Our special reporting on COVID-19 may focus on communities outside Philadelphia, as many of our student journalists are now located outside of the city. Instead, our reporters will cover how the coronavirus is impacting their own communities from across the country and around the world. We will return to hyperlocal coverage of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as soon as possible.
Gov. Phil Murphy’s decision to shut down businesses due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus have many local businesses and tourist attractions at the shore worried as a result.
Spring has arrived, but it was difficult to tell by the lack of people on Atlantic City’s boardwalk. There were only a few out-of-town visitors such as Alli Stuppiello and Johnathan Woodham, and the two won’t be able to get the full experience of the shore.
“Next time,” Stuppiello said. “We’ll come back in the summer.”
As for local business owners, some were uncertain for their store’s future. Basit Ans has been a store owner on the shore for 20 years and thinks his business will suffer, even after businesses are able to reopen.
“After that,” Ans said. “I think they might be so scared to travel because of the coronavirus. Everybody is so scared.”
Officials continue to encourage everyone to stay indoors.
Words and video by Kendall Bunch.
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