The news of the statewide freeze/shutdown by Gov. Kate Brown last Friday was expected with the dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases in various regions of the state.

We had done our best to convince the governor’s office that shutting down communities like Seaside where there have been low infection rates would only penalize businesses that were just now beginning to recover from the earlier shutdown this past spring.

The impact on Seaside, like the rest of the state will mostly impact any businesses where people congregate (restaurants, bars, community centers, the Civic and Convention Center, fitness centers and the pool) to mention just a few. Grocery stores will be limited to 75% capacity. Also, houses of worship are limited to a maximum of 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.

City Council meetings scheduled for Nov. 23 and possibly Dec. 9 will be virtual meetings. The most challenging one is family gatherings limited to those from the immediate family/household.

For those communities on the North Coast this is a two-week freeze starting Wednesday. We are hoping and praying that we will see a statewide reduction in cases at the close of this period that will result in the lifting of the shutdown.

In the meantime I urge all of us to continue to patronize local businesses, wear your mask, wash your hands regularly and observe social distancing. Also, remember that most of the food outlets will be providing takeout service

Let’s keep them all busy during the next two weeks.

Mayor Jay Barber

Seaside