Main Line Businesses Prepare for Green Phase: What to Expect

MAIN LINE, PA — The Main Line is getting ready to enter the "green" phase of Gov. Tom Wolf's plan to reopen the state's economy. With many residents and visitors itching to get back to normal — rather the new normal — businesses are preparing to offer their services again, albeit with changes.

It's been more than three months of economic shutdown in Pennsylvania when Wolf made the call to close many "non-essential" businesses out of public health concerns over the coronavirus in mid March.

In the "green" phase, indoor dining and drinking, barbershops, gyms, and more are allowed to open.

Green phase does not mean business as usual, however, officials are quick to remind the public.

But the threat of the virus remains, and all businesses must continue to abide by the state Department of Health's guidance for operating in the COVID-19 disaster emergency.

So how are businesses around the Main Line planning to keep customers safe?

Devon Lanes in Devon is planning to open Monday, June 29 despite the "green" phase coming Friday.

Manager Roger Manzo told Patch over the last month the bowling alley has been getting many calls from antsy bowlers about when they will reopen.

Manzo said when they reopen Monday, bowling will be a "very different" experience.

The bowling alley will operate at 50 percent capacity, require all patrons to wear masks, and institute a heavy cleaning regimen.

Manzo said each lane area will be cleaned before and after use. Bowlers will also have to request balls, as they will not be out in the open for bowlers to grab, due to cleaning.

Additionally, all video games in the business will be off an unavailable to patrons.

Haircuts and more have been a hot topic amid the shutdown. Many people have been patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, waiting to get a trim.

Over in Ardmore, Salon True is planning to open back up on Friday as the region enters the green phase and has a stringent set of guidelines for clients.

According to the salon, clients will be sent via text a coronavirus screening form, as well as check-in text 15 minutes before their appointments. Clients will have to stay outside or in vehicles while they await their stylist.

Then after getting inside the salon, clients' will have their temperature taken, and those whose temperatures are over 100 will be asked to reschedule.

All clients will be required to wear masks. Those who don't have masks can purchase one in the salon for $1.

Salon True will not be offering blow-drying services and reading materials or magazines. Snacks and beverages will not be allowed in the salon.

Inside, clients will find acrylic dividers between each station, between each sink, and at the front desk, as well as hand sanitizer at work stations and the entrance.

All stylists will be wearing masks and scrubs throughout shifts, and goggles, glasses, or face shields will be worn during each shampoo service.

Employees will have their temperature taken before each shift. Those with temperatures over 100 will be advised to seek treatment and will be sent home.

Each work station and all tools will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.

Gyms and fitness centers have also been at the forefront of business discussions regarding the virus. One gym in New Jersey made headlines for repeatedly defying the state's order to be cosed.

In Villanova, Anytime Fitness is gearing up for the green phase in its own way.

Owner Chrissy Feinberg said the boutique gym has moved equipment around to keep patrons 6 feet from one another. She has also installed signs in the gym encouraging patrons to maintain social distancing.

She said while patrons won't be required to wear masks while inside the facility, they are encouraged. Feinberg did say, however, wearing masks on machines such as treadmills could lead to asphyxia and injuries to those using such machines.

If a mask mandate comes from Delaware County, Feinberg said Anytime Fitness will enforce mask usage.

Trainers and staff at Anytime will be wearing masks.

She said patrons will be urged to use hand sanitizer upon entry and exiting the gym.

All machines, weights, and other workout gear will be wiped down after use, as well.

Feinberg said her clients are health conscious and is confident they will adhere to guidelines aimed at keep the public healthy.

In Radnor Township, officials set up a tented "Picnic Grove" for the community to use while they dine and patronize businesses in the area.

The grove is located in the North Wayne Parking Lot and will remain open through July 10.

It is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and offers socially distanced seating for 100 people.

Our Way Forward: See more stories about Pennsylvania's coronavirus recovery