The owner of a Whitehall tattoo parlor made the decision last week to open his shop May 16, despite the continued shutdown of nonessential businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jesse Probus, owner of Sick Ink LLC, on Schadt Avenue, believed, by staying closed, he was risking the collapse of his life’s work. He acknowledged there is a hazard for some people, but he does not believe he needs to be destroyed financially.

Probus began taking appointments for the Saturday opening. He was unsure if he would be able to conduct business or if he would be shut down. Those who support his business booked appointments, he said, some knowing there might be reprisals against him and against them for patronizing his business.

Since the announcement of his decision to open his shop, Probus said he received more than 100 death threats. He has now made the decision to not open fully.

“We will continue to sell hand sanitizer and the other products we are allowed to sell, but we will probably wait until June 4 to open fully,” he said.