# Which "non-essential" businesses are actually essential? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [March 20, 2020, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876 "2020-03-20T07:15:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Chad\_Sudan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chad_sudan/32/4509_2.png) [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/1 "2020-03-20T07:15:42Z")
In response to the pandemic, state and local governments are quickly deciding what parts of the economy are “essential.” The regulations for Los Angeles are fairly typical of this: “Workers in healthcare, government and the food industry will be able to travel for work, and grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, gas stations and other essential businesses will remain open.” (The Guardian) But… which businesses are they shuttering that will turn out to be essential? ---
**Author:** ![RioRico](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/2 "2020-03-20T08:57:00Z")
KSBY (San Luis Obispo, CA) lists [which businesses are open during shelter-at-home](https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/what-you-can-cant-do-and-which-businesses-open-during-shelter-at-home) in that central California coast county. > [@](#): > > Posted: 9:19 AM, Mar 19, 2020 Updated: 10:37 AM, Mar 19, 2020 > > Here’s a list of the businesses and industries San Luis Obispo County officials say are allowed to continue operating despite the shelter-at-home order: > > ESSENTIAL SERVICES > > Public safety and first responders, including dispatch and emergency response > Utility companies - sewer, gas, electrical, internet and water > Airport operations > Transportation providers - buses, taxi, ride-share operators > Essential government operations (check with each jurisdiction) > Non-profit and educational entities, to the extent that they provide essential services > Health care operations - doctors, dentists, pharmacies, veterinarians, mental health professionals > Banks and related financial institutions > Mailing and shipping services > Laundromats, dry cleaners and other laundry services > Restaurants and other food serves can remain open ONLY for delivery or carry-out > Businesses that ship groceries to residents > Home-based care for seniors, adults or children > Grocery stores > Food banks > Certified farmers’ markets > Stores that provide household items such as sanitary items > Food cultivation such as farming, livestock and fishing > Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities > Newspapers, television and radio > Gas stations, auto supply and auto repair > Hardware stores > Plumbers, electricians, exterminators > Businesses that allow people to work from home (example, office-supply stores) > Businesses that allow other businesses to remain open (example, custodial) > Childcare services > > San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon says the following non-essential businesses and services are not allowed to operate for the time being: > > NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES > > Gyms and fitness centers > Movie theaters > Amusement centers > Bars and nightclubs > Salons, barbers and spas > Auto sales > Clothing retail > Bookstores > Other retail > Private clubs > Industrial and manufacturing not related to essential function Other counties and cities may differ. Check with your local jurisdiction. ---
**Author:** ![OleOneEye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/f14d63/32.png) [@OleOneEye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OleOneEye)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/3 "2020-03-20T09:54:15Z")
Did you miss this part of the question? > [@](#): > > which businesses are they shuttering that **will turn out to be essential**? It wasn’t asking which businesses are considered essential now. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/4 "2020-03-20T11:27:24Z")
I’m glad I took my son in for a haircut last week. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/5 "2020-03-20T11:34:14Z")
I wonder if places like Petsmart count as “Grocery stores,” “Stores that provide household items,” or even “vets.” They are where many people go for their pets’ food, and that includes special food for pets on diets directed by vets. I also wonder if you are allowed to go out to walk your dog. I mean, you must be allowed to go out to let it poop and pee, but can you take it on a walk for exercise? a stir-crazy dog can be a real problem. I’m REALLY glad I just got a delivery from [Chewy.com](http://Chewy.com) two weeks ago. I have at least 2 months worth of pet food. I don’t know what will happen if I can’t at the very least walk my dog around the complex twice a day. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/6 "2020-03-20T12:08:11Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > I wonder if places like Petsmart count as “Grocery stores,” “Stores that provide household items,” or even “vets.” They are where many people go for their pets’ food, and that includes special food for pets on diets directed by vets. I would WAG those petstores and vets would be open. I would hope it’s understood that having pets die isn’t going to help the situation. Same for vets, I’d imagine they’re covered being a medical office In fact, at least some of the vets in my area are implementing the same protocol as medical offices and hospitals. The sick patient (be it your dog or your grandpa) can come in, you have to wait outside. > [@](#): > > I also wonder if you are allowed to go out to walk your dog. I mean, you must be allowed to go out to let it poop and pee, but can you take it on a walk for exercise? a stir-crazy dog can be a real problem. When I read an article yesterday about the 24 hour quarantine in LA, it specifically said as long as people aren’t congregating in groups of 10 or more, there’s no restriction against going outside, going for walks, riding your bike etc. I’m waiting to see if they’re going to spread the quarantine to the rest of the country. I’m not sure I understand what 24 hours is supposed to do on a virus with a 2-14 day incubation period, but so far it seems that once one place does something, everyone else follows suit. I guess this is a good time to work in a grocery store. So far, other than being really busy, it’s been business as usual for us and, other than medical offices, we’ll likely be one of the last business types to get forcibly shut down. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/7 "2020-03-20T21:36:26Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > I wonder if places like Petsmart count as “Grocery stores,” “Stores that provide household items,” or even “vets.” They are where many people go for their pets’ food, and that includes special food for pets on diets directed by vets. On the [Sacramento County Public Health FAQ](https://www.saccounty.net/COVID-19/Pages/PublicHealthOrderFAQs.aspx), under “What are ‘essential businesses’?” it says: > [@](#): > > and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, **pet supplies** , fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). So yes, it sounds like those places will remain open. > [@RivkahChaya](#): > > I also wonder if you are allowed to go out to walk your dog. I mean, you must be allowed to go out to let it poop and pee, but can you take it on a walk for exercise? a stir-crazy dog can be a real problem. On the same site, under “What are ‘essential activities’?” it says: > [@](#): > > To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements, such as, walking, hiking, biking, running or equestrian activities. And also: > [@](#): > > To care for a family member **or pet** in another household. I would think walking a dog would fall under both of those categories. ---
