PORTLAND, Ore. — We’re getting more insight into the state’s plans to eventually reopen restaurants and businesses in Oregon.
The draft proposal was obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive and also shared with key business officials. Some of the possible guidelines include keeping six feet between tables, a limit of 10 people in a group, and a push for business owners to consider keeping a record of their customers’ information.
Cory Arashiro, co-owner of Wailua Shave Ice in downtown Portland, said her dessert shop has already been doing it. Since COVID-19 hit, like other restaurants and businesses, Wailua Shave Ice has had adapt.
“We've gone completely contactless, but [we’re] still trying to spread the aloha spirit,” she said.
Part of the online ordering process requires people put in contact information, like their name, phone number, and address. Arashiro said they’re collecting that information just in case someone gets sick with coronavirus.
“At least we have all those customers’ information, so I can notify every single one of them," she said.
Behind the idea is the concept of contact tracing. If someone contracts the virus, businesses can quickly find everyone that may have been exposed, and warn them to isolate themselves.
“It's very tedious. It takes a long time. But if something was to happen, I would feel horrible,” said Arashiro.
“It's a responsibility, I think, if you're feeding the public,” she said.
But not all business owners are on board with the idea of collecting information. For some, the request seems like government overreach.
“I think the virus is serious. I think it's a very serious problem we have currently. But I think our civil liberties are the most important thing,” said Chelly Bouferrache, owner of Colette Bakery and Bistro in Lebanon, Oregon.
Other business owners have echoed similar concerns.
Regardless of what ends up happening with the proposal, Wailua Shave Ice will continue collecting its customers' information, just in case.
“If this helps other people to feel safer, then why not?” Arashiro asked.
The draft proposal to eventually reopen businesses is just that: a draft. Things could change.