Contra Costa County businesses see mixed results as COVID restrictions ease

Whether a business is operating now or opening in the coming weeks, the same minimum guidelines apply: maintain social distancing protocols, require face coverings by staff and customers alike and have hand sanitizer available.

As Contra Costa County inches into Phase 2, health officer Dr. Chris Farnitano offered those reminders in a live broadcast on the department’s Facebook page on May 27.

“The virus does not operate on a fixed schedule,” said Farnitano, noting that the county is following the slow but sure approach and “not going necessarily as fast as the state.”

Two weeks is the closest he would offer as a timetable for when any additional big changes could be announced.

As of May 28, the list of business types not permitted is steadily declining. Still banned are bars and nightclubs, pet groomers, entertainment venue group gatherings, gyms and fitness studios, and salons and spas. Find a complete list at coronavirus.cchealth.org/.

Sectors where partial reopening is allowed include restaurants, retail stores, child care, gun shops and summer camp.

No matter the size of the business, front door signage stating masks are required for entry is now commonplace. Limiting the number of people in a store as necessary and placing 6-foot markers on the floors near the checkout area are also the new normal.

Clayton-based R&M Pool, Patio & Garden is fully back open and proud to say its bills and employee have all been paid. The shop was something of a trendsetter, using curbside service before it became the rage for small retailers in this COVID-19 era.

Along with phone orders, R&M owner Nicole Hackett said customers sent photos of things they wanted, like pots, and she would shop for them. Then they would come by the parking lot later to pick up their purchases.

But for every success story, there are businesses that suffered losses even while staying open. The day care at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clayton could only serve children of essential workers until recently. Though it once again can accept all children without restrictions, the business has yet to enjoy a resurgence.

Parents are hesitant, said director Shonece Barney, who noted business is off as much as 75 percent from pre-COVID-19 levels.

Despite taking all the precautions and measures to ensure a safe environment, including reducing class sizes, she said confusion prevails.

“They want their normal back, but it’s hard to give them reassurance,” Barney said.