The coronavirus shutdowns are hard on all of us, but it’s taking a particular toll on the hospitality industry.

With Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Monday decision to prohibit restaurants from offering dine-in options, many waiters, waitresses, hosts and hostesses, cooks, and more find themselves at least temporarily out of a job. Many restaurants are closed all together.

That only adds to the already struggling travel and hotel industries.

Both the state and federal governments have taken and are working on further steps to help those affected economically by virus-related shutdowns, but we should do our part, too.

Delivery and carryout remain options, and many restaurants that previously only offered dine-in options are now offering curbside pick-up and takeout options.

Last week, former lieutenant governor Brian Calley vowed on social media to order in at least three times a week.

If you are able, we’d encourage you to do the same. Our local businesses need our help.

We also urge you to be generous in this time with your tips. Many of those who serve us every day rely on tips to make ends meet. Without tables to serve, those folks could be hurting.

So open up your wallets a little more, and show your servers you appreciate everything they do.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)