Businesses in Marshalltown are taking steps to reopen. While this may be an exciting time for businesses and potential customers alike, there are still many things to keep in mind.

Lynn Olberding, President and CEO of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, said business owners are making some difficult decisions right now.

“Businesses will re-open at a time and in a fashion that they feel best protects their employees and customers,” she said. “While some re-opened on the day allowed by the governor, some are choosing to alter their delivery methods for the time being. Each business owner is going to make decisions they feel are best for their business.”

On Wednesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that businesses will be allowed to reopen across Iowa, including the 22 counties previously excluded from the lifting of regulations. The phased-in approach will allow businesses to reopen at 50 percent capacity with social distancing measures in place.

Some businesses, however, will remain closed until at least May 27, such as bars, casinos, movie theaters, amusement parks, swimming pools and playgrounds.

T-R photo by Anna Shearer — La Carreta installed a portable sink in front of the restaurant to help keep staff and customers safe.

Olberding said many businesses are sharing their plans for staying safe during reopening, which may require or suggest customers wash their hands before entering, wear masks or maintain a distance of 6 feet between people. 

While the nation has seen some pushback to such requirements, it is for the safety of the community and should be observed by everyone.

Olberding asked for patrons to be respectful of the decisions businesses make during this time, as they are all doing their best to serve the community as safely as possible.

“We ask that patrons show patience to businesses as they re-open or change their operating policies. Many have had to significantly modify how they serve the public,” she said.

Having to deal with such an unprecedented situation is a challenge for everyone.

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. reopened May 8 with certain restrictions. Tyler Peters, owner of the store, said they are doing their best to go back to regular business while keeping employees and customers safe.

“We’re trying to be as normal as possible,” he said.

Peters said the store has to limit the number of customers to 10 or less for the time being, but that has not been a problem so far. They have had a steady stream of people since reopening but have not had large groups at any time.

Peters added that reopening has had a slow start.

“It’s not normal business yet,” he said.

Peters noted that they are still offering curbside pick-up for those who do not want to come in the store. He said that he understands that some people are more vulnerable to the virus and need to be more careful about contact with the public.

Tasha Schnathorst, owner of aSPArations Salon and Day Spa said the spa reopened Friday, and staff are working hard to serve clients.

According to her, there were more than 800 appointments that had to be canceled during the two months they were closed. Now staff are trying to reach out to as many clients as possible to reschedule.

Schnathorst said they are doing everything they can to take precautions, including spreading out staff as much as possible.

“We’re complying with all the ordinances we have to comply with,” she said.

It is imperative for the community to shop local if possible to support the hardworking business owners who have been affected by the pandemic.

“Our community will continue to need everyone’s support in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Please, as you are able, continue to support local businesses by dining-in, getting take-out, ordering items online, or shopping in stores, to whatever degree you feel comfortable,” Olberding said.

She also encouraged people to donate to nonprofits if they are able, as these organizations are also facing economic hardships.

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Contact Anna Shearer at ashearer@timesrepublican.com.