As of May 15, 2020, Allegheny county moved to the Yellow Phase. But what exactly does this mean for our Franklin West Residence and Shadyside neighbors?
There will be some changes under this new designation, but it is still important to take the same precautions as before to maintain the health and safety of yourself, as well as others. While people keep each others’ best interests in mind, it is up to each of us to help ensure the success of this new phase.
As residents of Franklin West apartments, we want to keep you informed of some of the changes you may be likely to see since Allegheny county has moved into this Yellow Phase.
When walking through Shadyside, have you noticed posters on business doors or windows outlining do and don’t guidelines relating to COVID-19? As we return to normality with shopping either for groceries or retail, you can expect businesses to address whether you need to
– stay at least six feet away from other people
– wear a mask
– use credit cards and apps instead of cash
– respect the limits of how many people are allowed inside at one time
– wash your hands frequently with soap and water
– use hand sanitizer with 70%+ alcohol
– stay home if you are feeling sick
These precautionary measures are likely already familiar to you, but it is important to know they still apply in the Yellow Phase of Pennsylvania’s reopening. Remember, these asks aren’t meant to hinder your daily activities but to keep you and your family safe.
Shopping
At this point, only retail stores with outside entrances will be open for in-person business. This includes many businesses operating in Shadyside as well as open-air malls found elsewhere. Enclosed spaces, like indoor shopping malls, will remain closed for shoppers for the time being since they pose a greater risk for the spread of COVID-19.
Ready to go shopping? Discover which local businesses around our Shadyside neighborhood are opening their doors and when:
– Shadyside Nursery will re-open to the public on Friday, May 22nd.
– Footloose Shadyside is open by appointment on Sundays-Tuesdays, and 11 am – 5 pm on Wednesdays – Saturdays.
– Henne Jewelers opened on May 15th to the public
– Caesar’s Designs is currently open on Tuesday through Saturday by appointment from 12 pm to 4 pm
– Weisshouse is back and opened the doors to the showroom.
– Rex Glass and Mirror is open by appointment only with Shadyside’s showroom.
– Penhollows re-opened with regular hours of 12 – 4 pm on Sunday and Monday, plus, 11 am to 5 pm on Tuesday – Saturday.
– Feathers will allow 2 customers inside at a time as well as enforcing wearing masks during normal hours between 10 am to 4 pm. Appointments are welcome!
– Glassworks & Cheeks opened with regular hours on May 15th and ask customers to wear a mask.
– Pursuits Boutique is currently open by appointment only.
– Dina Ellen is opening with limited hours on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and strongly encourages making a private appointment.
– Roberta Weissburg Leathers is currently open by appointment only.
– The Dress Circle opened by appointment only but will be available everyday between 9:30 and 3:30.
– Scribe is reopening with normal hours.
– Eons Fashion is limiting 5 customers at a time asking shoppers to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer before entering. Open every day from 12 pm to 5 pm.
– E.B. Pepper has opened and asks that all customers wear a mask and practice social distancing.
– Ten Toes is opening with adjusted weekly hours and allowing 2 customers in at a time. Wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer will be mandatory.
– The Picket Fence is open with regular hours.
Please, keep in mind this list and details can change and does not reflect all information. Be patient with local businesses as they are working to keep you safe and offer the very best service!
Dining
For your dining needs, countless restaurants around our community work diligently to fulfill orders. In this stage of the Yellow Phase, dine-in is still suspended, and it’s uncertain when dine-in restrictions will be loosened.
For now, there are tons of options for delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. Hours of operation may have changed on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis, so refer to the respective restaurant’s website, or call for updated hours.
Let’s continue supporting local eateries by ordering food to-go, and limits the potential risk to staff and other customers.
Outdoors & Gatherings
Make a point to enjoy the outdoors when possible; just remember to practice social distancing, and wear a mask if you’re around others.
If regular walks, bike rides, or running are part of your routine, then it is okay to maintain these routines while being careful to avoid crowded areas. Large gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited. While events such as weddings and funerals are okay, the maximum number of guests can not exceed 25.
Ensuring the health and safety of residents is the primary goal of Franklin West and its staff. It’s exciting to see our county moving into a less restrictive phase, and it’s worth keeping in mind, this was only possible due to the compliance of individuals throughout the state.
In order to see more restrictions lifted going forward, we must continue to be diligent in our efforts to closely follow guidelines and curb the spread of COVID-19.
All of these changes reflect measures outlined on pa.gov. If you feel ill or have been exposed to someone who is confirmed or suspected to be infected with COVID-19, then please follow CDC guidelines as outlined here and isolate yourself from others if you have not done so already.
