The financial support is not unlimited. The congressional proposal would only cover about two to three months of rent, utility and payroll expenses for many small businesses.
The White House and some economists are pushing to lift the local shutdowns as soon as possible to jump-start the economy. President Donald Trump has set a goal of Easter -- April 12 -- weeks ahead of what many public health experts say may be safe.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/Business/pia-ht-er-200325_hpEmbed_2x3_384.jpg\")
Courtesy Pia Carusone
PHOTO: Pia Carusone, middle, is co-owner of Republic Restoratives Distillery, one of the few women-owned distilleries in the U.S. She employs 30 workers at the business in Washington, D.C.
\"People are going to flow freely and re-infect each other and spread the virus. So I, as a small business owner who is suffering, would be very, very glad to make sure that we continue to shut down until we kill this thing,\" said Carusone, a former chief of staff to then-Congresswoman Gabby Giffords of Arizona and former top Department of Homeland Security official.
In the meantime, Carusone has transitioned her business to producing hand sanitizer. The distillery is churning out small bottles of homemade alcoholic gel, filling a 1,000-gallon order just this week from local government to equip police and medical workers.
Waterreus said he also opposes a rush to reopen before public health officials give the all-clear.
\"That’s not, I think, responsible for me as a business owner,\" he said, acknowledging that crowds of browsing book buyers in his shop could create a dangerous situation if the virus is still spreading. \"I would rather hear from the city or hear from Mayor (Muriel) Bowser and other health officials than I would (President Trump).\"
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/coronavirus-businesses-02-abc-jc-200319_hpEmbed_10x11_384.jpg\")
ABC News
PHOTO: Craft distilleries, like Republic Restoratives Distillery in Washington, D.C., have scrambled to meet demand for hand sanitizer by using in-house alcohol to produce their own.
Jaffe says she is trying to ride out the crisis by giving back to the community through what she does best --- making people laugh. The improv club is experimenting with virtual stand-up shows and online comedy classes.
\"We want to give you a place to kind of -- even if it's your own place in your own little home and your office or living room or whatever,\" Jaffe said. \"I don't want to charge people for it.\"
\"It's also not healthy to just be in total fear and panic, you know? That's going to do more damage to you,\" she said. \"Yes, the virus is going to hurt you, but that feeling is going to hurt you, too.\"
In other words: don't forget to laugh.
What to know about coronavirus:
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