bkibler@altoonamirror.com
The Wolf administration’s announcement Tuesday that coronavirus “mitigations” — except for masking — will end Memorial Day prompted satisfaction and optimism, as well as surprise and a bit of caution from local stakeholders.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Mike Luciano, owner of Mike’s Court, who has been seeing more customers lately, especially older ones who’ve been vaccinated and are feeling a new confidence.
“People are ready to socialize,” Luciano said. “They feel a little freer.”
“Any step toward life before the pandemic is a good thing,” said Matt Stuckey, president of Stuckey Automotive, speaking not so much on behalf of his own business, which COVID-19 restrictions haven’t impinged upon too badly since the summer, but for others they’ve damaged severely. He was driving past Peoples Natural Gas Field as he spoke. “I think that stadium will be full soon,” he said.