BATAVIA, NY (WKBW) — Three of Western New York’s eight counties were allowed to ease some of the pandemic restrictions under the state’s phase one.
Orleans, Wyoming and Genesee counties are now allowing a limited number of businesses to reopen.
Not everything in Batavia is reopened, however, phase one is allowing manufactures to reopen.
“It’s not like a night and day — it’s more as we are going down this path, remarked Jim Krencik, director of marketing and communications, Genesee County Economic Development Center.
Krenick said some manufacturers, that have had limited work forces since mid-March, are now ramping up.
“We’re getting to a point where we are ramping up and that's going to help us as we go to phase two, three and four,” Krencik.
Phase one also means the return to retail, but it is limited to curbside pick up or limited in-store pick up.
The owner of Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles in Batavia said he’s already experiencing an up tick in business under phase one.
John Roche said has phone hasn’t stopped ringing. “What’s different for us, now we will be able to have curbside pickup,” Roche said.
During the initial shutdown, he was only allowed to conduct bike repairs through pick up and delivery, but his store was closed.
Now as the weather is improving and phase one changes his business status, many are seeking bike repairs, and Roche is ready to reopen.
“The season is now for us,” Roche remarked.
Roche is taking precautions, with Plexiglas, sanitizers and face masks, but he said he is still worried about the virus spreading.
“My biggest fear is it's gonna — it's just gonna return with vengeance, I hope not,” Roche stated.
Phase one also means construction can restart.
In nearby Corfu, Charles Kohorst, owner of Kohorst Custom Homes is thrilled Genesee County is allowing him to return to work.
“Very thankful because we're able to get up and do some work where we haven't been able to do work,” Kohorst declared.
“Have you had a flood of calls?” asked Buckley. “Yes, actually today we've gotten probably ten phone calls,” responded Kohorst.
Kohorst was able to send his five employees back out to start on roofing, additions and even new home building. But he says he will follow all the protocols to keep his customers safe.
