How Cordell’s Businesses Are Adapting To The Pandemic
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Lee Gregg’s office on Market Street in Cordell Bob Henline | The Cordell Beacon -
Gatlin’s Garage on Highway 152 Bob Henline | The Cordell Beacon
The COVID-19 pandemic is leaving its mark on communities throughout Oklahoma - and Cordell is certainly no exception.
School buildings have been ordered closed and instruction for the remainder of the school year has been transitioned to various “distance learning” platforms. Businesses not meeting the “essential” classification have also been forced to close. Restaurants and eateries have been ordered to limit their service to drivethrough, curbside, or delivery only.
But the effects go deeper. COVID-19 has impacted virtually every business in the Cordell community.
Local Farmers Insurance agent Lee Gregg said his office has experienced a noticeable slowdown in both foot traffic and phone calls. He’s reduced his staff hours and keeps only two people in the office at any given time to help minimize the chances of exposure. He is also restricting the number of customers allowed in the office to two at a time.
To continue providing services to his customers during the crisis, he has posted his office and cell phone numbers on the door. He and his staff are also willing to come outside to speak with customers curbside to address their needs or handle paperwork.
The changes and precautions are getting him through the crisis so far, but he’s keeping a wary eye on the future.
“We have less calls and foot traffic,” he said. “I feel we will feel more of a crunch a few weeks or months dow the road if the jobs and economy don’t recover.”
Phil Kliewer, local financial adviser and entrepreneur, is taking similar precautions. He’s closed his event center, AKA Stables, for the time being. His rental properties and Bed and Breakfast are still up and running, although with extra safety precautions in place to protect the health and safety of both his guests and staff.
Kliewer has closed his office to foot traffic, but he and his team are still working to take care of their clients’ needs. The pandemic has forced them to be a little more creative, but they’re relying on technology to keep in touch with their clients.
Kliewer encouraged Cordell residents to take extra precautions to help limit the spread of the virus. He’s looking ahead to the return of the “old normal.”
“This too, shall pass,” he said.
Brooke Gatlin, of Gatlin’s Garage, said they’re also taking extra precautions. They’ve rearranged their lobby seating to create acceptable distancing between any customers in the waiting area. She said they’ve also stepped up the cleaning and sanitizing, calling it a “constant effort” to maintain cleanliness.
Gatlin said they’ve also taken to picking up and delivering customers’ vehicles to help reduce physical interaction and the risks it poses. Their mechanics are also cleaning and sanitizing all the interior parts of the car with which they come into contact after completing the service.
Even with the new precautions, Gatlin said they’re seeing a downturn in business.
“We’re seeing an impact,” she said. “This is usually a busy time of year, but we’re seeing a slowdown. We’re staying afloat, but it’s having an impact.”