The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Casinos shut down; restaurants, bars to offer take-out or delivery service only
NEW YORK » State officials in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are continuing the crackdown on COVID-19 (coronavirus) through a regional approach.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced March 16 that the following would be effective by 8 p.m. the same day:
• The three states will limit crowd capacity for recreational and social gatherings to 50 people.
• Restaurants and bars will close for on-premise service and move to takeout and delivery only.
• Movie theaters, gyms, and casinos will temporarily close.
The mandates came in response to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to the press release.
“Our primary goal right now is to slow the spread of this virus so that the wave of new infections doesn’t crash our healthcare system, and everyone agrees social distancing is the best way to do that,” Cuomo said. “This is not a war that can be won alone, which is why New York is partnering with our neighboring states to implement a uniform standard that not only keeps our people safe but also prevents ‘state shopping’ where residents of one state travel to another and vice versa.
“I have called on the federal government to implement nationwide protocols, but in their absence, we are taking this on ourselves.”
In addition to the regulations to encourage social distancing and curb viral spread, the three governors announced that affected establishments (bars/restaurants, etc.) will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol, also effective by 8 p.m. March 16.
“I have called on the federal government to implement nationwide protocols, but in their absence, we are taking this on ourselves.”
— Gov. Andrew Cuomo
These changes may not be news to some businesses who have already begun taking precautions to support the health of their staff and community.
On March 15, Rhycycled Consignments in Hamilton announced in an online statement that it would be “closed until further notice,” sharing that “future appointments are postponed, all accounts are secure, all consigned items remain in the system and are not going anywhere, all pay-outs will still be made... We aren’t disappearing, we are simply hitting pause for the foreseeable future.”
Several businesses deciding to remain open have begun to adjust their business practices to the changing times.
On March 14, gelato shop, The Cremeria, in Clinton, began offering “sidewalk ordering” to reduce the amount of people congested in their shop. “Just wave or ring our doorbell, and we’ll come to you!,” the shop announced via Facebook. The Cremeria has since announced on March 16, in compliance with the governor’s orders, that all orders must be togo, whether ordered in the shop or via side-walk.
Just hours before the government mandate, Mad Tacos in Nelson shared that they were open, employing sanitary precautions, and offering take-out/delivery. They’ve since had to quickly change gears, announcing on Facebook,
“We all hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but it’s what needs to be done to help keep us all safe. We are closing up shop immediately and getting our crew together to discuss our plan of action. We will be reopening with new hours and delivery/take out.” Updates are expected to follow.
Some in the area have shared their concern for local businesses staying afloat during these uncertain times.
The Rye berry Bakery and Cafe in Hamilton announced March 13 in an online statement, “We know this pandemic and/or resulting events, including
Colgate closing, will be extremely hard on all local businesses and could result in businesses closing altogether. Please do not underestimate this.” The bakery and cafe assured customers of its preparedness to go to 100% take-out/delivery, which will now have to be its only option.
“This has become such an immediate crisis for us,” confessed Flour and Salt (F&S), bakery and cafe in Hamilton. The shop offered take-out and delivery before and will continue to offer it given the governor’s announcement, though they are used to serving a packed room full of students and locals in-house.
Further, F&S has extended a helping hand to local businesses in Madison County, sharing on Instagram, “If you are a small biz in the area and are looking to set up online ordering and delivery for your business, let us know if you want any backup or help!”
It has become the norm for businesses to be quick on their feet as they adjust to changes announced by officials, but not all businesses are designed with take-out/delivery in mind.
“We have taken an incredible hit,” said Charles Wilburn, owner and chef at the Poolville Country Store in Poolville. The restaurant is known for its fine dining experience, an experience that is arguably difficult to offer via take out.
Wilburn continued in his online announcement on March 15, “The Poolville Country Store will be producing meals by the quart, starting this Friday. If you need anything in particular, just call us. Pick up is available and if you can’t pick it up, we will bring it to you free of charge between noon and 3 p.m.”
Other businesses echo Wilburn’s sentiment of free, convenient delivery during this time.
Michael Latreille, chef and proprietor of Michaels Fine Food & Spirits in Waterville, the Hamilton Inn in Hamilton, and other affiliated catering services, announced in an online statement March 16 the ways the Michael’s family of restaurants and his catering team plan to perform until further notice.
Changes to the business include free delivery on orders
$25 or more and within a 20-mile radius of all locations, a new menu incorporating fan-favorites from both restaurants, and offering family dinner packages and tray orders for family or office needs, according to his online statement.
He added, “We will be operating exclusively out of our Hamilton Inn location. All takeout or tray orders will be available for pickup there.”
“As we all know, it is during times like these that we look to each other to help and support one another. In my 15 years of being in business, I know one thing is certain... I could not have made it this far without the support of every person that is reading these words right at this moment,” Latrielle shared.
The Oneida Indian Nation, which runs the Turning Stone, Yellow Brick Road Casino, and Point Place Casino, announced in a press release that effective 5 p.m. March 16, its three casinos will be closing.
“The well-being of our members, employees, guests, and community-atlarge remains our highest priority which is why we have decided to temporarily close all of our casinos
later today in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises. “In this unprecedented time, it is critical for businesses to step up and make decisions to support the health and well-being of [the] community.”
Additionally, the Oneida Indian Nation announced March 15 in a press release that full-time employees of its various enterprises will be receiving two additional weeks of coronavirus related paid time off, which can be used for “any coronavirus-related purpose,” such as:
• leave time to recover from contracting the coronavirus
• self-quarantine while employees are being tested for the coronavirus
• leave time to care for family members who have contracted the coronavirus
• leave time to care for children displaced due to the school closures resulting from the virus
• offsetting lost pay resulting from reduced working hours caused by decreased guest visits related to the coronavirus
To stay up to date on COVID-19, check the CDC’S website.