Le Pain Quotidien on 17th Street in the District on March 16, 2020, hours before Mayor Muriel Bowser directed all bars and restaurants to shut down to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Le Pain Quotidien on 17th Street in the District on March 16, 2020, hours before Mayor Muriel Bowser directed all bars and restaurants to shut down to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered restaurants across the area. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has ordered restaurants and bars (along with health clubs, movie theaters and more) to close their doors to patrons, although grab-and-go service will be allowed. This comes just after Maryland Governor Larry Hogan put a similar restriction into effect in his state.

That means lost shifts and wages for everyone from sandwich makers to bartenders to dishwashers. And no one knows how long they’ll have to wait for a paycheck or unemployment insurance.

How are these employees trying to get by as they watch their industry grind to a near halt? And who is trying to help them?

Produced by Lauren Markoe

Guests

  • Lori McCue Arts and Food Editor; DCist; @lorimccue
  • Andrew Dana Co-Owner; Call Your Mother Deli and Timber Pizza; @CYMDeli
  • Trupti Patel Bartender and ANC Commissioner; @truptianc2A03

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