**Author:** ![RioRico](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/8 "2020-03-20T22:26:37Z")
> [@OleOneEye](#): > > It wasn’t asking which businesses are considered essential now. Guess I assumed Dopers could read the non-essential list and judge on their own. Silly me. Okay, we have: Gyms and fitness centers; Movie theaters; Amusement centers; Bars and nightclubs; Salons, barbers and spas; Auto sales; Clothing retail; Bookstores; Other retail; Private clubs; Industrial and manufacturing not related to essential function Gosh, which of those can I _not_ live without? For fitness, I walk. For amusement, I read and make music. For barbering, MrsRico trims me. We’re not buying another auto soon. We have enough clothes and can order more, or grab some at WalMart. We’ve many books, real and virtual. Other retail can wait. Our private club is the Elks and they’re still allow RV plugins even if the bar is closed. We’re not in industry. So none of those seem likely to be “essential”. I wonder if the gourmet ice-cream parlor down the road will close. They’ve outside tables. Gourmet handmade ice-cream may be necessary for some. Sad. ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/9 "2020-03-20T22:44:50Z")
Auto sales might turn out to be essential for people who wreck their cars. I mean, we’re all doing less driving now, but not none. Someone’s going to total their car. And then what? Take public transportation? ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/10 "2020-03-20T23:40:00Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > I’m glad I took my son in for a haircut last week. I’m in Virginia, not DC, and there’s no ban on anything yet - but when I was out the other day I saw the nail salon and the hair salon next door to it - both open for business. I can’t imagine they had many customers. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2020, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/11 "2020-03-20T23:41:40Z")
I was surprised to read that in Pennsylvania, coal mines were initially not considered essential workplaces and were ordered to close down. I suppose they had a point considering that (1) electricity consumption is down since the pandemic started and (2) coal is no longer as dominant a fuel for electricity generation as it once was. However, an updated list released shortly after the initial announcement removed coal mines from the list of businesses that had to close. ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/12 "2020-03-21T00:49:10Z")
I’m going to need to go the barber eventually. That’s the only thing I can think of ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/13 "2020-03-21T01:23:44Z")
> [@suranyi](#): > > I’m going to need to go the barber eventually. That’s the only thing I can think of Me too, but when I was in college I didn’t get a haircut for several years, so that is definitely not essential. As for dog walking, I’ve heard officials explicitly say that dog walking was permitted and encouraged. People walking too, to not get stir crazy. The other day I walked past two police cars parked in the lot of the elementary school with no problems. Lots of people are out, leaving space though. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/14 "2020-03-21T02:05:23Z")
> [@iamthewalrus\_3](#): > > Auto sales might turn out to be essential for people who wreck their cars. I mean, we’re all doing less driving now, but not none. Someone’s going to total their car. And then what? Take public transportation? Yeah, that’s what stood out to me. Buying a new (-to-you) car isn’t always a necessity, but sometimes it is. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/15 "2020-03-21T02:15:36Z")
I sure as hell hope pet groomers are considered essential. Otherwise the Ukulele Lady is going to take her newly-bought set of clippers to the poodles tomorrow. And I don’t want passersby laughing at my dogs. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/16 "2020-03-21T03:04:54Z")
I’m wondering about lawn care companies. I own a fertilization company and I spray lawns solo from May through October. If Michigan goes the route of CA and NY, I wonder what this does to my season. Not to mention companies that mow and the people that rely on them. I mean, it’s outdoors, no contact with residents… ---
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/17 "2020-03-21T03:16:21Z")
GameStop, that’s right. [https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/20/tech/gamestop-open-essential-business/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/20/tech/gamestop-open-essential-business/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/18 "2020-03-21T03:38:19Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > I’m wondering about lawn care companies. I own a fertilization company and I spray lawns solo from May through October. If Michigan goes the route of CA and NY, I wonder what this does to my season. > > Not to mention companies that mow and the people that rely on them. > > I mean, it’s outdoors, no contact with residents… Seems like the risk of continuing to do your job would be incredibly low. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/19 "2020-03-21T04:30:33Z")
I haven’t seen mentioned yet in any of the can-do or can’t-do lists: Funeral operations, morticians, undertakers, gravediggers, all the related work in that whole industry. Seems like they’re going to be a little bit more essential than usual. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876/20 "2020-03-21T04:34:16Z")
ALL the jobs related to producing food and other essentials, raising and growing, processing, packing, canneries, transportation, warehousing. The lists I’ve see of permitted jobs in these areas all look kind of ad-hoc, like the health authorities just dashed off a few tasks they could think of off the tops of their heads. How about the entire production, supply lines, transportation, and application of fertilizers, pesticides, other ag chemicals? How about crop-dusters? ETA: And that would further imply all the kinds of jobs for supporting aviation activities, aircraft maintenance and inspections, avgas, etc. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-non-essential-businesses-are-actually-essential/849876.md?page=2)