Hobby Lobby reopens in Bend with social distancing measures in place

Governor's office says businesses must show they can adhere to social distancing guidelines before reopening

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Hobby Lobby has been reopening stores across the country, and on Friday that included its location in the Bend River Promenade on Third Street.

In other states where stay at home orders are also in place, Hobby Lobby argued it's an essential business because it sells supplies to make your own mask.

The office of Gov. Kate Brown told NewsChannel 21 Friday that Oregon does not necessarily go by the essential versus non-essential designation.

Instead, Liz Merah, Gov. Brown’s press secretary, said Oregon looks at whether or not a business “can enact social distancing measures for employees and can implement a take-out model of service for customers. If businesses cannot fulfill these criteria, they need to remain closed."

An example of what a social distancing measure looks like can be found in paragraph six of Gov. Brown’s executive order No. 20-12. It states a retailer must stay closed “unless the business designates an employee or officer to establish, implement, and enforce social distancing policies, consistent with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.”

Hobby Lobby has not responded to requests for comment Friday, but customers in Bend said the retailer is taking measures to ensure people's safety.

Elizabeth Guerin said, “There’s lots of signage around, and there’s a lot of marks by the register of where you’re to stand.”

Ayva Pernela added, “Yeah, there were screens (at the register) and they had tape where you could stand and where you’re too close.”

If you're still confused about whether or not a business can stay open or must close, there's a quiz you can take on Gov. Brown’s website.

NewsChannel 21 took the three-question quiz, answering as if we were Hobby Lobby, and according to the quiz, we can continue operating.

It does encourage businesses to “move to a to-go, take-out, or curbside pick-up model to continue operations,” and NewsChannel 21 could not confirm Friday whether or not Hobby Lobby has such a model in place.

Meanwhile, similar stores in Bend, like Michael's Craft Fabrics and Joann's Fabric and Crafts, do have those options for customers. Joann's also limiting the number of customers in the store at a time.

Hobby lobby does have exclusive shopping times for seniors only between 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Gov. Brown’s order states any retail businesses that do not meet the social distancing guidelines will be shut down until they can prove compliance.