Businesses around Long Island shut their doors this weekend after Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered 100% of non-essential workers to stay home amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The rule will go into effect at 8 p.m. Sunday. Exceptions to the rule will include health care workers, grocery store employees, police and firefighters - services Cuomo says are needed to keep life going.
For Harry Cohen at "The Chocolate Duck" in Farmingdale, which specializes in Easter bunnies and baskets — that means he needs to shut down during his busiest season.
“It's going to affect me in my pocket book,” says Cohen. “Customers who always count on us for Easter chocolates, communions, we already lost over $15,000 in refunds.”
Personal care businesses like barbershops and nail salons will have to close by 8 p.m. Saturday.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced that playgrounds in the county would also be shut down.
Public officials advise people to stay at home and avoid being around other people to prevent the spread of the virus.
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