FOXBORO — Businesses across the state and around the world are feeling the burn amid the coronavirus outbreak.
On Wednesday, on a typically busy area on School Street in Foxboro, businesses were closed. The struggle for so many right now, they tell us, is unreal.
“It’s happening to every single person in the whole world,” said Jean Thurber, owner of Stylin Kids in Mansfield.
Thurber has been in business for 15 years.
“How will we pay our rent? I can’t be open for the rest of the month,” she said.
Now, she’s worried she may have to shut down after Gov. Charlie Baker announced no more than 10 people ar allowed to gather in one place.
“We care about the kids, they are our families. We love these kids,” Thurber said.
She said it took her 15 years to build this business “and in one short week, I’m shut down.”
This not only affects the business, but the employees.
“It’s really scary,” said hairstylist Jennifer Sinclair.
Sinclair is a mother to a 4-year-old. She’s forced to be a sole provider after her fiance got laid off in November.
“I’ve gone through waves of emotions. It’s been like, ‘This is ridiculous, should I be worried?' To ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do?’" she said.
As we were driving around the Foxboro area, we noticed two small businesses back-to-back were closed, with signs posted on the door.
Sam Labib was nearly in tears when he shared his story.
“Everyone is scared,” he said.
He owns a pizzeria and bar. Labib provides for his 4-year-old daughter and wife. He came to this country from Egypt, and opened up shop thinking he accomplished the American Dream.
When asked if he’s afraid he may have to shut down, he said: "Actually, I’m not sure how long we going to survive for this business."
Now Labib said he doesn’t know how he will put food on the table for his family.
These stories paint a grim picture of what so many businesses are going through. They’re just hoping this is a small bump in the road.