Todd Payne mounts a scope to a carbine rifle at Ross Coin and Gun on Monday, March 16, 2020, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Just as grocery stores have been stripped bare by Americans panicked by coronavirus, guns and ammunition have started flying off the shelves. (John Roark/The Idaho Post-Register via AP)
March 26, 2020
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March 26, 2020 10:03 p.m.
Are gun shops 'essential' businesses during a pandemic?
In some parts of the U.S., authorities say gun shops aren't essential businesses and should close during stay-at-home orders meant to slow the coronavirus. In other places, officials are stopping background checks for concealed carry permits. Elsewhere, city leaders have invoked emergency powers allowing bans on gun sales.