More businesses have opened their doors as phase two of the state’s Reopen Alaska Responsibly plan took effect last Friday, but others are still closed to customers.

Retail stores, swimming pools, restaurants and other non-essential businesses were allowed to open to 50 percent capacity. Personal care services were allowed to serve up to 20 customers, or 50 percent capacity with reservations only. Fitness centers, bars, libraries and museums were also allowed to open to 50 percent capacity.

There were about a dozen patrons in the Fogcutter Monday afternoon. Terry Pardee and Nick Kokotovitch were having a drink at the bar. Kokotovich said Friday was the first time he’s seen friends since the state mandates began in late March.

“I live alone,” Kokotovich said. “It gets real lonely when you can’t go and visit.”

The Haines Brewing Company also opened on Monday. They have green tape on the floor to mark six-feet distances.

“We haven’t brewed since mid-March,” owner Paul Wheeler said. “This is the first time in 20 years that our refrigeration system that keeps our beer cold has been shut off.”

Churches are also allowed to hold services. Sherry Nason hasn’t been to church since March when mandates first went into effect. She doesn’t own a computer and couldn’t attend virtual services at Haines Presbyterian Church. She uses the library to access the internet, but the library is closed.

She attended an outdoor service for the first time on Sunday. “I brought a chair from home and it was really nice. Fortunately, the breeze was stiff enough to keep me from being overheated,” Nason said. “I’m not a big sun worshipper.”

Pioneer Bar and Bamboo Room owner Christy Tengs Fowler said she will wait one to two weeks, to see if COVID-19 case counts increase, before making a decision to open.

“These are gut-wrenching decisions,” Tengs Fowler said. “There are so many factors. We have to consider the health of our employees and customers in a business which is defined by socializing. Then, there is our economy, which was already hurt by limited ferry service and is now gasping with no summer events or cruise ships and restricted Canadian travel.”

The restaurant will continue to offer takeout services, she said.

Nothing is changing in the business practices of Laura Rogers owner of the Magpie Gallery.

“The store is closed to the public but open online,” Rogers said. “I am not rushing to open because, if I do, I will be exposing myself more to the virus should it finally make it to Haines, and that isn’t something I feel comfortable with for anybody’s sake, and especially as the only parent in the house.”

The Haines Borough Public Library and pool remain closed.

As things open back up, Haines Health Center medical director Lylith Widmer urged continued caution.

“It is strongly recommended that everyone in the Haines community wear cloth face masks or face coverings, wash their hands frequently, keep a physical distance of at least six feet in all interactions with those not in their household, and stay home as much as possible,” Widmer said.

She credited the 14-day quarantine practice as why there are still no current cases of COVID-19 in Haines.