'We've got to play catch-up,' San Francisco retailers anxious to reopen Monday for curbside pickup
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- "It's the most important Monday in many years in San Francisco," said David Perry.
Perry, from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, says Monday will be big. It's the day many businesses and retailers get the green light to take down the plywood and partially re-open their doors to customers for phase two of reopening during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
"It's not perfect, but anything that gets our small businesses open and lets people know they are open is important," said Perry.
Starting Monday, many stores will offer curbside pickup.
Derek Nazzal owns Sofa Creations in San Francisco and San Rafael. Both stores will offer curbside delivery, one customer at a time will be allowed inside stores. He says his manufacturers will also resume production Monday.
"Obviously we're going to be cautious, employees wearing masks, customers wearing masks," Nazzal said.
The city was tweeting the new guidelines in four languages, but not every business will be allowed to unlock the doors.
RELATED: Santa Clara County the only Bay Area county not entering Phase 2 by next week
"We closed last Monday when I got a citation," said Fadi Berbery.
Berbery has owned Smoke Signals Newsstand on Polk Street for 25 years but police shut him down last week, saying his business was non-essential. Even though he's selling newspapers in six languages.
"When you sell 500 papers a week, many customers are upset when they don't have their papers," said Berbery.
"Many of us are trying to grapple with orders from our health officer," said San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin.
RELATED: When will the San Francisco Bay Area reopen? Track progress on 6 key metrics to reopening here
Peskin says there are mixed signals coming from the city's health department, he's fighting to allow Berbery's newsstand to reopen.
"Newspapers and books are food for the mind, food is essential and newspapers are essential," Peskin said.
Meantime, the SFMTA is offering businesses temporary loading zone permits, it's free just register online.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic hereRELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
- When will the San Francisco Bay Area reopen? Track progress on 6 key metrics to reopening here
- Life after COVID-19: Here's what restaurants, gyms will look like
- Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
- INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: How close was CA to becoming a NY-level crisis?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- How California's COVID-19 cases stack up against other hot spot states
- Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
- List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
- COVID-19Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Asian American community
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on African American community
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Latino community
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
- List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
- No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
- Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
