“Sadly, the warnings given by public health officials over the past few months have come to pass.  Communities across Western New York and across the nation are seeing significant increases in the number of COVID cases, and officials are struggling to reduce the spread of this deadly disease. Given that reality, we all have an obligation to heed calls to avoid gathering indoors and wear masks.  Employees who can work from home effectively should be given the opportunity to do so.  

“But when considering if and how to impose additional restrictions on businesses, state officials must ensure that restrictions are applied evenhandedly and don’t disadvantage small retailers over big-box stores. For that reason, I’m urging state officials to avoid imposing a shutdown of small retail businesses during the holiday season. Most small retailers rely on holiday sales to keep them financially viable throughout the year. A shutdown for the next month would cripple struggling small retailers and devastate “Main Street” communities throughout Western New York. 

“Retail businesses have not been identified as major sources of spread. Closing small retail stores while allowing big-box stores like Target and Wal-Mart to operate will only shift more shoppers to fewer retailers. Crowding more shoppers into a handful of big-box stores will not mitigate the spread of the virus and will do more economic harm than public good.

“I urge everyone to adhere to public health guidance and avoid all large indoor gatherings, including our cherished holiday celebrations. Contact tracing has identified private gatherings as a major source of COVID spread. By following the public health guidance, we can save lives, support frontline healthcare workers, and help keep small businesses open.”