News Editor

It’s the holiday season like no other — COVID-19 numbers soar and businesses are suffering. 

Recently, one King Food Markets permanently closed its doors, and two more of this franchise are expected to shut down as well. 

Heartbreak occurs after long standing and beloved businesses are forced to close, such as a New Jersey family-owned bridal store closing after more than 80 years and a famous state Italian place that has been open for nearly a century, according to NJ.com. 

Gov. Phil Murphy said, “while efforts will be made to prevent further spread of the virus, it would be ‘irresponsible’ to shut down indoor dining and retail again without more federal aid.” 

As of yesterday, there was an increase of 334 positive COVID-19 cases in Bergen County, adding to yesterday’s total of 3,563 case increase in New Jersey. 

Just a few days ago, New Jersey experienced a record of over 6,000 COVID-19 case increases on Dec. 4 — breaking a state record of highest case count for the second day in a row. You know there’s something wrong when our state is breaking records of a virus spread and not lives saved, according to NJbiz.com. 

Portobello bar in Oakland, New Jersey is recently under fire for packing its outdoor area right before Thanksgiving, as a photo of the event arises. It is things like this that prevents several thousand people now racked by the virus from having a peaceful holiday. 

“We will not tolerate knucklehead behavior like this that puts people at risk,” Gov. Phil Murphy scorned in a daily briefing. 

Well said, Governor, well said. 

Come back each day at 10 a.m. for daily news updates.

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Just Three of Many Business Casualties From Lack of Foot Traffic. Spirito’s Photo Courtesy of Patti Sapone. Jefre’s Photo Courtesy of Michael Mancuso.