Yardley Businesses Prepare For Green: What To Expect
YARDLEY, PA — They're getting an early start on Bucks County's coronavirus green phase at the Continental Tavern.
At 12:01 a.m. Friday, the bar in Yardley will kick off "Midnight Madness," a celebration of Bucks County moving into the more lenient phase of Pennsylvania's coronavirus plan. In the green phase, bars and restaurants may once again allow patrons inside.
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The tavern is just one of many businesses in Yardley gearing up for changes as the county takes a step toward normalcy. And, like other Yardley businesses, they'll be doing things a little bit differently than before.
"We want to provide our guests a safe and comfortable dining environment," said Kelly Vliet, owner of the tavern, at 2 N. Main St. "We have arranged our interior and exterior dining rooms to meet all CDC guidelines. Our staff is trained to comply with the highest standards of CDC safety and sanitation."
Glass shields will be separating tables and bar stools at the tavern, staff members will be masked and patrons will have the option of paying their tabs contact-free.
The beginning of the green phase in Bucks County is a welcome change for business owners, many of whom have either been closed or had to operate in limited fashion since Gov. Tom Wolf issued a stay-at-home order in March.
Bars, gyms, barber shops and hair salons are among the businesses that will be allowed to open their doors for the first time since March and restaurants may once again allow diners into their dining rooms — albeit, at 50 percent capacity.
All businesses must continue to abide by the state Department of Health's guidance for operating in the COVID-19 disaster emergency.
"A lot of our members are excited they're finally able to open back up and bring in revenue and bring back their staff," said Minesh Pathak, executive director of the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce.
Pathak said some restaurant members have been able to do OK with curbside and takeout sales and some that are in manufacturing say they've been busy as well.
"On the flip side, there are some members who are struggling right now and don't know if they're going to make it out of this, even with the reopening this Friday," he said.
"We've been getting a lot of phone calls from the businesses, members and non-member businesses as well," Pathak said. "We're assisting everyone."
The most common question, Pathak said, has been businesses asking where they can get masks and other personal protective equipment.
"I am hearing that a lot of businesses are going to require customers wear masks," he said. "I spoke to a couple of businesses and they're requiring masks. You cannot come into a location without a mask on."
He expects customers to be cautious as well.
"I think for the most part, people are going to be very cautious," he said. "I think they'll kind of think twice. 'Do I really need to go out and get this item?' "
While much has been made about anti-mask protests and online complaints about them, Patak said he has not heard from any chamber members who have been open during the shutdown who had problems with patrons refusing to wear them.
"I personally feel that if everyone does their part, we'll get through this," he said. "Our county has done a great job so far keeping the numbers down."
Masks will definitely be in place at Blush Hair Salon, at 703 Floral Vale Blvd. in Yardley.
"As always, we aim to provide the best customer service and beauty services in the area," said Jay Davis, who owns the shop with husband, Steve. "We will continue to strive for this and also to make clients feel safe while in the salon."
She said the salon will continue to offer to-go color kits, as well as offering home or private appointments, for an extra fee. But having customers in the salon, with safety precautions in place, will feel good, Davis said.
"We understand how important beauty services are and we also understand it is not just about the beauty," she said. "It's about the deep conversations, debates, support, laughs and tears that we have shared with our clients throughout our 19 years in business. We can’t wait to reconnect and share our stories of life during COVID."
Finding Our Way Forward: See more stories about Pennsylvania's coronavirus recovery
This article originally appeared on the Yardley Patch
