Associations are leading the charge against new restrictions on public gatherings as COVID-19 cases surge across the country, saying their business members likely wouldn't survive the loss in sales.

The National Retail Federation on Nov. 10 filed a public records request in New Mexico for information related to that state's new restrictions on retailers and restaurants. Then on Monday, the Washington Post reported on efforts by several state and national associations to either challenge new COVID-related restrictions or ask for leniency as their members face financial hardship.

"Retailers across the state need and deserve a transparent process for re-opening and maintaining business operations," NRF Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Martz said about the New Mexico records request. "Furthermore, the state's new measures burden rural communities by decreasing access to essential items if local businesses are ordered closed."

The U.S. is currently experiencing one of the largest increases in new COVID cases since the pandemic began, with the numbers threatening to overwhelm hospitals in some states. As a result, multiple states have either enacted new restrictions on shopping and public gatherings or reinstituted restrictions that had been previously relaxed.

The Post noted businesses are pushing back against these new restrictions, with opposition sometimes coming from state or national associations. For example, the New York state chapter of the National Association of Theatre Owners is campaigning for state officials to lift movie theater capacity limits in time for the upcoming Wonder Woman film, which is expected to draw large audiences. The Illinois Restaurant Association is trying to drum up support for overturning that state's recent ban on indoor dining.

"If it's that bad, why are we the only industry being closed down? We know how to do this right," IRA President Sam Toia told the newspaper.

In recent days, public health officials have called for more targeted restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19, according to the Post. Still, as the number of cases explodes, some states are exploring measures such as stay-at-home orders until the worst of the pandemic has subsided.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Advertising Research Foundation acquires Marketing Science Institute
• NGA show to co-locate with indoor agriculture event
• Cable engineering associations to merge
• Appeals court upholds $18M fine against Consumer Brands Association
• Groups for advocacy pros announce award winners