COVID-19 has gone on long enough: long enough for Eagle County to have received approval from the state to have some restrictions lifted, long enough for a sustained decrease in confirmed cases, long enough for hospitals to come out of crisis mode, and long enough that we can all emerge from our homes following new social distancing guidelines. It has also gone on long enough that some businesses will be permitted to reopen. The question remains, however, whether the stay-at-home order has gone on long enough to be a fatal detriment to some of our local businesses. Let’s not answer that question just yet!
If you haven’t been enlightened by this announcement yet, you can find a list of Eagle County businesses both permitted to reopen and still closed for business by visiting Vail Valley Partnership’s COVID-19 website at www.COVID19businessresources.com. This site will continue to be updated with incoming information from trusted sources like our county, other regional organizations, and our businesses. You can share your own business’s status about whether you are open, closed, or have special restrictions in place here: https://forms.gle/np9PTsPMDX1CvK6Y7.
As a community, we must now task ourselves with helping to bring our local businesses back to life. With tourists and visitors from in- and out-of-state still restricted from traveling to Eagle County, leaving this task to weekenders and vacationers who normally sustain much of our economy won’t work this time. This does not require an in-person visit to businesses. Many businesses have opportunities for customers to support them remotely,
- Gain a Little, Give a Little. Whether you take a virtual tour of the Colorado Snowsports Museum, utilize Betty Ford Alpine Gardens’ Alpine Wildflower Finder App, or tune in every Friday to KZYR Cool Radio’s live music, make sure to follow-up by giving back and donating to our local businesses if you can. Many businesses and organizations have very generously offered new services, discounts, and other opportunities to help keep their neighbors happy and positive during COVID-19. Let’s not take that generosity for granted.
- Pay Now, Retrieve or Receive Later. Stock up on beer, wine and spirits with West Vail Liquor Mart and you won’t be disappointed because they deliver! Many other businesses throughout the valley are also offering a pay online option… unfortunately for those of us more easily persuaded by laziness after this pandemic experience, most do not deliver.
- Virtually Support Your Community. Root & Flower’s Virtual Tasting Classes include personal deliveries of 1 and 3 ounce pours, complimented by a cheese and charcuterie plate. While other restaurants in the valley might not be this stylish, many are offering pay online and take-away orders.
Kate Manzer is the Actively Green Coordinator at Walking Mountains Science Center. For more information on the business sustainability certification, contact Kate at green@walkingmountains.org.