County business owners said they are resigned to their fate after Gov. Tom Wolf's Monday afternoon order that all nonessential businesses shutter at midnight.

Tom Reese, who co-owns the Monroe Hotel in Butler, said a skeleton crew of about 12 people will work at the normally busy bar and restaurant instead of the usual crew of 45.

“For the sake of safety, I think it's very necessary,” Reese said.

He said part-time employees could be the most affected because they will not be eligible for unemployment.

Reese is considering paying the workers furloughed because of Wolf's decision a small weekly stipend, but he has not made a final decision yet.

In the eatery's 40-year history, Reese has never seen anything like the current business climate.

“We've had a few ice- storms along the way, but nothing like this,” Reese said.

He advised people to practice social distancing and remain patient.

“Heed the Pennsylvania health officials' warnings and pay attention,” Reese said. “This isn't a joke anymore.”

Late Monday afternoon, one of Butler County's largest nonprofits, the Butler County Family YMCA Association, announced the organization was closing its doors until March 28 but would continue operating its licensed child care sites in an effort to best serve families.

“We are a nonprofit organization that thrives on bringing people together and creating personal connections that change lives through membership and programs,” said David Hilliard, president and CEO of the organization, in a letter to members. “Our proximity to people and communities has shaped our YMCA and the impact we make each day. The nature of COVID-19 virus, and how it spreads, presents significant challenges for our organization.”

Hilliard went on in his letter to say that based on Wolf's order Monday to close all nonessential businesses that the orgization decided to shutter the Butler YMCA, Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA in Cranberry Township and ARMCO Park in Slipery Rock effective close of business Monday through March 28. The organization plans to resume normal operations March 29.

Hilliard further said the organization will pay all staff for the next two weeks despite the closure, regardless of whether they work part-time or full-time.

“We want you to know that we care about the impact that this will have on our community,” Hilliard said. “This is just one example of how we continue to strengthen our community despite the forced shutdown.”

Pat Martin, assistant manager at Flowers by Gerard in Cranberry Township, said the aeromatic and elegant floral shop on Route 19 will close to walk-in customers, but will continue to pump out floral arrangements ordered over the phone and on the wire.

She said those arrangements will be delivered to the front door of hospitals and funeral homes where they are to go, and a call will be made for employees to pick them up.

Martin said the cut in retail hours might affect employees, but she wasn't sure if furloughs would be made immediately.

She said if people would use common sense and not go out if they are feeling ill or take their children outside of the home, the shutdowns might not have been necessary.

“The economy needs to keep going and it's not helping to shut everything down,” Martin said.

She called the results of the COVID-19 virus — such as hoarding food, cleaning supplies, medicine and other items — “paranoia.”

“I wish, hope and pray it's over soon for everyone's sake,” Martin said.

Filippo Lombardo, general manager of Domenico's Restaurant in Cranberry Township, said the bar and eatery employs 40 people.

On Tuesday, he scheduled two people to man the takeout operation. He said some employees have expressed an interest in rotating through the takeout operation.

“I understand it and why we have to (do it). We just have to go along with it,” Lombardo said. “I hope everyone can get through it. It's not easy for any of us.”

He agreed the actions taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 are unprecedented. He said he's never seen anything like this since his dad started the business in 1971. A packed bar met those Monday entering Marty's Suburban on Route 19 in Cranberry Township.

After midnight, that bar would be barren, along with the restaurant in the building's north end.

Patron Linda Nussbaumer of Lancaster Township said less drinking would not be a bad thing for the community.

“I think it's responsible,” she said of Wolf's order. “We don't know where this is going. It's uncharted waters.”

Jay Sebes, owner of Aviva Brick Oven restaurant just south of Cranberry Township, closed at midnight Monday morning per Wolf's earlier order for Allegheny County to shutter all nonessential businesses.

His restaurant will remain open only for takeout meals.

Of his 35 employees, a dozen were furloughed because of the mandate.

“I feel so bad, These people have been with me for a long time,” Sebes said, adding how 75 percent of his business comes from the dining room and bar. “So, we're going to lose three quarters of our business until this stuff goes away.”

Like other business owners affected by the closure, Sebes said he has had to deal with issues related to weather, electrical storms, power outages and other seeming catastrophes over the years.

“But having somebody tell you have to close your business? Never,” he said.

Sebes worries about all the businesses in the region that hadn't planned to suddenly close at the end of winter, when shoppers and diners come out of their homes and into the business community. He said the situation was unfortunate for all business owners. He feared the shutdown — if it goes longer than a few weeks — could result in businesses closing.

Along with hundreds of other owners finding their businesses pared down or closed, Sebes is resigned to his unknown fate.

“We are doing what has been asked, and we're going to do the best we can to fight through it and promote walk-in, delivery and curbside service,” he said.