Restaurant owners and Delaware County officials are looking for solutions following a Thursday afternoon announcement from Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf that indoor dining and alcohol sales would be banned for three weeks in an ongoing effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, writes Kenny Cooper for whyy.org.

There wasn’t much enthusiasm about winter outdoor dining. 

“Take one step outside and you’ll see how realistic that is for the next two months,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer.

Places like Charlotte’s Restaurant in Newtown Square will need anything it can get to survive, said General Manager James Costalas.

Previously, it tapped into grants from the county’s Delco Strong initiative, funded primarily with federal CARES funds.

The program has helped more than 1,400 businesses and 100 nonprofits.

With the latest restrictions, many business owners hope more assistance will be available.

 “I do anticipate that there will be further financial support coming from the county for our businesses,” Schaefer said.

Everyone’s looking to the federal government as a source for that financial support.

Schaefer offered  high praise for the creativity shown by small businesses to survive up to this point.

Read more about reaction to the latest COVID-19 restrictions at whyy.org.