Life as it was in December of 2019 isn’t close to coming back.
What the “new normal” will look like is still unknown.
But a light at the end of the state of emergency tunnel is in sight.
On Friday, the Highlands Board of Commissioners hosted a called meeting online via Zoom. During that meeting, many of the local restrictions dealing with COVID-19 were changed in preparation of businesses in town reopening on May 8.
Falling in line with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s plan to enter “Phase one” of the state’s reopening plan, the Highlands town board heard from Macon County Emergency Services Manager Warren Cabe, who announced that the county’s COVID-19 restrictions are also going to be lifted as of 5 p.m. on May 8.
The Highlands board ultimately decided to take a similar step and revise the local state of emergency regulations, pending the state moving into phase one of reopening on May 8. Below is a summary of what was decided by the board.
• Restaurants can offer traditional take-out dining – Previously, restaurants were only able to stay open if they offered curbside takeout. Inside dining is still prohibited.
• The town’s tennis courts and the public restrooms can reopen on or before May 8. The Rec Center and playgrounds remain closed.
• Hotels and vacation rentals will be allowed to reopen, however the specific details of those businesses reopening have not been worked out. The board scheduled a follow-up meeting for Wednesday afternoon.
• The town will continue to recommend a 14-day self-quarantine for any second home owners or visitors coming from out of state.
While the lifting of restrictions and the subsequent reopening of retail businesses is certainly good news for both business owners and their customers, it does not mean that Highlands is back to being a free-for-all for everyone to go about doing as they please.
Common sense is critical as plans are put in place to allow more commercial activity and bring more people to town.
If you are in an at-risk population as it relates to COVID-19, protect yourself by continuing to social distance and avoid public places. If you feel that wearing a mask is necessary, wear one.
It’s up to each individual to decide what level of public contact he or she is comfortable with. Stay safe and make good decisions.