How to support local businesses during COVID-19

This week, due to COVID-19 (or novel coronavirus), events have been canceled, sports have been paused, and many people are choosing to self-quarantine for the greater good. While we completely agree with all of the above, we can’t help but worry about businesses all over our city that are going to be feeling the fall out of the canceled events, self-quarantines, and the large drop in foot traffic.

So, how can we all help? Let's come together and make sure we keep supporting local!

Here are some easy ideas on how you can help keep your favorite local businesses during this time:

Buy gift cards to your favorite restaurants and shops

Buy buying gift cards you’ll help businesses with the income they need to get through this⁠ time and you'll be able to support them in the future when we've "flattened the curve" of COVID-19.

Order take out from your favorite restaurants

If you’re staying in but sick of cooking, order take out and delivery from your favorite restaurant!

If you follow local restaurants on social media or are a member of their email list, you may have already seen that many have shared messages regarding their cleaning protocols, including any enhanced cleaning measures they may be taking that go above the basic requirements mandated by their local health authority. Restaurants are being constantly cleaned and checked for cleanliness and many have stepped up and added additional preventative measures during this time, for example, some may be temporarily suspending the acceptance of personal cups or containers or moving self-serve stations for condiments behind the counter.

By supporting a local restaurant, you are helping a huge amount of people from the bartender to the waitstaff to the owner.

Shop online and get delivery from your local stores

Lots of grocery stores have been offering delivery for years and now is a good chance to try it! Many stores offer drive-up grocery service or delivery.

Tip generously

Restaurant workers are mostly part-time employers and often rely on tips. These employees are continuing to show up to work and don't have the luxury of working from home.

Support on social media and keep engaging

Keep sharing photos from your restaurant visits - current or past! Share posts about ways to help restaurants or exclusive promotions your favorite local eatery is doing. Comment and like the photos of your favorite pubs, cafés, and restaurants. Sign up for email updates from the restaurants. All of this digital support helps your local businesses and reminds others they’re still there.

Of course, if you’re out and about please make sure to follow all safety and health precautions by the CDC and WHO - wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often, limit physical contact with others, and if you are feeling ill stay home!

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html