The spike in COVID-19 cases across California has been a cause for concern in many cities, Poway included. Prospective closures and business restrictions have created a sense of unease for businesses and citizens alike. We don’t want to fall backwards, but move forwards.
Thankfully, cities in San Diego are working hard to make progress. The City of Poway has been a great example of balancing COVID-19 safety precautions with reopening the local economy. Recently, Poway released a balanced budget without staff furloughs, layoffs, or loss of services. Moving forward, the City of Poway wants to keep citizens safe while helping businesses stay afloat.
Poway Mayor Steve Vaus has proposed a plan to expand outdoor seating options for small businesses. “When things get tough, you have to get creative,” said Vaus. “We had already cut red tape to allow outdoor dining. Providing picnic tables at no cost is just another simple way to help save businesses and jobs.”
Vaus’ proposal was approved unanimously by the Poway City Council, allowing tables to be delivered to restaurants around Poway who are restricted by new county health orders preventing indoor dining.
“When things get tough, you have to get creative." With indoor dining again suspended in San Diego County due to rising cases of COVID-19, the City of Poway quickly put into action an idea to help Poway restaurants: picnic tables. https://t.co/QQRXHWRIiF pic.twitter.com/qler7yvgVT
— City of Poway (@cityofpoway) July 8, 2020
“We want these people to be able to stay in business,” Vaus added in reference to Poway restaurants. “They are part of our family.”
Local businesses may not have the available funds to pay for resources that would help them adapt to ever-changing COVID-19 regulations, so this plan will help keep struggling businesses open during these difficult times. Poway officials have already gone above and beyond to help the community, and this new initiative will greatly assist local restaurants in staying open so that they can continue serving the community.
