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A variety of businesses, including gyms, hair salons, movie theatres and other facilities have been ordered to close as of 5 p.m. Wednesday under a new executive order from N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

“This order closes gyms, movie theatres, sweepstakes parlors, health clubs, and other similar facilities,” Cooper said. “We want you to close as soon as possible, and the order takes effect Wednesday. Because of their inability to conduct social distancing, this order also closes hair and nail salons, barber shops and massage therapists as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.”

For business owner Lisa Gargaro, the order to close comes as a tough blow for her and her staff at Cappeli Salon. For her and the eight families depending on the salon for revenue, the future is uncertain with no income coming in.

“I think the unknown is what is scariest,” Gargaro said. “It’s the unknown of when we can come back to work and how we’re going to pay our bills. With no money coming in, I don’t know what’s going to happen for any of us.”

For at least a week, the salon has been taking extra precautions, including asking those feeling ill to stay home and stepping up cleaning and sanitization processes.

“It’s been a hard decision to stay open when others were closing,” Gargaro said. “We’ve gotten a little flack from that, but I spent two hours in here (Sunday) bleaching everything I could bleach. We have procedures on the door, we’re meeting people at the door and we’ve been working hard to try to stay open. It’s just disheartening.”

While businesses like Cappeli have been ordered to close, forcing staff members to frantically reschedule appointments for Tuesday and Wednesday, Cooper assured the public that grocery stores and restaurants providing take out will remain open.

“I ask again, please do not overbuy at the grocery store,” Cooper said. I have had most all the grocery store officials on the phone and they continue to tell me that supply lines are open. They are also hiring former restaurant employees. And I appreciate the people who are continuing to grow and supply our food.”