As questions about how quarantine will end in Austin and surrounding communities arise, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has begun discussing a possible prolonged reentry process. The first stage of the process was put into effect on Friday, April 24, in the form of a new policy which allows “non-essential” businesses to restart operations via curbside retail.

“I do think it is a good idea to open retail curbside so that retail workers can go back to work,” junior Alyssa Shumaker said. “I would possibly buy from a local business if they bring the items to my car, but I do not anticipate needing anything enough to risk it.”

As an owner of a local business called C’est Chic, Jeanne Cooper is now able to resume business operations under the new policy. 

“We opened in October 2009 and have never had an online presence until now,” Cooper said.  “When the shelter-in-place order was issued, we knew we needed to make changes in order to keep our shop open until the pandemic was over.  We quickly developed a website and encouraged our customers to shop there.”

While Cooper is prohibited from allowing customers in her storefront, she has maintained sales by offering free local delivery and free shipping to all of her customers.

“One of our best-sellers during the shelter-in-place has been the Pink Picasso paint-by-numbers kit,” Cooper said. “It is a great project to do while quarantined.”

Although Cooper has been able to continue business operations, she has been unable to provide work for her employees. 

“My daughter and I have been making the local deliveries so there is really nothing for my employees to do,” Cooper said. “[Our employees] are just sheltering in place with their families.”

While Cooper has had difficulty running a “non-essential” business during the COVID-19 crisis, she expressed that she is grateful for the community support she has received. 

“Our customers have supported us by shopping on the website and through our Instagram Live promotion,” Cooper said. “We had our first one on Thursday, April 23. It was hosted by two customers who are local realtors, and it was very successful. They promoted some of their favorite products which could be purchased on the website. We will have another one for Mother’s Day.”

As for now, “non-essential” businesses can resume operations in the form of curbside sales and delivery; however, the Stay Home-Work Safe ordinance is still active in the Travis County Area until May 8, meaning local businesses cannot open their doors to customers yet. 

“Thank you for supporting us and shopping local,” Cooper said. “We cannot wait to reopen and see you soon.”

When “non-essential” businesses begin their curbside retail, Shumaker stated that she would be interested in buying products from Target, especially now that she would not have to go in the store.

“I feel like the stay at home order, though not ideal is necessary and people need to follow the rules and not have contact with friends,” Shumaker said. “Of course I would like quarantine to last less time, but only if it is actually safe to end.”

During a public announcement, Governor Abbott explained that further reopening policies would be created to fit the needs of specific counties and regions instead of general statewide policies.

“We are looking at counties where there have been [almost] zero cases, or just a low number of cases […] and these would be mostly rural counties. They may be able to have an expanded version of being able to open up,” Abbott said on public radio. “On the flip side of that, there are some counties where the outbreak is still progressing too rapidly, and they may not be able to fully participate in the initial phase of reopening until they get the spread of the coronavirus in their county under control.”