Phase 2 move a ‘turn in right direction’
– As numerous businesses reopened their doors for the first time in months, many are hopeful Tuesday marks the beginning of a new day in Palm Beach County.
The county officially began Phase 2 of itsCOVID-19 recovery plan, reopening more of its economy after seeing a downward trend in coronavirus cases over the past two months. Palm Beach County became the first in the tri-county area tomove toward the next reopening phase. Now, many businesses are feeling a “glimmer at the end of the tunnel” following the lengthy closures.
Among those now open for business is Boca Raton’s Gameof Zones, a family entertainment center with bowling lanes, arcade games, laser tag and bumper cars. “It feels hopeful,” said Clara Andrade, a co-owner. “It’s great to be able to actually open doors again since we’re a new business.”
The centerwas forced to temporarily shutter operations due to the pandemic — just one year after opening. But with the Palm Beach County moving into Phase 2, Andrade said she’s ready to get back on her
feet.
Although Tuesday marked the first day certain businesses could reopen, some are waiting to resume operations till a few days from now. Cinemark Palace 20, the massive Boca Raton movie theater by the airport, will relaunch Friday as movies such as “Tenet” are offered.
Under the first step in Phase 2, these changes are in effect:
• Bowling alleys, movie theaters, skating centers, escape rooms and trampoline centers are allowed to reopenat50% capacity.
• Gyms, fitness centers, museums, libraries and stores are allowed to operate at full capacity.
• Restaurants will continue indoor seating at 50% but are allowed full outdoor seating capacity. Bar-top food servicewould be allowed to resume aswell.
• Masks and social distancing are be required for all establishments.
Palm Beach County officials didn’t have an approximate number of businesses reopening this week because owners aren’t required to submit reopening plans.
Assistant County Administrator Patrick Rutter, who helps coordinate the COVID-19 Education ComplianceTeam, said code enforcers will stop by businesses over the nextweek to share information and answer questions about regulations.
Rutter said the main focus in the beginning will be education, as opposed laying down immediate enforcement penalties.
While Tuesday proved to significant for many businesses, it remains to be seen howrestaurants will accommodate the ability to accept more customers, under rules for slightly increased capacity.
Annie Blake, co-owner of the craft cocktail bar and restaurant Death or Glory in Delray Beach, says moving to Phase 2 will make little difference to her sluggish dining-roomsales.
Blake says customers care more about safety than a few extra seats at the bar. In July, as COVID-19 cases surged in South Florida, Death or Glory’s sales slipped to 30 percent of their pre-pandemic revenues, but rebounded to 45 percent in August as cases dropped.
“What difference would sitting more people at the bar make ifwe have to stop at 50 percent anyway?” Blake says. “It’s hard enough getting to half-full.”
Because Palm Beach County relaxed its mandatory curfew last week — now midnight until 5 a.m. — Death or Glory can keep its kitchen and bar open an hour later, Blake says. But other Phase II rules leave her confused.
“If we’re at full capacity outside and also 6 feet apart, can customers stand up and mingle? Can we book large tables?” Blake says. “It’s great to stay open an hour later. But the frustrating part is we don’t have enough clarity on all the changes in Phase 2.”
Another element to Phase 2 is the impact it could have on tourism, which has been hit hard during the pandemic. Jorge Pesquera, President and CEO of Discover ThePalm Beaches, believes the county is heading in a positive direction as businesses begin to reopen.
“I think that everybody is rooting for more things to do,” Pesquera said. “I think it’s human nature for people to gather and to socialize and so forth. I think the county has been sending a very strong message about individual behavior that safeguards the safety and the health of their fellowcitizens.
“The travel sentiment indicators are beginning to turn in the right direction for a few weeks in a row. We do see a glimmer at the end of the tunnel andwe hopewe’re going to get to theother side.”