Coronavirus News: What Is An Essential Business During The COVID-19 Outbreak?

As more states enact shelter-in-place orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, they are allowing essential businesses to remain open. But the question remains as to what an essential business really is?

While the exact answer varies by state, there are some generalities as to what essential means and what will remain open during these stay-at-home orders. To help business owners understand if they are considered an essential business, here are some of the industries that are considered essential in most states.

Essential businesses are companies that Americans rely on for every day needs or are required necessity during the shutdown order, according to Small Business Trends. These may include:

• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Medical offices
• Convenience stores
• Big box stores
• Banks
• Mail and shipping companies
• Hardware and home supply stores
• Pet stores
• Laundromats
• Gas stations
• Home service professionals (plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, etc.)

Other essential businesses that may remain open in some states could include:

• Construction companies
• Warehouses
• Hotels
• Agriculture
• Farmer’s markets
• Law firms
• Insurance companies
• Food processors
• Food banks
• Individual support organizations
• Business-to-business firms that provide support to essential businesses
• Preschool and daycare centers

Most states have large lists of what is considered essential businesses, and it is best to check with each individual state to determine what constitutes an essential business.