Flame

 Looks as if the Flame restaurant on East Walnut has sold. At least, there is a item to transfer the liquor license for the business to another owner on next Tuesday's LCC agenda 

SIUC Undecided

From what I am hearing, SIUC is still deciding how it will reopen in a couple of weeks. The Faculty and Graduate Student Unions are pushing for a remote opening, with all classes that can be moved online. The university had planned to open with as many seated as possible but now, given the rise in COVID-19 cases in Jackson County in the last few weeks, the BOD is getting a bit worried about bringing some 9000 college students into town and what that could due to infection rates.

Panera's Reopened

Panera's had shut down for a few days due to a staff member, I believe, testing positive for COVID-19 but has reopened. Seems a lot of that going around. I can see shutting down to test staff members for infection but the deep cleaning, from what I have read, seems not particularly useful, since the virus transmits through the air rather than from touching items that someone else has touched. 

In addition, most of the cleaning appears to focus on killing germs, using disinfectants and sanitizers, which do very little against a virus. Of course, someone with more medical expertise than I is certainly welcome to correct me.

Qin Guan Open

Looks as if Carbondale's remaining Chinese buffet restaurant has reopened although they may offer takeout only. The sign says they are open but on one side says "Takeout Only" so assume you get to go into the building, load up a take out box, and leave.

Spirit Halloween

Looks as if the Spirit Halloween store is opening up in the empty Macy's building. Far more room for them than in the long empty Office Depot store and certainly a more elegant location. Ceilings are not as high though.

Mary Lou's Reopening

According to the signs in the windows, Mary Lou's will open again on August 4th. This time for good? 

Dunkin' Donuts Closed

Apparently the coronavirus has hit Dunkin' Donuts as a sign on the door says they are closed until further notice. On the other hand, Staples has reopened and I am seeing a lot more people wearing masks in stores. Was at the Carbondale Farmer's Market yesterday and only saw one family wandering the stalls without one.