CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Beginning on Thursday, restaurants are permitted to reopen in West Virginia with 50 percent capacity inside and required measures in place to try to limit coronavirus spread.
In Kanawha County, The Olive Tree Cafe and Catering has remained open with pickups and deliveries throughout the coronavirus pandemic followed by outdoor dining additions last week.
For indoor dining, Michael Jarrouj, the restaurant owner, said they planned to use space that was previously utilized for catering which is not in demand right now.
“We have a massive banquet room right next door, so we’ve cleared that out completely,” he told MetroNews.
“That’s going to enable us to put a lot more tables and chairs and have the — seatback to seatback — six-foot clearance that is required and allow for as much social distancing that is possible in an indoor facility.”
Not all restaurants have reopening plans at this point.
The guidelines for restaurants were available HERE.
In the guidelines, use of disposable plates, utensils and menus was encouraged. Buffets were prohibited and employee health screenings for symptoms of COVID-19 were mandated.
“Everybody has to do what works best for them,” said Jarrouj.
It was March 17 when Governor Jim Justice first ordered restaurant shutdowns expect for carryout and delivery along with closures of bars and casinos.
Allowances for bar reopenings at 50 percent capacity take effect on Tuesday, May 26.
Casinos are tentatively scheduled to reopen on June 5.
Overall, “People have really, really been supportive. I think a lot of people have rallied around the small business owner, the small restaurant, and have really given us a good bit of business,” Jarrouj said.