Businesses are concerned another Covid-19 shutdown will close their doors forever

ELKHART, Ind. --- On Sunday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced new Covid-19 shutdowns as the virus continues to spread across the state. This has concerned many Indiana residents, leaving them to wonder if we will be next, and what this means for businesses still recovering from the first shutdown. 

A stimulus package helped businesses survive the first shutdown, but if a second occurs many won't be opening their doors ever again.

"I would anticipate somewhere between 30 to 50% of every business like mine closing forever," said the owner of Signature Lanes Bowling Alley Roger Brown. 

Many business owners like Brown are looking for help, just to keep the doors open if another Indiana shutdown happens. 

"Without a stimulus like that, and a total clampdown on our ability to literally pay our mortgage and light bill it would not be possible," said Brown. 

Even the Humane Society of Elkhart is nervous. With the possibility of more employee layoffs, financial situations and housing will be severely limited, limiting operations for any businesses deemed essential. 

"If we're gonna start having people being laid off, then we worry about a high intake of people surrendering animals because of housing," said the marketing and outreach manager at the Humane Society of Elkhart Janet Graham. 

What we know so far is the first Covid shutdown left business owners struggling, but a second for most would cease their operations entirely, a situation the state does not want to see.