BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Barber shops and hair salons in parts of Erie County have been forced to close for weeks. It’s a state mandate to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Buffalo and communities around the city are in anOrange Zone.
“It’s been a roller coaster of adjustments and emotional ups and downs,” said Justin Barker, the owner of The Standard in Allentown.
For most small business owners, it’s their second shutdown of 2020. For Justin Barker and his new barber shop that opened in June, it’s the first. Barker is frustrated because larger businesses remain open, while his shop stays close. A shop that was following all protocols.
“As us as small businesses, that’s really disheartening because we don’t have the backing, we don’t have that support,” Barker said about larger businesses remaining open.
Barker understands the severity of the pandemic, and believes mandates are necessary, but should be evenly distributed.
“The end date? I don’t know when that is going to come. And that right there is a scary thing,” said Barker. “I’m just watching the bank account go down. Because, you know, bills do not stop.”
