Social distancing observed in town over the weekend

There was a time, a couple months back, when it was thought the spread of COVID-19 might be slowed by the arrival of warm weather.

Turns out, social distancing has had more of an impact than rising temperatures.

That was borne out in La Conner last weekend.

A dip in the thermometer on Saturday coupled with intermittent showers plus signage and related measures promoting social distancing led to conditions less likely to transmit the coronavirus, Mayor Ramon Hayes said Monday afternoon.

“It went very smooth,” Hayes told the Weekly News, when asked to grade the effectiveness of the latest round of social distancing here.

“There were no crowding issues,” he said.

That stands in stark contrast to a couple prior sunny weekends when Hayes, a First Street business owner, was uncomfortable with the level of folks congregating – in some cases, shoulder-to-shoulder – while enjoying a getaway to La Conner.

In response, Hayes and Town officials authorized signage at the roundabout entrance to La Conner that initially pushed for limited access – a “locals only” sign was briefly posted – before settling on a digital reader-board message reading six-foot social distancing required.

The Town Public Works Department has also outlined boxes spaced six feet apart in which customers stand while waiting to place orders at businesses allowed to remain open during the statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” initiative.

In addition, social distancing reminders have been placed on small barricade signs located around town.

Hayes said he has had to convince a couple of businesses of the merits of the signage and social distancing boxes as the coronavirus threat persists.

Public Works has had to replace the boxes at one business, he said. A barrier went missing on another occasion but was recovered soon after, according to Hayes.

He stressed to Council members last week that “98 per cent” of local businesses have readily complied with social distancing standards.

And last weekend, he said, no problems arose.

Less than stellar weather conditions might have contributed to reduced congestion in town, though Hayes isn’t sure.

“I can’t say,” he said, “but I’m sure grateful folks are taking measures to keep themselves and others safe while in town.”

Still, there are no plans to relax, Hayes said. A traditionally busy weekend in La Conner looms ahead.

“Mother’s Day,” he said, “may be different.”