Patience Is Key for Local Businesses Getting Through Phase 2

As the community eases its way into Phase Two of Governor Roy Cooper’s plan to reopen the state, the president of the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro — Aaron Nelson — is asking everyone to remain patient in order to help the process run as smoothly as possible.

The majority of businesses are allowed to reopen under the rules for Phase Two, with a few notable exceptions such as movie theaters, gyms and bars that don’t make their own food. Some places, like Orange County, have taken the governor’s rules a step further by requiring that all employees wear masks as well.

In a recent interview with 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck, Nelson said what he’s seen so far is that many businesses are actually electing not to reopen until they have come up with a solid plan to keep both their employees and customers safe.

For now, the Chamber has been working with these organizations to make sure they are properly trained on all the safety precautions before they proceed any further.

“I’m impressed by how charitable they are, how much they invest in their community, how important it is for them to pay good wages—but also the way that they have handled this,” Nelson said, of the local businesses. “They have done it with patience and grace. They have not complained during an extraordinarily difficult process. And now that they are allowed to open, they are prioritizing the health of their employees. They’re often prioritizing that over their own economic success, and they are prioritizing the health of the customer.”

With these businesses expected to reopen after nearly three months of being closed or operating at a limited capacity, there is also plenty of added pressure to please the public.

People have been stuck in their homes for the same amount of time, all itching to get back out in the community and resume their favorite activities or eat at their favorite restaurants.

Keeping that in mind, Nelson stressed each member of the community has a role to play in the reopening process—one that could go a long way in helping businesses get back on their feet.

“We ask you that you wear a mask as well,” Nelson said. “We’re also asking folks to be patient. These restaurants are figuring things out and service may be a little slow. They are reopening after 10 weeks of being closed. I must say, I am quite disappointed with people’s behavior on the internet and how they are criticizing different restaurants and others. So, I ask everybody to show grace and patience. Please.”

For businesses struggling financially during this crisis, Nelson issued a reminder that there are still numerous resources available at the federal, state and local levels. The Chamber is willing to help business owners navigate their way through all of the different government loan programs to figure out the best one for each scenario.

In addition, it has set up a website to help businesses acquire any personal protection equipment they might need in order to meet safety guidelines. All of it has come as part of the greater effort to make sure businesses are fully ready to reopen before rushing to do so out of financial insecurities.

Until that time comes, said Nelson, patience remains the key for all involved.

“We know that Phase Two will last at least through June 26, but we know it could possibly last beyond that,” Nelson said. “I’ll ask the citizens of Orange County, the better we do at wearing masks, the better we do at following these rules, the more likely we will not have to return to a lockdown or shutdown phase in the future.”

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Patience Is Key for Local Businesses Getting Through Phase 2

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