Monterey County businesses react to second closure

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that several business sectors will be required to close indoor operations statewide. He also said counties on the state's watch list will be required to close more indoor operations at businesses.

With San Benito and Monterey Counties on the state's watch list, they have more businesses targeted for closures than other counties do.

Fitness centers, places of worship, offices (for non-critical sectors), personal care services, and malls will cease indoor operations.

So seats are still empty and lights are dark inside Greater Victory Temple in Seaside on Monday after Gov. Newsom's announcement.

“At first I was shocked because so many people are ready to go back to church," Greater Victory Temple Senior Pastor Ronald Britt said. "They miss church.”

Britt said he never reopened for in-person services, but he knows that many places of worship did.

“We did virtual ministry here on Facebook Live and Youtube,” Britt said.

So now, his church will stick with just those virtual programs. And it's not the only place targeted by the second closure.

Fitness centers were on the list, as well. Although, business owners said the order from the state needs some clarification.

“I am frustrated that there’s no clarification in the breakdown between a center and a studio,” Monterey Fit Body Bootcamp owner Antonio Buck said.

Owners said the distinction is important because smaller studios tend to be the ones in more dire financial situations under COVID-19.

"To us in the fitness world who have small businesses," Buck said. "We’re not a corporate center. You know, we need to know what our plan is."

Spa owners said they're having the same problem. They said the back-and-forth with reopening isn't working for them.

“I don’t know if a lot of businesses like mine will be able to survive that," Bare Sugar & Wellness Spa owner Shanoa Perez said.