EASTHAMPTON – Gov. Charlie Baker announced with Step Two of Phase Two of the commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan, starting June 22, restaurants can now offer indoor seating with certain restrictions.

While restaurants got the okay to open their dining rooms, some do not feel that they are ready to do so. Alex Hernandez, the manager at Antonio’s at 71 Main St., said their dinning area will remain closed until further notice. Hernandez said he thinks it is too early to open their doors especially with their small eating area. He believes that it is best for everyone, including the employees.

Dave Schrier, the owner of Daily Operation, located at 42 Cottage St., said the restaurant will continue to do curbside pick up and delivery. “We’re not going to open until there is a vaccine or equivalent treatment,” Schrier said. He feels that until it is safe and the virus is under control they will not be opening their doors to customers.

Schrier said an important aspect of the business is they receive their food from local sources which allows them to trace where the food is coming from, while bigger companies may not know who is handling the food.

To keep his employees safe, they are screened every shift. Extra precautions are taken with cleaning and sanitizing multiple times a day including the food stations. Whether they are bringing orders to peoples cars or homes, they are wearing gloves and masks.

Although the doors to Daily Operation will remain closed to customers, he understands the need for other restaurants to open theirs.

If you are looking for a place to dine in, Riff’s Joint, located inside Eastworks at 116 Pleasant St., has opened their doors for indoor seating.

One of the owners, Tammy Lyman, said they are practicing the governor’s guidelines. One customer from each party will have to sign in and provide their name and contact information just in case any cases are reported. There will be no more than six guests at a table, the tables will remain six feet apart, and no sliding or combining the tables or chairs.

Lyman stated that before each shift, employees go through a wellness check that includes asking for any COVID-19 symptoms and if they are comfortable working. The employees will wear masks and wash their hands after each customer interaction. Tables and chairs will be sanitized between each guest. To be sure that the table as been sanitized, they have signs on the back of the chairs that indicate whether or not that able has been cleaned, Lyman noted.

Lyman said that there will be no crowding in the restaurant and anyone waiting will have to wait in the hallway. Face masks and coverings must be worn by all guests 3 years old and older. Customers may remove their masks while sitting at their table, but they must put it back on whenever they get up whether that is to use the restroom, get beverages, or leave.

While everyone navigates the new normal, restaurants are weighing out their options. Continue to check with local restaurants to see their updated hours and dining options.