Asian-owned businesses feeling effects of COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The Illinois Department of Public Health has only officially recorded four cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, all located in or near Chicago.

However, that hasn't stopped some customers here in Springfield from limiting their trips to Asian businesses.

"We feel like people are not doing carry-outs and dining is slow. We could not figure out what happened in the beginning," Hunan Restaurant Manager Ni Wong said.

Many frequent diners have stopped showing and ordering food to-go.

"I think we can say on average it's down about 20%," Wong said.

Wong said she understands people's hesitation to dine in public amid fears of catching COVID-19, but stressed that doing so is perfectly safe.

"Springfield customers don't need to worry about eating at Chinese restaurants because we're all from Springfield," Wong said.

Another restaurant, China 1, reported a 25% loss of sales in February, as well.

But at Asian Market, Cashier Vicki Zhao said she's seen an uptick in people buying more food than usual.

Although Asian Market hasn't lost too many customers, Zhao said many of her friends working at Chinese restaurants in Springfield are seeing situations similar to Hunan and China 1.

"They're saying, especially Chinese restaurants, that their business has gone down a lot. It's hit by the coronavirus," Zhao said.

In Chicago, Gov. JB Pritzker visited Chinatown on Monday, March 2, to show support for the community impacted by fears of COVID-19.