Local resident and business reactions to the novel Coronavirus shutdowns are mixed. Most reflect a somber tone, while others are stronger, both pro and con.
One Chadds Ford Township resident who requested anonymity, said Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to shut down “non-life-sustaining businesses” is just wrong.
"This is a terrible mistake,” the resident said. “People are going to go out of business, not be able to pay their bills. The cure is worse than the disease. It also reeks of martial law.”
Yet, former Chadds Ford resident Pat Wells, who now lives in Concord Township, said some of the actions are necessary and that she is optimistic.
“We have to do what we need to do to stay safe. I’m confident in President Trump and all the biology labs will come up with a vaccine or medicine that will ameliorate the problem,” Wells said.
Local businesses that can stay open, are, but that business has slowed. Leaders’ Sunoco in Chadds Ford Village is a case in point.
Dan Leader said that gasoline sales are down by at least half and there are no repair appointments on the books for this coming week.
“People are putting it off, they’re playing it safe. But I want them to know we’re here, especially for emergencies. We want to help make sure they can drive to the supermarket or doctors’ offices,” Leader said.
He added that there has been a run on racing fuel. It’s ethanol-free and can be stored for up to two-and-a-half years, he said, while normal gasoline can only be stored in a can for about six months.
He also has mixed reactions to the governmental response.
“It’s important for people to follow the authorities. I agree with the precautions. But I’m more concerned about the reaction than the virus itself.”
Banks, too, have had to make changes. Lisa Dort, the manager of the BMT in Chadds Ford, said the lobby is now closed to the public. Deposits and withdrawals need to be done at the drive-through window and new accounts can be made online. If people need to get into the bank building for other reasons, they need to call to make an appointment.
Other banks are doing the same.
Joe Lafferty, president of the Chadds Ford Business Association, said he and the association's board members are in agreement that the health and safety of the community are the most important thing at this point, and support the decisions that have been made.
"We should recognize the requests of our leaders and government. Together we can get through this. Unity is the key," he said.
Lafferty also gave a big thank's to the life-sustaining businesses that are staying open: "Thank you for your service and dedication," he said.
Supermarkets are staying open and two store managers, Jared Fedor at Wegmans and Brian Seifred of the Giant at Marlborough Square in East Marlborough Township say business is good and store morale is high even with shorter hours.
The Giant is now open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. instead of midnight, and that first hour is reserved for shoppers who are at least 60 years old.
Wegmans, which had been running a 24-hour operation, is now open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Random shoppers outside the markets all said pretty much the same thing but spoke quietly about the reaction to forced closures.
“I gotta keep on living,” said one. “You can’t just sit in your house.”
“All measures are necessary at this point,” said another. “If not now, you won’t have a business.”
Another said, “It’s very serious. I’m fortunate to work from home but it’s bad for hourly workers who might get laid off.”
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
(8 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...
Comments