BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - "It's outstanding, very welcome news." Reaction from Dave Schutte, owner of three local establishments, to the 70% vaccination rate among adults across New York State. The CDC announced the all-important metric Monday which will see most Covid restrictions lifted.
Social distancing, capacity restrictions and health screenings are now optional for businesses such as restaurants, retail, and offices.
Restrictions remain, however, for large-event venues, public schools, health care settings, nursing homes, public transit, homeless shelters, and jails.
"We haven't seen the exact guidance on larger events, which we're hoping for, but restaurants are pretty much back to normal," said Schutte who owns Britesmith Brewing and Creekview restaurant in Williamsville, along with Oliver's restaurant in Buffalo.
It means bands are welcome again, crowded bars, no more plexiglass dividers and people enjoying themselves again.
"We haven't heard anything from the state," said Schutte. "I get most everything from WBEN and the internet. I don't know if we'll actually receive anything in writing."
Schutte describes the return to normal for his staff and patrons as jubilation.
"Everybody's excited about it. They're seeing their friends again, enjoying some hospitality and not having to do take-out. And we're seeing smiling faces again now that masks are removed."
At least one area in each of Schutte's restaurants is being set aside for unvaccinated patrons who wish to be apart from other customers.
Going forward, he sees staffing as the biggest challenge. "Finding good staff, bartender, servers, line cooks, dishwashers, etc. We're probably in better shape than a lot of our friends who are struggling. It's a testament to our core team that has kept everybody together," Schutte added.
