be on my conscience, in a worse or deadlier outbreak. For those of us that are not sick and not had any tragedy for our family or friends, be thankful you can say that.  

Comments

Aries, it is exactly that. It's a damned if you damned if you don't scenario. It's a thing humanity has never done before because of lack of will, lack of ability or lack of knowledge. It frankly may not work. But no one knows. There's a great podcast called The Daily by NPR/The New York Times and they have an episode that's from a couple days ago called The Next Year (or Two) of the Pandemic. If you can take a bit to listen to it. It's a great look at what we can do or what the new world might look like.  

Answer 21

For anyone willing and able please listen to: There's a great podcast called The Daily by NPR/The New York Times and they have an episode that's from a couple days ago called The Next Year (or Two) of the Pandemic. If you can take a bit to listen to it. It's a great look at what we can do or what the new world might look like.  

Answer 22

The fda needs to approve the drug and we will be good to go. Im over it too. Ppl need to stop fighting against trump.  

Comments

@intuitivism6 trump is not a doctor and needs to stop speaking his mind. He needs to go off a script since he doesn't make sense once he starts his rambling.  

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@intuitivism6 I'm still waiting for the study that shows the drug combination you mentioned works and is safe.  

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@intuitivism6 I will not watch some BS that isn’t supported by science. Thanks anyway.  

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Hey Natalie! Remember me from North Central? Good times.  

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@jawbreaker31 yes! Are you in Des Plaines? I just moved here in January!  

Answer 23

Some people don't qualify for unemployment and have absolutely no income. This is really affecting our family financially and me emotionally. I hope we will bounce back after all of this.