CHICO, Calif. -- Local business owners and their employees are feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

It's been over a week since Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home to help limit the spread of virus.

Less people shopping, along with restrictions of public gatherings, has forced shops to close down temporarily. Some for good.

Employees of shops that are usually crowded, have noticed major differences since the order was issued. Jesse Larossa, who works at Brooklyn Bridge Bagel Works in downtown Chico, is one of them.

He says, "...it's just a ghost town out there. There's not much action out there whatsoever, and it all happened very quickly. It went from people hanging out to suddenly no one out whatsoever."

Businesses like Brooklyn Bridge have made changes like most local businesses in the area. Layoffs, hour reductions in store operations, and service methods are only some of those changes. Store Owner Peter Horylev weighed the decision to remain open, or close temporarily.

"The biggest thing is are we going to close, or are we trying limp by? My feeling is I didn't really want to close because I think it's going to be really hard to re-open," Horylev added, "I figured if I could limp by, even if I lose money every day, if I just lose a little bit each day, I'd be better off than closing the doors."

So they shifted their focus to takeout and delivery services.

Horylev says, "It's made a big difference because if you didn't have that before, I know some restaurants that really were designed for sit-down and really weren't set up for anything else, and they've closed."

While the transition hasn't been easy, Larossa still remains positive despite not getting to interact as much with customers.

"I definitely still get to come to work every day, which I'm very grateful for. My coworkers helped definitely, and that small interaction is really nice. I wish it were longer but it does get me through for sure."

Local business owners are encouraged to to reach out to us and let us know if they're restaurant is still open and what services you're offering. Information is on our 'Restaurant Guide' located on our homepage.