By Samantha Chang
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb nationwide and reach unprecedented infection rates, many states have taken preemptive action with hopes of reducing its rapid spread. Recently, Governor Cuomo imposed a curfew forcing the closure of restaurants, bars, and gyms by 10 PM. In addition, gatherings have been restricted to ten people in a private residence. With the implementation of a curfew, Governor Cuomo’s objective was to target and address frequent hotspots and gathering areas which have been the main contributors to the spread of COVID-19.
Many people are concerned about how the curfew may impact the local economy and the survival of businesses seeing that many endured significant financial setbacks from the initial shutdown during quarantine. Popular restaurants such as Applebee's thrive on the business of late-night customers, attracting them with alluring deals like “half-off apps” after 10:00 PM.
Source by Saanvi Mirchandani
Applebee's thrives on its late-night deals, which will no doubt be affected by the new curfew.
“I believe that in the socioeconomic atmosphere of Long Island, where suburban towns are built off of small businesses, the implementation of a curfew at a relatively normal hour for teens to be out is very unrealistic and will likely amount to nothing but a fear-mongering tactic by politicians,” said junior Eric Orbon.
“In terms of the curfew, I think that it’s an unpleasantry with a silver lining. It's obviously not good for the economy or for socializing, but at the same time numbers are spiking…”
Although restaurants are still allowed to service carryout or pickup options, the prohibition of indoor dining at a later hour may deter young restaurant-goers due to a lack of normalcy.
“With fewer people allowed in restaurants with the new COVID regulations, I doubt that closing earlier would be effective at lowering rates since it could prompt even larger groups of people to hang out elsewhere,” said junior Nicole Lelay.
On the other hand, if proven beneficial, a curfew could prevent the beginnings of another shutdown as society continues to progress through a period of skyrocketing cases.
A total state-wide shutdown would be even more catastrophic for businesses if rates continue to rise unchecked. Some people believe that the curfew would be better reciprocated in certain parts of New York compared to others depending on how people have responded and complied with CDC guidelines and mask-wearing.
Mr. Novak, a teacher at NHP, lives in the city but has family that lives on Long Island, giving him a dual perspective on the situation.
“In terms of the curfew, I think that it’s an unpleasantry with a silver lining. It's obviously not good for the economy or for socializing, but at the same time numbers are spiking. This new round of curfews, lockdowns, and steps the governor is taking might help to make things work better, but that being said, I think that NHP and the local government is very different from what’s going on in the city,” said Mr. Novak.
Although curfews may seem futile or cause more damage than good, only in the long run will their effects on society become clear.
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