So … now what? With the governor’s latest announcements to re-open many more businesses and activities, we now face the task of figuring out just how to do that.

In the long weeks that have passed since our economy was shuttered, we probably all indulged in the fantasy that the virus would pass and we could flip over the open sign and everything would be back to normal. We all know that is not the case.

Now what … indeed.

Last week, we heard from many of our members, representing most every industry sector, through a series of Business Re-Opening Roundtable calls. As you can imagine, different industries face their own unique challenges and we will be working to further engage conversation around those common groups. But several overarching themes surfaced in each call, providing the Chamber with an enhanced ear-to-the-ground to develop more support and resources.

One of the messages we heard loud and clear is that business owners want to get this right. Keeping their workers and customers safe tops the list of concerns. And I have to brag on the clever solutions they have created — QR codes to eliminate the reuse of restaurant menus, tons of training, rearranging physical layouts, installation of environmental safety barriers and more.

But there is much ambiguity in the standards that have been laid forth that leaves the business owner on their own. Just yesterday, the governor’s top health experts stressed the importance of wearing a mask, yet his orders stop short of requiring customers to do so.

As we return to supporting our local businesses — and we NEED to — I hope we can all exercise greater personal responsibility and patience. If a business asks for us to mask-up, we should respect the commitment they are making to their employees and customers.

For years, we have respected “no shoes, no shirt, no service” without question. They are not making a political statement — they are trying to restore their livelihood, serve valued customers and navigate their way out of a place where no map exists.

Business owners are also trying hard to stay balanced on the capacity tightrope they are walking. While all are grateful for the opportunity to begin generating revenues, their business model isn’t designed to survive at 50%. Not to mention, how to even figure out what constitutes 50% and how to manage customer flow. With a three-day weekend approaching, some fear demand could outpace capacity.

Workforce concerns also played heavily in our group conversations. Gillespie County is experiencing historic unemployment with additional lay-offs just announced last week.

Some businesses have been able to maintain their employee count, especially those who qualified for Paycheck Protection Loans. However, the rules around loan timing forced many business owners to use those funds before they were allowed to reopen, which limits their ability to leverage the resource. Businesses also report workers who question the safety of returning as well as workers wanting to remain on unemployment, which has been increased by $600 per month.

In the weeks and months to come, the Chamber will be working with businesses and community partners to help people get back to work safely. We are continuing to listen to our members’ needs to guide a strategy moving forward.

Again, I ask our residents to do two very important things.

One, spend your money locally. Our businesses want and deserve our support, which will help them rehire workers and support our tax base.

Two, please be patient. Everyone’s life has been upended and it’s easy to let our emotions lead our actions. Businesses have a lot to figure out without much guidance. Let’s help them in every way we can.

McBride is the president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce.