From Inc. This Morning --Cameron Albert-Deitch, Reporter, Inc.
Over the past month and a half, as U.S. states launched into reopening plans, many small-business owners readied themselves for a return to something resembling normalcy.

They may need to keep waiting. The coronavirus that so devastated the Northeast is gathering pace in the Southeast and Southwest at the very worst moment--as restrictions are further relaxed and summer weather is luring people out of their homes. The result: States such as Florida, Arizona, Alabama, and Texas are reporting record daily Covid-19 cases.

Some restaurants and stores in those states have already shut their doors again after employees or customers reported infections. More could be forced to close soon, as local officials weigh the pros and cons of pausing reopening plans or reimposing some lockdown measures.

Ultimately, whether new lockdowns arrive or not, the recent spike in infections could come with a high price for small businesses across the country.

Read the story to learn why outbreaks in some states are threatening small businesses all across the country--and what business owners can do to minimize the damage.