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Following the announcement of the new health order, many local restaurants and businesses made service changes. From cutting hours to staff, businesses are doing what they can to fight the side effects the virus is having on the economy.

“We went to a simple menu so it is easy and fast to make,” said Larry Murphy, owner of Camp 31 BBQ.

“People have been very understanding,” he added. Cutting hours and staff, the restaurant now serves to go orders only.

“We are doing to go orders, there are no restrictions from people coming in. They are allowed to order and wait inside.”

With much experience in the industry, Murphy says that this is the strangest situation he has ever witnessed.

“I am not sure what will happen. I have never in 40 years of retail business seen something that has shut me down like this,” said Murphy.

On the other side, Murphy said he does still have a large inventory. “We just have to prepare and do this one day at a time,” said Murphy.

The restaurant is offering family dinner specials and is thankful to the public. “Our public has been very responsive and cooperative to help us out,” said Murphy.

Along with Camp 31 BBQ, many other local restaurants, fast food chains, and retail businesses are making changes to combat the coronavirus.

Locally all fastfood chains are drive thru only.

David’s Catfish has changed its services. Announcing Tues., the restaurant is only curbside.

The restaurant reported, “In an effort to protect our guests and employees, we have made the decision to move our operations to drive-thru & curbside service only.

This decision foreshadowed the state’s decision on to limit the actions statewide with the new health order. According to the Alabama Department of Pubich Health, gatherings of 25 persons or more where a six-foot distance cannot be maintained should be canceled. Additionally, any restaurant, bar, brewery or Category 3 food service establishment shall not permit on-premises consumption of food or drink.

Emphasizing the need to stay home and away from others, ADPH Dr. Scott Harris said, “It is time for Alabamians to hunker down.”

Walmart  of Brewton has also adjusted hours to 7 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Cato’s in Brewton has closed until April 2, 2020.

Other retail have adjusted hours to limit the amount of people in stores.