Handel's reopens seven Valley locations, coronavirus precautions promised

People who have been missing their chocolate pecan, butter pecan or another favorite ice cream while sheltering-in during the virus crisis may be happy to know that Handel’s has reopened seven of its locations in the Valley.

Included on the list of re-opened Handel’s include Austintown, South Avenue in Boardman, Creekside in Boardman, Liberty, Niles, Poland, and Hermitage. The original Handels on Youngstown’s South Side and the Columbiana location are still listed as closed.

They are among the 33 stores in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and seven other states that have reopened.  Handels closed locations in late March as a precaution to halt the spread of coronavirus.

According to a notice posted by Handel’s CEO Rich Matherne on handelsicecream.com, the chain has developed operating procedures using CDC guidance for increased handwashing, disinfectant, and cleaning procedures, while maintaining social distancing and limiting person-to-person contact.

Matherne says locations may temporarily offer modified service options - including limited hours of operation, limited flavors and items, order and pay in advance only (by phone or online, where available), credit/debit payment only, or pick-up only.

Although some stores still offer window service, some have curbside or drive-thru delivery. Some Handel’s will place orders into the trunk of customer’s cars.

Workers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms have been told to stay home from work according to a list of precautions posted online.

In addition, employees are advised to wash their hands every 30 minutes and maintain a six-foot distance between other workers and customers “whenever possible”.