On Thursday afternoon, Governor Tom Wolf levied another round of COVID-19 restrictions against restaurants, gyms, retail and more, seeking to rein in the current coronavirus surge that has caused an exponential growth in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths across the commonwealth.
Those restrictions took effect on Saturday at 12:01 a.m., and included the prohibition of indoor dining and added new occupancy limits. However, anyone in the North Penn area seeking to dine-in for breakfast didn’t need to look far, as multiple restaurants and go-to favorites decided to act in defiance of the new restrictions and instead remain open.
Local businesses in West Main Diner, Koffee Korner and Tiger’s Family Restaurant — among others — have continued their indoor dining operations, and they haven’t been secretive or bashful about it, either.
“With the recent restrictions announced by the governor yesterday, we have made the decision to stay open for dine-in as well as carry out and curbside pickup,” said Wayne and Dolores Sharp, owners of West Main Diner, via a public statement posted to Facebook on Friday.
The Sharp’s said they will continue to follow CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of the guests, and they added that they appreciate their customers for their support.
Likewise, Tiger’s Family Restaurant in Hatfield Township announced on Friday they would also remain open for indoor dining while following CDC guidelines, adding that they could not financially survive another round of restrictions.
“We promise to be cautious and rigorous with our cleaning and mask-wearing,” said the Kloufetos Family, owners of the restaurant, via Facebook. “However, we will not survive another shutdown without the governor paying our bills.”
Reaction to the posts on social media have been wildly mixed, with some stating they wished to support those businesses in their times of struggle, while others criticized their defiance and voiced that those actions contribute to a worsening pandemic.
For Koffee Korner owner Yanni Lambros, however, staying open is simply a matter of survival.
“Many small businesses have done the right thing since the beginning. Many of us closed at our own expense to help stop the virus. Many donated or found ways to help lift community spirits during a bad time,” said Lambros. “We have sacrificed a lot, with little to no government help.”
Lambros’ last point is a recurring theme among the business owners who spoke to North Penn Now for this article. Unlike the spring shutdown, which provided assistance by way of additional federal unemployment compensation and the Paycheck Protection Program as part of the CARES Act, this new round of restrictions offers nothing to help business owners or their staff.
In fact, pandemic unemployment assistance is set to expire by month’s end, as will the federal eviction protections. And though Pennsylvania had $1.3 billion in remaining CARES funds entering November, legislators used that money to balance the state’s budget instead of providing assistance to ailing industries.
“We are not trying to move mountains. We are not negating the severity of this pandemic,” said Kate McAllister, co-owner of McAllister Brewing Co., who also announced they will remain open for indoor drinking and dining. “We are merely trying to survive ourselves.”
As of Friday afternoon, the North Penn area had seen 1,532 cases and 13 deaths over the past 30 days, as the state and county continues to post record or near-record increases in new cases each day. At Elm Terrace Gardens, an outbreak of 43 cases and 7 deaths among their residents warranted assistance from 20 soldiers from the National Guard, and Abington Lansdale Hospital was at 81% occupancy last week – of which 25% of the beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients.
Not Just the Restaurants and Bars
Last week’s announcement of new targeted restrictions also brought to an end organized sports, a prohibition on school extracurricular activities and the prohibition of indoor activities at gyms and fitness centers.
For Carlee Myers, who moved her gym to West Main Street towards the end of 2019, the restrictions were another gut punch to a business owner trying to find her footing in the borough.
“Small businesses cannot afford to go through this again,” said Myers. “At least in my industry, "two weeks" turned into 17 weeks. Don't they say they insanity is repeating the same action and expecting different results? That's all this is.”
Myers said that she will reluctantly abide by the restrictions for the time being as she figures out her next steps.
“When is health and wellness going to be popularized as a defense against disease?” Myers asked rhetorically. “I will continue to preach that exercise is medicine. If proper precautions are being taken, businesses deserve to operate.”
See also:
Wolf Announces New Restaurant, Retail And Sports Restrictions Amidst Surge In Coronavirus Cases
Panico’s Continues Public Fight Against COVID-19 Restrictions, Remains Defiant Of LCB Orders
Pennsylvania To Shutdown On-Premise Alcohol Consumption On Thanksgiving Eve
Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf Vetoes COVID-19 Liability Protections Bill
Health Secretary Levine Announces New Statewide Restrictions Amidst Surge In COVID-19 Cases
