Looking down Main Street in Clarion, signs of life are visible, and not just from blossoming cherry trees. After over a month and a half of coronavirus related closures, traffic is trickling back into Clarion businesses. Whereas a month ago, there was barely a car to be seen on Main, this week, things have picked up as the governor has relaxed some closings since the beginning of the month.
The first notable date was May 1 when restaurants, fitness centers, retail stores, and libraries were able to open back up, and worship service could be held, with adherence to strict social distancing guidelines and capacity limits. On May 8, another group of businesses were allowed to reopen including dentists, drive-in movie theaters, campgrounds and tanning facilities.
Despite having the ability to open up, some businesses still elected to stay closed, noting that they didn’t feel ready. The Clarion Public Library was one such establishment. Library Director Linda Lloyd explained they are following guidance from the State Library and other organizations. She is not quite sure when they will reopen but adds that library patrons can still call in for book pickups. They also have grab and go book options outside which even included a Mother’s Day craft last week that kids could make.
Most Clarion churches also decided not to resume services that first weekend. Some of them cited guidance made by Interfaith Alliance of Iowa who had recommended in a letter that churches to refrain from in-person services for now.
Still, a few Clarion churches have opened their doors back up. Included in these was the First United Methodist Church where Pastor Mike Gudka said they welcomed 33 people for services on Sunday, May 7. He added that the decision to reconvene was made by the church council. “Our position was that we let people pray about coming as they feel comfortable.” Gudka said worshippers were good at spacing apart within the church and masks and gloves were available.
Spacing was also important at the Clarion Fitness Center as they opened back up last Monday. State rules allowed them to reopen at 50% capacity with increased spacing to maintain social distancing. Consequently, machines have been moved throughout the building to allow six feet in between them. Acting Fitness Center Director Cole Lindaman quipped, “We’re just lucky everything had wheels.” He said that they have seen a few small groups working out but reaching their capacity limit has not been a concern. Lindaman adds that both staff and members have been diligent about cleaning with people spraying down their machines and deep cleaning happening after each shift.
Likely the group of businesses who faced the most rules for reopening was restaurants. Various Clarion establishments still pushed forward and welcomed customers to dine-in. However, the restaurants consulted all reported that it has been slow going as far as in-house dining goes.
At Grounded, owner Maggie Solis said during that first week they averaged about five tables per day and that carry-out and delivery remained their bigger sales point. She noted that with the courthouse closed, a lot of the traffic in town is just down. In the meantime, they do lots of cleaning.
The owners of Fuel and Chappy’s agreed that they see people slowly making their way back in to dine. Neither has been seen excessive in-house traffic yet. Curt and Kammy Nelson of Fuel said they have been managing the reopening by taking reservations to control traffic. They hope to utilize their outdoor patio when the weather gets nicer to offer more space to spread out.
At Chappy’s, owner Nick Barrett said they’re doing what they can to deal with the new normal. “It certainly has produced some challenges and logistical issues,” he says. Indeed, since both Chappy’s and Fuel have bars and serve alcohol, they face the added trick of negotiating who can consume alcohol and when. Currently, people must be dining to order alcohol, which curtails the business of someone sitting at the bar area entirely unless they’re eating.
All the businesses consulted agreed that it will probably be a while for things to approach business as usual. Barrett said, “Right now, business isn’t even close to what normal was two months ago, and I suspect it will be awhile.” The Nelsons added that maybe what we’re seeing now will just end up being the new normal for a while to come.
Yet, despite all that has happened, Clarion business owners understand the need for people to ease back into going out and about. Solis stressed, “People are being cautious, and that’s reasonable. We want to make sure people feel comfortable coming in when they’re ready.”
