Governor Tom Wolf’s order closing all non-life sustaining businesses has had an extreme effect on scores of businesses, and hundreds, if not thousands of people. While we try to keep ourselves safe, here is a look at several local businesses affected by the governor’s order.

Plaza Cards & Snacks

3 West Broad Street

Bethlehem

Jay Nar, who owns the business along with his wife, is keeping their store open, with some limitations. Jay says he has some groceries available, and also paper goods.

Entrance into the store is limited to one or two people at a time, and customers are expected to practice social distancing. Jay is unable to get any new stock at this time.

To prevent people from hoarding and emptying his store of stock, some items are limited to purchase of only one or two per person.

“A lady came in the other day with two cars and told me she was going to buy everything in the store. I had to ask her to leave. I’m gonna make sure everyone gets what they need. Older folks are thanking me for having what they need.”

Jay has not had to lay anyone off, as it is only himself and his wife who run the store.

Chocolate Lab,

446 Main Steet

Bethlehem

Owner Arlene Brockel’s store is open for curbside pickup and Grub Hub deliveries only. She has not had issues getting supplies, and has plenty of delicious handmade chocolates for sale. They also have coffee and tea available for purchase.

“I have had to tell two employees I have no hours for them until things get back to normal. I have also had to cut Erick’s hours almost in half.” (Erick Goins is a chocolatier, and the writer’s son).

Chocolate Lab’s normal sales are around $1,000 on a Saturday at this time of year. Right now, sales are down about 80 percent.

“I am afraid how long this is going to last,” Arlene said. “Trying to take it one day at a time, but I believe this isn’t going to go away any time soon.”

The store is on Facebook and Instagram.

Salon Mia

401 Main Street,

Hellertown

The Salon is currently closed, but is scheduling future appointments.

“We love and appreciate our clients, so we are trying to be available anytime to discuss their thoughts and ideas,” says owner Maria Makkas.

The salon has five employees who are currently unable to work.

She has been exploring whether they can offer custom-mixed hair color for their clients, to be picked up curbside, and applied at home by someone in the client’s household. Check the Salon’s website or Facebook page for updates.

These are just a few local businesses affected by the shutdown. To learn the status of a business, call, check Facebook or Instagram, or the business’ website.