Relief as dine-in set to return

Narrogin cafe owners are eager to return to dine-in service on Monday as WA regains some ground in the battle for normality against the COVID-19 pandemic. From May 18, WA eateries will be able to resume seated dining for up to 20 patrons in line with the Federal Government’s 4sqm rule. The relaxed restrictions come after Premier Mark McGowan on Sunday revealed plans to roll out phase two of WA’s road to recovery amid the coronavirus pandemic. Mr McGowan said phase two of the roadmap to open up the economy would include the restart of dine-in services at cafes, restaurants and pubs. For many business owners across Narrogin the good news brought a sense of relief. Cabana’s Coffee Lounge owner Brendon Dowdell said he was excited to get back to something closer to normal. “We’ve been waiting for this to happen. It was very emotional for all of us the first two weeks that cafes and restaurants had to close,” he said. Mr Dowdell’s cafe has been trading in Narrogin for 13 years. “Next Monday I’ll definitely be looking forward to seeing our older patrons again,” he said. “We’ve lost contact with our customers and there’s a few faces I haven’t seen in a while. “It’s taken us 13 years to build a relationship with some of our customers and it’s going to take a good year to get that back.” During the pandemic, Cabana’s has provided takeaway meals and expanded into delivery service to keep some money coming in. Narrogin Nursery, Cafe and Gallery co-owner Mike Brown said he too was looking forward to reopening the cafe. “I’m pretty keen to get going. I miss the staff, the clientele, the buzz,” he said. “It’s a fairly vibrant cafe, so when it’s not happening, you can really notice the difference.” The business has been operating with a skeleton staff in recent weeks but has been well supported through the nursery and gift shop. Mr Brown said the cafe would reopen on Monday. “To open up for 20 people we need four staff on board and it won’t be economical or profitable to do that but we will open on Monday and see how it goes from there,” he said. “All cafes are the same. It’s not just about the food and the coffee but it’s about the atmosphere, vibe and ambience and all the things that go with it. “You can’t put a dollar on that and without those things, you don’t have a cafe.” On the other side of town, the New Cornwall Hotel is preparing to welcome patrons. Hotel manager Manisha Barthakur said she was excited to see people come in for a sit down meal. “It’s awesome, but of course we will have to abide by the restrictions so we’ve set up some strategies including pre-booking with some people so we know how many people are sitting in — and giving 11/2-hour maximum slots just to make sure we are following all compliances of phase two,” she said. “I’m not expecting it to be too busy as it is a Monday, but I’m looking forward to celebrating a beautiful comeback from this pandemic,” Ms Barthakur said. “We are looking to have some live music in the newly refurbished Wintercourt Bar.” Mr McGowan said WA would be the first State to move to a 20-person gathering limit. “WA’s roadmap has been developed in conjunction with the framework set by National Cabinet and is based on the best of health advice for WA,” he said. “Cafes and restaurants will be able to reopen for dine-in service, limited to 20 patrons and with the 4sqm rule applied.” Minister for Health Roger Cook said social distancing must still be observed. “We don’t know when a vaccine will be available,” he said. “We must learn to live as safely as possible with COVID-19.”