The Deltaplex newsroom has received questions from numerous people asking what businesses are deemed essential and non-essential during the COVID-19 crisis.
Since the crisis has began Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered numerous businesses to close to patrons, and has put strict regulations on others such as restaurants who can no longer allow patrons inside for dining, but can provide meals for pick up and delivery.
Below is a list of types of businesses that have been deemed “essential”.
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Big-box stores
- Pharmacies
- Convenience stores and discount stores
- Garbage collection
- Healthcare operations
- Daycare centers
- Hardware stores
- Gas stations and auto-repair shops
- Banks
- Post offices and shipping businesses
- Veterinary clinics and pet stores
- Farmers’ markets and food banks
- Businesses that provide necessities to shelters and economically disadvantaged people
- Educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning
- Agriculture and food processing
- Warehousing, storage, and distribution
- Transportation, including airlines, taxis, rideshare programs, and vehicle rentals
- Businesses that allow essential businesses to operate
Below are businesses that have been deemed “non-essential”.
- Theaters
- Gyms and recreation centers
- Salons and spas
- Museums
- Casinos and racetracks
- Shopping malls
- Bowling alleys
- Sporting and concert venues
There are other businesses that are regulated by each state, and can be ordered to either conduct business in another way, or to be closed completely depending if an order is given by the Governor.
- Liquor stores
- Industrial manufacturing not related to essential function
- Construction
- Labor unions
- Marijuana dispensaries
- Gun stores
- Home office supply stores
