Flamborough business owners are taking life one day at a time after the province declared a state of emergency, ordering the closure of select businesses in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Many shops in the heart of Waterdown, including restaurants, have posted notices advising customers that they’ve suspended their operations — for now.

Prudy Allison, owner of Pippa and Prue said while it’s unfortunate that she has to close, she is more worried about the health and safety of the community and her customers.

“It’s too bad because this spring is so wonderful,” said the Dundas Street East fashion boutique retail store owner. “But you know what, we can all buy a new dress when it’s all over.”

With staff returning from vacation and, in some cases, needing to self-isolate after travelling abroad, Allison originally considered cutting down the store’s hours. When the state of emergency was declared March 17, she decided it was better for all involved to close.

“I’m not a paramedic, I’m not a pharmacy, I’m not anything like that, I don’t need to be open,” she said.

While the duration of the closure remains to be seen, Allison is hopeful people heed the advise of public health officials and stay home so “we can curb this thing.”

“Maybe by May or even by the end of April we can all come back to relative normalcy — maybe,” she said, adding, or “maybe we never will.”

Executive director of the Waterdown Business Improvement Area (BIA) Susan Pennie said small business owners are doing their best to adapt to the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape.

“It’s sort of changing day by day,” she said. “Our local entrepreneurs are following the changing information stream, they’re communicating with each other, with their industry specific associations.”

For the time being, it’s business as usual at Leylands Fine British Foods.

“We’re a grocery store,” said co-owner Sheryl Wellings, and as such can still remain in operation.

In a Facebook post, the business said it is maintaining regular business hours and encouraging customers to make use of the hand sanitizer located immediately adjacent to the door. Shoppers are also encouraged to consider contactless payment options such as debit of credit.

Shuttering the business for any length of time could have devastating impacts on the independent shop.

“Obviously we’re a little store and if we have to close for any length of time basically, we won’t open again, simple as that,” said Wellings.

Inside the store, Wellings said cleanliness is of utmost importance. They are keeping surfaces clean and sanitized, including door knobs, and urging people who are feeling unwell to please stay home.

“Should you be within Waterdown, Dundas area and would like us to deliver to you please call the store and we can discuss this, especially our older customers,” reads a post on the business’s Facebook page.

After the Review broke the news that a Waterdown TD Bank employee tested positive for COVID-19, the community is on edge. It’s a challenging time, acknowledged Pennie.

“I think that everybody is riding an emotional roller-coaster right now,” said the BIA’s executive director.

Communication has been key to keeping everyone apprised to what is happening locally and Pennie said that this has helped foster some creativity and innovation among business owners as they look to an uncertain future.

“Businesses are adopting a great new sanitation protocol, they’ve enhanced their own social distancing practices, they’re discovering new ways of connecting with their customers,” said Pennie.

With several confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton and a growing rate of positive cases across the province, Wellings is concerned.

“The last thing you want to do is jeopardize somebody else’s health or your own health but at the end of the day, people need groceries,” she said.

Businesses may be struggling in these uncertain and unprecedented times. But there are ways for the community to help, like purchasing gift cards and ordering gifts, said Pennie.

Other ways to support local businesses and entrepreneurs, include maintaining payments on some of the services you would receive on a regular basis.

The struggle is real for many, who are grappling with how to protect their shops, staff, family and customers.

At the end of the day, “Keep sharing the love,” urged Pennie.

Emotional support will go a long way to those impacted financially and others who find themselves in self-isolation or quarantine. Consider writing a positive review and comments on the social media sites of local small businesses, said Pennie.

“I know it’s making a world of difference for them.”