BOZEMAN — Earlier this week, the Gallatin City-County Health Department ordered restaurants to close dining services and operate as take-out and delivery through March 24th.
But a vote by the Health Department’s board has extended the restrictions in efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
The Gallatin City-County Health Board voted to extend current restrictions on bars, brew pubs and restaurants until April 3rd.
Before voting, they heard from the public.
“Today we did $229 dollars in sales. Who am I going to pay?” said Kevin Caracciolo, owner of the Cateye Cafe in Bozeman.
Caracciolo acknowledged concerns of keeping dining services open in restaurants in the midst of a public health pandemic.
But expressed his concern for his business and the livelihood of his employees.
“It’s gonna be tough for the staff. We’ve told them, 'hey, we’re going to be closed for a week,' that’s what we said. Fine, now till April 3rd, single moms, people who live on tips,” said Caracciolo at the emergency meeting on Wednesday.
The Board of Health expressed their understanding, but said extending the closure was part of a national effort to flatten the curve.
Restaurants and bars across the country have started lay workers and cut hours as a result of the precautionary measures taken to address the spread of the coronavirus.
The Department of Labor reported a rise in unemployment claims just this week.
“About 10:30 in the morning I tried to get on the unemployment site,” said Kevin Caracciolo’s daughter, Kelsey, who works at the Cateye Cafe.
“It’s definitely frustrating especially cause we’re in the restaurant business and we all want to get on there as soon as we can. I”m sure it was mass inundation with everyone.”
The Cateye Cafe is one of many restaurants in downtown Bozeman that are already feeling the effects of the imposed restrictions on business.
The Bacchus Pub says they’re doing their best to help look out for employees during the difficult time.
“The situation right now is we’re referring people to sign up for unemployment as it is right now. To make sure that they get that process going,” said Chris Unger, general manager of the Bacchus Pub.
In the meantime, restaurants in the community will continue to offer take out and delivery, and do their best to keep their spirits up.
“I think that everybody is just kinda digesting the gravity of the situation that we’re going through.”
