Belleville Mayor Michael Melham says that he applauds the effort small businesses in the town are taking to practice social distancing. But he says that he wanted to see even more done.

“I want to support local businesses. They’re struggling now and I want them to know the township supports them,” Melham says. “What we can do is come up with a list of enhanced social distancing procedures and protocols. We want to see that in action.”

Some of those procedures include having customers use credit cards over the phone instead of using cash when possible. Employees should also be encouraged to wear masks and gloves when feasible. And the mayor says that stories should wipe down “the touch points” every 15 minutes when someone comes into the business.

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Melham’s measures were laid out in a townwide teleconference on Thursday. Restaurant owner Frank Dauksis says that it is smart to get all the town’s businesses on the same page. He says that he had already started to implement some of these procedures on his own.

“We closed the doors and locked and wouldn’t let anyone inside. If you want to pick up food, you have to call us up and we’ll bring it out,” he says.

Belleville restaurants are being asked to keep customers outside. Stores can still operate, but are asked to limit the number of customers who come inside at one time.

Melham says that if everyone continues to use safe practices, first responders will also remain safe.

Belleville is also running an online and social media campaign called “Belleville Delicious.” They post local businesses that are open, what times and if they do pickup or delivery. It is updated daily.