The question is legit, and it’s on most minds.
The majority of the summer festival season at Heritage Port has been cancelled out of caution, as were the OVAC Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Classic, Little League and legion baseball and softball, races and walks, and schools have been shuttered for more than a month.
But here we are in West Virginia in the initial stage of re-opening with medical services and the testing of daycare employees. The magic number is 3 percent and that is based on the number of total testing and the amount of new positive cases, and if it remains below 3 percent, small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, professional services like nail and hair salons can open, church services and funerals with limited gatherings can resume, and outdoor dining can take place, too, at local restaurants.
In the city of Wheeling, that means establishments like Generations, The Metropolitan, Avenue Eats, Later Alligator, and Sarah’s on Main can welcome back staff for their patio or deck areas, and Mayor Glenn Elliott announced that relaxing rules for other restaurants to offer exterior service will be considered and those wishing to make the arrangements for temporary outdoor dining should fill out a one-page application for a Street & Right of Way Permit on the City’s website at https://www.wheelingwv.gov/departments/CityManager/street-right-of-way-permits. The Ohio County Health Department needs to be notified, too, in case additional inspections are necessary.
A Big But
But who will go? That’s the question many eatery owners are asking themselves. The people in the Upper Ohio Valley, for the most part, have followed the rules, and we’ve worn gloves and masks and otherwise have stayed at home. Sure, we’re eager for interaction, but is May 4 too soon?
I am positive some of our restaurants will give it a go while others decide not to offer vehicle exhaust as a condiment and instead continue curbside services. We are a lucky community to have so many entrepreneaurs battling for survival, and many local residents have reacted by patronizing them as much as they can afford.
But not all have and that’s because of the fear of the fight against COVID-19. The governors in Ohio and West Virginia have provided the ages of the victims on a daily basis and while most of those who have passed away have been above the age of 60, there have been folks in their 50s and as young as their mid-20s who have lost their lives, too. Plus, survivors of the coronavirus have offered details of their respective struggles, and the statistics and those stories might prove enough to keep clientele at home even longer.
Their Decisions and Our Decisions
The “curve” has flattened and has begun its descent, the fatality rate has slowed, and it is encouraging that the steps to re-opening have been defined. The fact, though, that COVID-19 has not been eradicated by medications or a vaccine may slow some to peering into the “new normal.” Those with allergies and sinus issues at this time of year may choose to remain sheltering in place simply because they don’t want stared at following an innocent sneeze.
We’re an uptight people right now, and that is why we’ve seen arguments over face coverings in our stores, and why those governors and the president continue to offer daily briefings. Initially, those broadcasts were to warn us, and now they have evolved into calming sessions.
But are they working? Are you unconcerned about infection because of the actions of others? Or is social distancing something you will retain post pandemic?
But, at this point, we’ve cooked everything; we’ve played every board game we own several times; Netflix is great, but damn; and replays of Super Bowls and Game 7’s have been reflective, but it’s really no fun when you know how it ends!
A beer at a bar watching a ballgame? Paradise for some while others may sleep out in front of T.J. Maxx at The Highlands the night before the re-opening. We love our families, but we miss our friends, so a tough balance it shall be once a festival is possible again.
Be well.
