My Take: By Michael Boriero

At this point, people have probably noticed a discreet surcharge at the bottom of their bills when they complete a transaction at a local business, hair salon or restaurant.
This is the so-called “COVID-19 tax” and it’s here to stay; at least, for the foreseeable future. It is likely a shock for someone to discover an additional $2 tacked onto his or her bill.
But while it might seem suspicious, consider the impact the pandemic had on local institutions. The additional fees aren’t predatory; they’re used to survive the post-pandemic reality.
They need to equip their buildings with health and safety tools; face masks, gloves, visors, plastic partitions, hand sanitizer. All of it is done to keep employees and patrons safe.
We should embrace this for now, but for how long? Transparency is key here for business owners. Let’s avoid being taken for a ride.