Social distancing rules still in effect

Text by Ruth Melville
Photo by Andra Moss

While the state of Connecticut announced with some fanfare that state restrictions were being lifted on March 19, the change will not make much difference to local restaurants and businesses. Although capacity limits for restaurants, retail stores, libraries and houses of worship have been eased, the basic Covid protocols—especially the need to maintain six feet of social distance—make it difficult for small venues to take advantage of the new rules.

At least at first, residents won’t see much change around town. 

Ryan Craig, owner of the Berkshire Country Store in Norfolk and the Cafe in Canaan, is not overly optimistic. “I think that while the relaxed regulations may put the general public at ease, ultimately bringing more people out, having the six-feet social distancing in effect still doesn’t give businesses (without an unused banquet hall) much advantage due to the required spacing.”

Heidi Dinsmore, who owns Wood Creek Bar and Grill with her husband, Mike, agrees, saying that the March 19 announcement will not make any real change for them. “People have the wrong idea,” she says, “that it’s all back to normal, but we still need six feet of space. We still can’t open up the bar again.” And during the first weekend under the new rules, she found that she had to re-remind customers to wear their masks when not eating and to maintain social distance. 

Stefanie Gouey, at Station Place Café, is hoping to reopen in May, depending upon the situation with Covid and the weather. The café is too small to accommodate more than a couple of indoor diners, but once the weather is warmer, outdoor tables and take-out will be good options.

John Auclair, of Norbrook Farm Brewery, says that although they are theoretically permitted to operate at 100 percent capacity, in reality the need to space people and tables six feet apart cuts their capacity down to 50 percent. Last summer, thanks to a state Executive Order (EO), they were able to have a tent and picnic tables outside. Auclair thinks this EO expires in April, but he’s hoping that it will be extended. 

The situation is similar at other restaurants nearby. The Blackberry River Café in Canaan has no plans to reopen at present but will continue to offer take-out service at their Bistro location. Cantina 229, in New Marlborough, is also still closed, but their website says they are actively working to welcome customers back soon. 

Other kinds of public spaces in town are also hesitant to further open up now. Norfolk Library director Ann Havemeyer says she’s not making any changes yet. The library hasn’t held any in-house events since the pandemic started and is not planning any for the near future. Since late June, patrons have been able to enter the library to pick out books, as long as they observe standard Covid protocols. 

The Norfolk Hub is gearing up to welcome people back inside later in the spring, but the schedule is still being discussed. To get the latest news, Dawn Whalen, executive director of the Norfolk Foundation, advises checking the Hub’s website or contacting her directly.

Reopening houses of worship has been a priority for many, especially with the Easter festival coming up. The Church of Christ Congregational (UCC) has decided not to reopen for regular worship services until April 11, the Sunday after Easter. The chapel will be open on Good Friday, April 2, from noon until 3 p.m. for meditation. There will be an in-person sunrise service on Easter, but the Easter service will be virtual. Social distancing and masks will still be required at church services, and there will be no in-person singing.

On the other hand, even under the previous capacity restrictions, St. Martin of Tours parish was able to safely hold in-person services. This year the parish will celebrate Easter services at the Immaculate Conception Church in Norfolk, and all Covid guidelines will be followed, with reminders and signage throughout the church. Celebrations will be altered as necessary to comply with safety protocols (for example, no foot washing on Holy Thursday).

The upshot is that although any signs of life getting back to normal are welcome, the coming of warm weather may do more to get people out and about than the state’s recent lifting of capacity restrictions.