Milford merchants prepare to open for business

As the State of Delaware enters into phase 1 reopening, Milford merchants have taken precautions to open safely.

Downtown Milford Inc., City of Milford, business owners, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford, Rep. Brian Shupe, R-Milford, and community stakeholders have been meeting virtually to discuss the challenges and concerns COVID-19 has posed for downtown businesses. As a result, they have thoughtfully and efficiently developed a toolkit to help businesses and consumers feel confident supporting downtown. As of June 1, Milford is open for business.

In an effort to help combat PPE shortages, the coalition has partnered with local organizations First State Manufacturing, University of Delaware and Dogfish Head to help supply materials for toolkits to include masks, sanitizer, cleaning products and tape to mark spacing guidance. Kits will be distributed among the businesses downtown. The Delaware Division of Public Health has issued a 10-item COVID-19 Customer Protection Standards checklist for businesses. Those in compliance will receive a door/window decal so visitors can feel confident supporting downtown Milford.

Small businesses need community members’ support now more than ever. They ask people to be patient, kind and compassionate. Some businesses have been closed for months or have been open with modified practices. It will take time to get back to a sense of normalcy.

All visitors are asked to follow guidelines for face coverings, hand washing, social distancing and other guidelines provided by the State of Delaware and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The past couple of months has been trying for all of us, but we have weathered the storm and are looking at brighter days ahead,” said City Manager Mark Whitfield. “Many Milfordians are anxious to get back to normal, even if it is a bit limited. We are all in this together!”

For business updates, go to downtownmilford.org/covid-19-resources/.