Restaurant workers out of work again as virus surges anew

By TAMMY WEBBER, DANIELLA PETERS and BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press
Waiters and bartenders are losing their jobs – again – as governors and local officials shut down indoor dining and drinking establishments to combat the nationwide surge in coronavirus infections that is overwhelming hospitals and dashing hopes for a quick economic recovery. The timing, just before the holidays, couldn’t be worse. Los Angeles County restaurant owner Greg Morena says he’s dreading having to notify employees that they won’t have a job over the holidays. Many restaurants are offering curbside pickup but also trying to offer outdoor dining, even if it means setting up outdoor shelters and heaters. The U.S. has seen more than 12.4 million confirmed coronavirus infections, and over 258,000 people have died.