AMES, Iowa — The COVID-19 outbreak has put life on hold; people are finding themselves shut up in their houses and, in some capacity or another, places are shutting down. And as a result of those shut-downs, some are losing their jobs.
Gov. Kim Reynolds recently issued a public health emergency, ordering all restaurants and bars to close their dining rooms. Many places continue to offer carry-out and delivery services, but others have had to shut their doors entirely.
Most Jethro's BBQ locations are still open for carry-out, but the Ames location is the only location to shut its doors entirely until the fall because of the virus. 52 employees lost their jobs in the process.
Local 5 sat down with Taila Dennill, one of the affected employees. She says the layoff was devastating.
"I was in shock," Dennill said. "I was there with my boyfriend, and we live in a two-bedroom house by ourselves, so both of our incomes for our bills were taken away from us in that moment."
The sudden loss of income is far from ideal, and Dennill says its negative effects will be felt immediately.
"I can't wait until fall. I can't wait until the other locations can open back up and hire the Ames crew," Dennill said. "All of our coworkers are looking for jobs right now. It's about paying our bills; supporting our lifestyle."