US immigrant businessmen and quarantine removal: what our people think about the situation in the country

Ukrainians in the United States, including businessmen, told VOA News how they relate to the removal of quarantine restrictions for the service sector.

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Georgia was the first US state to quickly quarantine. The governor has already allowed most of the service companies to return to work, in particular beauty salons, restaurants and gyms. Nevertheless, the Americans were cautious in removing the restrictions, and some business owners are in no hurry to get to work. And a similar situation is observed throughout the country, said Ukrainians living in the United States.

Say, Natalia Oniskiv, who lives in Atlanta, opposes the early lifting of restrictions, but believes that beauty salons can work in a safe mode. She already managed to evaluate the conditions of service on her experience while visiting a hairdresser.

“I felt absolutely comfortable. No one breathed on me, no one coughed. All staff wear gloves and masks. This probably depends on the salon, in particular on its owners, and on visitors,” says Natalya. But the girl believes that it is too early for restaurants and gyms to open, because it is too difficult to adhere to safety rules there. “I won’t go to a restaurant or to the gym for the next few weeks. Although I know enthusiasts who are looking forward to the opening of these establishments.”

Small business owners in Georgia themselves are faced with a dilemma: take risks and open up or continue to lose profits.

Ukrainian from Feodosia Lisa Saritash and her husband own five restaurants in Atlanta. They are in no hurry to open their institutions.

“We have decided to remain closed because our priority is the safety of our guests, as well as our employees and team. We believe that we are not ready to open yet.”

In two or three weeks the situation may change, but now only two restaurants of Lisa are preparing takeaway food. Thus, the restaurateur says, they are trying to support workers who do not receive unemployment benefits because they do not fall under the criteria approved by the state.

In the North of the United States, in Chicago, the Ukrainian restaurant Trizub remains closed. Its owner, Miron Levitsky, says the takeout format didn't work for them. The restaurant made an exception only for Easter - they sold holiday baskets with homemade Easter cakes and sausages.

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In Illinois, unlike Georgia, the authorities have no plans to lift quarantine restrictions. Levitsky, who has security and the unique atmosphere of his establishment in the first place, does not intend to open in May, but makes plans for June.

“You may need to wear masks, sit at a distance from each other. We want to open and work. But work in more pleasant circumstances. We are not interested in the restaurant looking like an operating room,” says the owner of Trident.

Both Miron and Lisa applied for state benefits for restaurateurs and service workers, but have not yet received a response.

Lisa, who had been building this business for 14 years with her husband, says they will have to start from scratch.

“Unfortunately, even after opening, the restoration process will be very long. It won’t be a year or two before we achieve the results we had as of March 19th. True, we now have more experience.”

However, businessmen do not lose optimism. In this situation, they see no other way out than staying at home, protecting their business and employees, and most importantly hoping only for the best.

As ForumDaily wrote earlier:

• Because of the crisis, the number of Americans wishing to receive free food doubled
• 17 professions that allow you to earn money from home during the crisis
• 11 ways to improve your financial situation during the crisis

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