The owner of Panico Salon & Spa in Ridgewood is hoping to get a message across that small businesses are better equipped to keep people safe right now.

Jack Panico says it's easier to follow COVID-19 protocols at salons like his, as opposed to big-box stores.        

Panico wants people to know that just because a business is bigger, doesn't mean it’s safer.

"It's impossible for them to do what small business does,” says Panico. “Small business can control their business. Big box stores cannot. They have hundreds of people in there, touching everything. Impossible. They're making a killing and small businesses [are] suffering."

Panico is asking for government funding to help small businesses.