SEATTLE — The slow reopening is good for small businesses that have struggled during this pandemic.
Some business owners are still bitter that they're only now being allowed to reopen their doors.
Surf shop Wild Rose's, like most small businesses in the state, has been closed during this pandemic.
"Ah, pretty awful," said owner Leighann Davis, when asked how things have been going. "It's hard paying rent with nothing, zero, coming in."
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Davis stood in the doorway of the West Seattle business she has owned for 25 years. She said it has been hard to watch a behemoth like Boeing be allowed to restart, while small businesses are only now being granted curbside deliveries.
"Yes, ma'am," said Davis. "I think if it's safe enough for Boeing, it's safe enough for us, with masks and all the rest."
Based on the governor's "phased" approach, that won't happen for another month or so for Davis. But golf courses, car washes, and some other businesses will reopen Tuesday.
Business was pretty brisk at Emerald Water Anglers, a fly fishing store in West Seattle as fishers are being allowed back on the water.
Owner Dave McCoy said the re-opening was good for the fishing business. But he worried that cabin fever would put pressure on the few lakes and rivers that are open at this time of the year.
"So you're opening fishing to a larger than normal quantity of potential anglers, with a lot fewer places to disperse them to," said McCoy.
There will still be some restrictions on fishing.
For instance, boat launches in Seattle will not be opening. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said they will be patrolling the waters., and that they are counting on everyone to “do the right thing” for their own safety and that of the community.
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