Carson City area businesses react to closure orders, many unsure of mandated procedures

By noon Wednesday, all "non-essential" businesses in Nevada were required to shut down by state decree in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. However, some local business owners were confused as to the procedure for the shut down, which businesses in fact are required to close and in what ways can they remain open.

Many businesses declined to comment on their exact plans on how they will stay afloat economically during the shut down, simply because they weren't sure what was allowed or not by mandate.

By Wednesday afternoon, however, the Nevada Health Response Center released its revised list of essential and non-essential business and service list. Go here for the list.

Others, such as Bella Vita at the Carson Mall, are already planning for ways to survive during the shut down.

“We’ve had a vibrant delivery service for two years now that serves hundreds of customers Monday through Friday,” said owner Lori Baxter. “We’re really promoting that, and we’ll be expanding what we offer, including the full menu.”

They’re also instituting curbside delivery, which customers have already been utilizing Wednesday. Customers can order via phone and Bella Vita employees will run the food to the car.

“We’re here to help in any form we can, and we’ll jump through any hoop to do so,” said Baxter. “We’re all trying to survive and stay open, and will provide any help we can.”

A month ago, Bella Vita also started a healthy dinner program where customers can order pre-made healthy meals for either $12 per person or $30 for a family of four, which they are hoping to expand during the shut down as well.

On Wednesday morning at Sign Pro on North Carson Street, owner Steve Reynolds and staff were busy filling orders for those wanting signage to let customers know their businesses are still open despite the shut down.

Jack Brower, owner of Arby's on South Carson Street, stopped in to pick up the sign he ordered on Tuesday.

"We're not closed and I wanted a sign to say that," he said. "We have the same hours, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the drive thru and the front counter for pick up."

Reynolds says small business owners, and all those small businesses outside of the restaurant business, should do everything they can to get the word out that they can provide customers service, such as drive thru, pick up and online services.

"The biggest concern is that people will think the business is closed and not show up or call at all,” said Reynolds. “It is this assumption that will hurt the economy and the community.”

He strongly advised customers to call local businesses, to stop by and check, as well as go online and not simply make the assumption they are closed. 

"They may be able to offer services for pick up and online. The best thing to do is check with the places you do business with," he said.

However, many businesses must shut down and won’t be able to offer any services in the way restaurants may be able to. Rice Street Tattoo, Carson City’s newest tattoo parlor, will be fully shut down during the mandated quarantine as it is a non-essential.

“We are fortunate enough that we are in a position to be able to do the right thing and self quarantine for a period of time,” said co-owner Lezlee Robinson. “We are doing everything we can to make sure the crew and their families are okay as well.”

Rice Street is currently reaching out to customers to let them know their appointments must be rescheduled, as there is no option for a work-around like other businesses may have. They will also be updating new merchandise online to help mitigate the lost cost of closures.

"We want to do our part in flattening the curve," said Robinson. "We are going to update our website and social media with all items that are available. We have new shirts, decals, pins, commissioned pieces, prints, etc. all available through social media. We are willing to ship to anyone."

Service industry businesses such as tattoo shops, beauty salons, nail salons, and individual workers such as waiters and waitresses will be hit the hardest as they have no “product” to sell other than their services. While gift cards and merchandise are options for some, they may not be enough to keep some businesses afloat during a month of halted business.

"We don't want to lose our connection with the community, and will do our part in continuing to promote creativity," said Robinson.

Purchasing gift certificates and merchandise from small businesses is encouraged to help ease the loss of business during this time.

The Retail Association of Nevada issued the following statement regarding the closure:

(We are) working with our members to follow guidelines issued by the Governor’s Office to ensure Nevadans are able to access critical services. Essential businesses that will not close include grocery stores, pharmacies and hardware stores.
Through all this, it is important to remember that the supply chain is secure; there are enough products for all Nevadans, and it’s taking some time for stores to catch up from a huge increase in demand for certain products.

Many of our retailers are working diligently to strike a balance and have reduced hours to give more time for cleaning and stocking shelves. Stores such as Smith’s are also offering designated hours to allow senior citizens to shop with reduced crowds.

To help consumers, RAN has launched a COVID-19 resource webpage at www.RANNV.org and is listing critical resources as we hear of them, including updates from our retailers. We will continue to update the page throughout the outbreak.