Area business are taking a cautious approach -- and keeping their doors open -- as folks begin to deal with new realities bought on by the novel Coronavirus.

Sticks and Stones, Witherbee’s, Trail Break at Schroon Lake and Paradox Brewery are among area restaurants and bars publicly announcing they have halved their seating capacities and implementing increased cleaning,

Sticks published the above notice on their Facebook Page. Below is the notice in the Paradox Brewery Tasting Room in North Hudson, where tables have been spread out to comply with social distancing or density control.

Screen Shot 2020-03-15 at 12.39.09 PM.png

And we have just learned there will be a special Town Board Meeting on Monday, March 16 at 10am to discuss emergency plans, according to an announcement on the Town’s website.

Anecdotally there seems to be an uptick in some businesses, suggesting more second homeowners might be taking refugee here. Northwood’s Baking Company had a big rush on Saturday and sold out of their baked goods early. Lisa Hess Marks suggests calling ahead if there is something in particular you want. There was a brisk business most of Saturday at Paradox Brewery.

Sue Palisano, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce told us Sunday that “Schroon is open for business.”

“I think people and local businesses are being smart about what they are doing. Here at the Chamber we are cleaning and have Purell,” Sue said.

“The Essex County Supervisor did the right thing last week calling a State of Emergency to enable the county to respond to protect the health and safety of residents.”

Unlike other jurisdictions, panic buying is yet to be seen locally, although toilet paper and hand sanitizer are in short supply.

At Tops supermarket there have been limits placed on the purchase of certain items, including bread and eggs (limited 2 packs). Those limits apply to hand sanitizer and toilet paper (when in stock).

At the Dollar General their next shipment of toilet paper is expected on Wednesday. Late Saturday night they had paper towels in stock.

Local eateries are making modifications to protect their customers.

From Witherbee’s Carriage House:

“We have decided to temporarily suspend use of our Salad Bar, and include a side salad or cup of soup with all entrees. As always, you are welcome to order take-out, and we will be offering a “family style” dinner option. We will be happy to deliver your order to your car if you prefer. It has been our policy to close in April and November for Annual maintenance, so we will see how things go. If the situation warrants, we may extend our spring break.

Trail Break at Schroon Lake is offering all of their favorites for pickup and are offering a delivery service within a 5-mile radius (on a cases by case basis) during this time. (518) 532-9040

Flanagan’s Pub and Restaurant are promoting their St. Patrick’s Day celebration Tuesday with a special menu. See more in our Food and Drink section, by clicking here.

Got news to share with the community? post it in our comments section.