COVID-19 restrictions have made it harder for Outer Banks businesses to find workers. | Stock Photo
COVID-19 restrictions have made it harder for Outer Banks businesses to find workers. | Stock Photo
The tourist season has been a nightmare for many businesses in the Outer Banks as a countdown to Labor Day has begun.
However, not for a lack of tourists necessarily, rather it's businesses not having enough workers. The usual J-1 visa is not as prevalent this time around because of COVID-19 and a temporary suspension of the program, The Outer Banks Voice reported on Aug. 5.
“It’s a disaster,” Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce President Karen Brown said, the Outer Banks Voice reported. “Everyone is really struggling. Restaurants that were always open seven days a week are now closed one or two days a week.”
Also compounding the lack-of-worker issue is available is that student workers aren't working as many summer weeks in the past because lots of colleges are starting the academic year earlier to finish by Thanksgiving.
“There is no one to work those extra hours,” Kill Devil Hills-based Country Deli owner Karla Hutchins said, The Outer Banks Voice reported. “We have a skeleton staff and are surviving literally on five amazing high school students. They have been rock stars.”
Alerts Sign-up