More East Hawaii businesses reopened their doors Monday after more than two months of closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medium-risk businesses were allowed to reopen to the public after getting permission last week from Mayor Harry Kim and Gov. David Ige.
Indoor gathering places such as dine-in restaurants, private exercise facilities and gyms, personal services such as salons and tattoo parlors, and real estate services are some of the places allowed to reopen under the guidelines set by U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Lam’s Garden in Hilo opened for dine-in guests on Monday. The restaurant moved tables 6 feet apart and implemented two hand sanitizing stations.
Signs throughout the restaurant ask customers to keep masks on until they start to eat. Takeout is still available, as well.
“We had it easy because we have a big space and can move our tables around,” said Lam’s general manager Dan Doan. “We had to think about how we would handle masks, but the signs seem to work well.”
Several salons and barbershops opened for patrons in need of a haircut.
Aloha Haircuts had a line outside the building almost all day Monday. Three people are allowed to wait inside at a time while others waited outside to help ensure social distancing.
Hairdressers and customers wore masks during their haircuts and can easily sit 6 feet apart.
Spencer’s Health and Fitness Center is opening Wednesday, along with several businesses that plan to reopen later this week.
Swimming pools, community centers, bars, arcades and transient accommodations will remain closed until further notice.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com