It’s business as usual in Hudson – in the new kind of way it has been for more than five weeks since the confinement measures were ordered by the government.
Hudsonites, like a great percentage of the population throughout the province and the country, are adjusting to the new reality, trying to make the most of it.
The daily run at the grocery store has been reduced to one or maybe two trips per week in order to stock up enough food and cleaning products to last for the week. The staff is very vigilant with safety regulations which include asking each customer to wash hands before entering the store, disinfecting shopping carts and respecting social distancing measures by following the marks on the floor. Free delivery is offered to all customers over 70 years old or in quarantine.
Céline Pilon
Picking up prescriptions or any medication at the pharmacy has also been under a new protocol. Customers are asked to call ahead of time to have their prescription prepared in advance, pay by credit card if possible, and give an approximate time they will come by. Once there, they must wait outside of the pharmacy while an employee goes inside to pick up their order. As for customers over 70 years-old – or in quarantine – are also entitled to free delivery.
A number of local eateries – restaurants, cafés and caterers– are offering pick-up and delivery services.
“At first, we didn’t want to waste any food and using the leftover food to create meals was the logical thing to do, explained Jessika Ménard, chef and co-owner of Le Cozy Café. We’ve also been offering the option to buy meat, fruit and vegetable that I order from my suppliers.”
Hudson restaurants have been promoting their business by posting menus – à la carte – or ready-to-eat dishes on their Facebook page with occasional changes and updates.
“We used to serve up to 700 clients per week, she added. Because of the circumstances, and a less meals to prepared, we had to adjust our prices. We consider ourselves lucky because of the option of take-out and delivery, we will be able to re-open for business once the measures of confinement will be reduced or lifted.”
Daily routine at Manoir Cavagnal has also been on hold, while its 88 residents are staying confined in their apartment.
“For the most part, all are cooperating, even if they feel lonely and bored at times, as all social activities have been cancelled”, indicated manager Nicole Durand.
As spring is slowly setting in, Hudsonites of all ages are hoping for better days to come, not only figuratively but literally.
Céline Pilon
Special contributor
The four churches of Hudson – St. Thomas of Aquinas, shown here – have also been closed to the parishioners. PHOTO Céline Pilon
