As the May Long Weekend came and went, local businesses are getting back into the swing of things under the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 14 the province relaxed some restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Mike Yavis of Yavis Family Restaurant has reopened for dine-in service at the restaurant, lounge, and patio, and is happy to see the many local familiar faces back, as well as staff.
“It is certainly the biggest challenge I have been through in 40 years of business,” said Yavis.
He says they are working under new restrictions which includes meticulous sanitation and even small overlooked things such as having salt and pepper shakers on the table are no longer a common practice.
“It is good to have customers back and to see all the regulars. Definitely, people are nervous, and it is not nearly as busy as before or as would it would be at this time of year, especially on the long weekend,” he said. “There are lots of rules and we are sticking by them and hopefully, things change in the near future and get back to normal, but I think this is going to be here most of the summer.”
He said over the long weekend he did see some out of town visitors who were happy to be served.
The long weekend was good for local campgrounds, as well as visitors wanting to get away from the COVID -19 restrictions.
Tommy Park of the Hoodoo RV Resort and Campground said the campground was full and visitors were appreciative. It too is working under new protocols, which includes closing common areas such as washrooms and showers. There is also no tenting.
“The visitors knew all the rules and what they could do, so there were no complaints,” said Park.