RALEIGH, N.C. — After more than two years, North Carolina's COVID-19 State of Emergency came to an end Monday.
It not only means no more masks and social distancing, it also means a new chapter for many people, including business owners.
On Monday, Gov. Roy Cooper lifted the COVID-19 State of Emergency
On the same day, Raleigh kicked off its new social district
It allows people to drink open-container alcoholic drinks within certain boundaries downtown
Business owners are celebrating the move, as it looks a lot different than what they experienced during the pandemic
During the pandemic, many businesses weren't sure how they would survive. Many had to lay off staff, temporarily close or shut down completely.
Now as the restrictions lift, there are other positive things happening at the same time, like social districts in cities across our state. The newest of these is in Raleigh.
On Monday, dozens of people marched and cheered through downtown to celebrate the kick off of the social district called Sip N' Stroll. In the crowd was Crank Arm Brewing Company owner, Adam Eckhardt.
"This is pretty amazing," Eckhardt said. "The waves of COVID (and) omicron earlier this year was pretty scary. So having things outside, being able to do things like this is a pretty incredible thing.”"This is pretty amazing," Eckhardt said. "The waves of COVID (and) omicron earlier this year was pretty scary. So having things outside, being able to do things like this is a pretty incredible thing.”
The Sip N' Stroll allows people to drink beer, wine or cocktails as they walk through a defined area of downtown Raleigh.
The move is a major shift from what the industry was experiencing just 10 months ago.
In November 2021, Eckhardt had just installed permanent outdoor seating at his brewery. The build was essential to help customers safely gather while social distancing and also helped people realize the business was open.
“Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd," Eckhardt said last November. "When you’re spaced out and can have a little fun, it’s a nice relief from the everyday worries we’ve been having over the past two years.”
Masks and social distancing were still required last fall and largely people were nervous about getting together in large groups. Now fast forward to August 2022, restrictions are lifted and so are moods
"Well it’s a sigh of relief and hopeful for a rejuvenated downtown and a brighter future," Eckhardt said.
Masks are no longer required indoors, and people are getting back together. But Eckhardt says he is still approaching the end of the state of emergency with caution.
"If someone ever tries to hug me, it’s a side hug, you know knuckles (instead of handshakes), not sharing drinks, not being too terribly close," he said. "Regardless of whatever is happening or whatever they are saying ... I don’t think I will ever fly on a plane again without wearing a mask. Or be on a bus or in really tight quarters without being aware of the people around me, and what’s going on," Eckhardt said.
Even though the pandemic posed many risks and challenges for business owners like Eckhardt. He says Crank Arm Brewing Company is fully staffed, their sales are back where they were pre-pandemic, and they are about to open a second location.