As the businesses classified in Phase 1 of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s reopening plan began to open their doors on Friday, it was certainly anything but business as usual. Business, as we knew it, has most certainly changed.
Many of the businesses deemed essential that have continued to be in operation since the state’s shutdown on March 16, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, have slowly adapted to the new protocols set in place by New York State.
Many residents may have noticed things slowly over a period of time, such as barriers placed in stores, face shields worn by employees, mandatory face covering requirements, and some reconfiguring to meet the 6-foot guidelines for social distancing, which remains strongly encouraged.
These businesses have almost set a blueprint for other businesses that are preparing to open.
Phase 1 businesses, which were allowed to open on Friday, May 15, include construction services; agricultural, forestry, fishing, and hunting; retail trade (delivery and curbside pickup) at clothing stores, shoe stores, general merchandise stores, used merchandise stores, florists, and several others of like kind; manufacturing; and wholesale trade.
As long as businesses meet requirements that reduce density, enact social distancing protocols, restrict non-essential travel for employees, ensure masks are worn, and implement strict cleaning and sanitation standards, they are eligible to open. Businesses must also be able to protect the public health obligations by screening individuals in the workplace, or reporting confirmed positive cases to customers.
In the coming weeks we will be talking to business owners as they open, and offer a glimpse at the new, and hopefully temporary normal.
Some businesses have been open, one of them describing their transition as seamless.
Rich Watkins, owner of Jackpot Richie’s, located just over Turner’s Bridge and on the right hand side, already offered mostly take out at his newly opened BBQ business, so things went well.
“This is what we’re geared for,” said Watkins of takeout ordering, adding, “And it’s kind of our wheelhouse.”
Watkins opened for his first full season on April 4, and has had a great season so far, with ribs added, as well as vegan options and even ice cream novelties.
The adjustment, for Watkins, is the seating, the distance lines, facemasks, gloves, and the over-sanitation; but as Watkins stated, “It needs to be done.”
“We go through a lot of gloves,” he added.
They are open most days, and you can find them on Facebook.
Scott Fargnoli, owner of Donoli’s Restaurant, has continued drive-thru takeout at his Apalachin establishment, but admitted that his business has been hit hard.
“We had to cancel weddings and banquets, which is a service we offer,” said Scott Fargnoli, owner.
He explained, however, how he had to reinvent things. The challenges included a new way of keeping the inventory up and staffing.
“We’re serving our community,” said Fargnoli, adding, “and hopefully we’ll be back open.”
Michael Yammine, owner of Original Italian Pizza and Restaurant in Owego has remained open, and is now looking towards a Phase 3 opening date of June 12.
“It’s been very difficult,” said Yammine, as he sat alone at a table in what would normally be a packed restaurant. Prior to opening in June, however, he has to reduce the seating in half and reconfigure things.
“It’s going to be tricky with the tables,” said Yammine.
In the meantime, Original’s, along with other area restaurants, has continued takeout and delivery, and even expanded the delivery radius by eight miles during the pandemic.
A message that has resounded over and over, and continues, is to support our local businesses. Together, we can get through this.
And did we mention that Ice Cream Works has reopened for the season as well, initially delaying in order to get things set in place and in accordance with the new protocols.
Most businesses we have talked to are anxious to open, but also have a common opinion that we can do this, but it has to be slow and done safely.
To learn more about the phases of business opening, visit https://forward.ny.gov. More information can also be found at www.tiogacountyny.com/programs-agencies/covid19/.
To continue supporting local businesses as they wait to reopen, check out this week’s advertisers and their various specials. The Owego Pennysaver is very grateful for the support from our advertisers, as well as from the community.
We are in this together!
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