‘Muted’ start for Cape Cod businesses this summer

SANDWICH, Mass. — On a breezy Tuesday, most of the slips in the Sandwich Marina were filled except for the smaller boats, which are starting to come in as owners arrive in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend.

“I'm hoping we get as many people here as possible with that being said that everyone is staying safe,” said Samantha Parker, the assistant harbormaster.

For boaters using the marina, new restrictions are in place that include boats pulling into the slips bow first.

“Having everybody with the back of their boats away from the docks discourages [people] to stop and have a chat with their friends and increases distance between people,” Parker said.

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During a conference call, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Wendy Northcross said she expects a ‘muted’ start to the summer season. She is especially worried about restaurants who are not part of the Phase 1 reopening.

“We have to maximize every day,” Northcross said.

Officials are considering relaxing regulations and permitting to make it easier for restaurants to expand outdoor seating.

Bob Murphy owns Portside Tavern in Hyannis, which has operated with a skeleton crew for weeks. They just hired two more people but are unsure if it will be busy enough to warrant the hires.

Beaches are open, but some have parking-capacity restrictions. Beachgoers are asked to observe social distancing and wear face coverings, except in the water.

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