Businesses feel bite of COVID-19

Closed doors or reduced operations follow health warnings

Many businesses across the County have been forced to close or to curtail their operations in the wake of health recommendations to slow the spread of the COVID-19 disease. The hospitality industry has been particularly hard hit, with room bookings being cancelled and restaurants either closing or offering takeout orders only. Steve Purtelle and Jenny Leigh own the Acoustic Grill in Picton and had hoped to continue offering a takeout menu after the Ontario government ordered all dine-in restaurants to close. It soon became evident that it was not feasible to remain open. “The only way to make it viable was with shortened hours, and it wouldn’t be fair to our employees, because there wouldn’t be enough hours to go around,” said Mr. Purtelle. “We decided to close completely, and laid off all 20 of our staff, so they could apply for EI. It was shocking, it all happened so fast.” On the final day the restaurant was open, Mr. Purtelle and Ms. Leigh decided that instead of discarding or trying to freeze all the remaining food they had, they would cook whatever meals they could and give it out to the community. “The last thing I want to do, especially in times of need, is to throw anything out. We bagged up all of our produce and gave it away. And then we made takeout meals until all the food was gone,” he said. Despite the uncertain times that he and his family now face, Mr. Purtelle is trying to remain positive. “We’re all in this together. Everybody needs to be safe and to keep talking to each other. It’s hard not to get down, but just try to be positive and we’ll get through this together.”

Penny Morris, of Penny’s Pantry, now offers a call-in service to her customers.

Penny Morris of Penny’s Pantry has had to change how she does business in her bulk food store just off Main Street in Picton. She now handles all of the food herself, packaging items for her customers, and she follows strict sanitation protocols. She only allows one person or family in the store at any given time, and she maintains the recommended physical distance, as well as sanitizing countertops and door handles between customers. She is also accepting email or phone orders, and will leave the completed package at the door for the customer to pick up. “It’s increased the work for me, but I wanted to not have to close my doors,” she said. “It was super busy earlier in the week, when people were stocking up more. The last couple of days I’ve noticed a calmness, and I have fewer customers. People are very grateful, I feel, that I am open and taking precautions, disinfectant- wise. There isn’t the same one-on-one contact, and I miss it, but I’m sure everybody does.”

At Wellington Home Hardware, Evan Nash and his team have expanded their role in the community. “I want to keep my doors open. If I can get products that people want and need, that’s a good thing,” he said. “We’re trying to be conscientious about keeping people apart [physical distancing] and keeping sanitized. We’re a community here, and we’re all trying to move along together and look after each other.” The store is being used as a drop-off point for donations to the StoreHouse foodbank, as is Foodland and Midtown Brewing. But recently it has also become a focal point for the Wellington emergency help line.

Mr. Nash had already started organizing members of his staff to do deliveries and pickups when he was approached by Barry Davidson who was looking at a more extensive scope. Mr. Davidson created an email account and co-opted the Wellington United Church telephone line to provide a service for any County resident to call upon if they needed help. This could be anything from deliveries of food and groceries to people who are shut-ins or who are self-isolating after returning from outside the country, or for someone who needs one or two items from the hardware store and would otherwise drive there. “If you need help, just call and we’ll make sure someone gets back to you,” said Mr. Nash. “My original list for pick-ups and drop-offs had volunteers in Waupoos, South Bay, Ameliasburgh, Picton and the Demorestville area, so there are people all over willing to do this. The more we can consolidate our efforts, the easier and safer it is. We’re here to help. You don’t need to come out, just stay in your house. If there’s something that you want, just call and we’ll deliver it or make sure someone picks it up for you. It’s not a burden. Everybody is in this together, and we all want to help.” Mr. Nash also encourages residents to reach out to people who may not be getting the latest news or who may not be on social media, just to check in on them and to let them know there are people ready and willing to offer help.

The emergency line is 613.399.3708, and the email is wellingtonhelpline@gmail.com.