CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Sunday, North Carolina health officials reported more than 6,400 new positive COVID-19 cases - a new record. The surge in cases is making local businesses in Charlotte fear for more restrictions.
“I wish people would take it more seriously,” said Stefan Huebner, the owner of Dot Dot Dot in the Park Road Shopping Center.
Huebner said as coronavirus cases continue to increase, they have already seen the impact in business.
"Since the outbreaks have gone up again we’re seeing less reservations,” Huebner said.
Huebner said business in the area had been on a positive streak.
"Since we reopened in June there has been slow gradual growth kind of, peaking in the middle of November," Huebner said.
Huebner says his customers are generally in the 30-50-year-old age group and tend to take precautions and health advice more seriously, and believes many are choosing to stay home now.
"We’re treading water,” said Andy Hollis, part-owner of Sir Edmond Halley's.
Hollis said they’ve been doing the best they can with the 11 p.m. alcohol curfew as it is.
"It’s been tough, having to close at 11 p.m. has kind of hurt us," Hollis said. "We used to service a lot of service industry that used to come out at 11 p.m."
After Governor Cooper tweeted on Saturday saying the state is now examining what action may be needed to protect North Carolinians, Huebner and Hollis fear what that might mean for them.
"[We're] scared," Hollis said, "scared to death that there might be another shutdown.”
“I know he hasn’t announced it yet but it’s coming," Huebner said. "We’re going to lose indoor dining and for me and my business, we’re closed. Because I don’t have outdoor dining.”
As of Sunday, Governor Cooper has not released what action may be taken.
Huebner said he follows strict coronavirus restrictions to do his part.
"Early on [in] March I was like, I was willing to do whatever it took so we didn’t have to talk about it in August," Huebner said. "Now it's December and we’re still talking about it.”
Huebner said now, it’s up to the community to do their part.
"You want to support small businesses, follow the restrictions that are in place,” Huebner said.
"Forcing people to wear masks isn’t what we want to do, we want to serve people, but the more people comply the better we’ll get through this and the quicker we’ll get through this,” Hollis said.
The business owners told WCNC Charlotte's Lana Harris while they're fearing the worst and would understand if tighter restrictions are necessary, they’re hoping the community does what's necessary so it doesn’t come to that.