SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Many area businesses reopened on Friday after being closed to in-store traffic for more than a month due to COVID-19 concerns. Under the Governor’s safer-at-home order, others such as restaurants, salons, and gyms must remain closed until at least May 15.
Laura Strickland, Executive Director of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, told SylacaugaNews.com that nearly 75 percent of all non-essential businesses are now open. “To our knowledge, there is no business that has closed permanently,” said Strickland.
Businesses are still not allowed to reach over a 50 percent capacity rate, and it may stay that way for some time, according to Strickland. Certain stores are making accommodations for senior citizens who may be hesitant to take any possible health risks.
The Governor’s order allowed many businesses in the state to reopen with more attention to social distancing and sanitation. Minimizing travel is encouraged, especially by people who are sick, and wearing a face mask or other face covering is encouraged when around people who don’t live in the same household.