As this pandemic continues to worsen and many businesses remain closed, shop owners are facing the reality of not knowing how to pay their bills.

Many nonessential businesses like gyms and hair salons are struggling since they were order closed. Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered Monday that nonessential businesses will be closed through at least April 29.

For the last eight years, Vincent DeRiso has trained clients at Revolution Fitness in East Northport. Now without new income, he's unsure how to pay his bills.

"It is a scary time for any business owner big or small," says DeRiso.

Greenport dealing with one of the biggest COVID-19 outbreaks 

Some utilities and banks are trying to work out payment options, and the federal government has presented some disaster relief programs.

But some businesses owners say navigating the bureaucracy of these programs is daunting, and they say it's impossible to talk to anyone on the phone or online.

Salavatore Lauretta, owner of East Northport's La Moda Salon, says COVID-19 forced him to close and layoff all of his employees. He's now applying for government relief.

"The websites are all slow, and it's been difficult," says Lauretta. "I have been home for three weeks and all I got done was the disaster money put in, but I didn't receive the funds yet and I still have four banks to contact today."

Long Island small businesses struggling to survive during virus pandemic 

Bret Hughes has been hit hard as well, before his bar and restaurant even officially opened. Riley's East was set to open on St. Patrick's Day -- now since he never actually opened, he can't apply for government relief.

"We cant pay the rent, and this hard work, out a whole entire life savings, we have no support at this time, and we are not sure what to do," says Hughes.

Some business owners say they understand it's important to slow the spread and stay closed, but the fear of how long that will last remains.