Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 5/6/2020 to
Family
The majority of the United States is a little over a month into shelter-in-place and work-or-home orders; some states are even getting close to two months of shutdown. While a few state governors are beginning to discuss reopening their respective areas in phases, many restaurants and local businesses around the country remain closed or are operating on a limited basis. It's a difficult time for everyone but local businesses and smaller organizations could especially use your help as they often operate on already slim margins and will have a harder time recovering from this pandemic than restaurant chains and large corporations. Here are a few ways you can help.
- Ordering take-out or placing online orders. If you feel comfortable ordering food from a restaurant or are just tired of cooking at home, order take-out or delivery from local restaurants. And tip your delivery person. By ordering from local restaurants, you are helping not only that restaurant and their employees but also your community's economy. For local non-restaurant businesses, order their products online if possible.
- Reschedule planned events. For any events you had scheduled to take place at a local venue or had planned with a local events planner, see if you can get the event rescheduled for a later date rather than outright cancelling the event by reaching out to your point of contact with that business. Many small businesses rely on planning or hosting events to make up a portion of their overall income. By rescheduling, you will still have the opportunity to hold your event and they will have a little less worry about being able to stay afloat.
- Wear a mask when in public. The CDC now recommends wearing a mask when out in public or entering any place of business. Many businesses may also require this in an effort to protect both their employees and other customers.
- Maintain social distancing. Official guidelines state that those leaving their homes should maintain a six foot distance from others when in public. Some businesses have also limited the number of customers allowed in a store at one time in another effort to maintain this social distancing.
- Do not venture out or call out sick if sick or not feeling well. If you or a member of your household has been ill, avoid venturing out into public. Even if it's just a badly timed cold, stay at home. No one wants to be around or be exposed to someone who is coughing or sneezing, regardless of the reason.
- Shop locally if possible, before ordering from Amazon or chain restaurants. Depending on what you are in search of, see if a local business has what you need before heading for Amazon's website or the local Walmart. A small business will appreciate your business much more than one of the large corporations and it will better help your local community.
- If financially able to, continue to pay your cleaning lady, hair stylist, nanny, etc. This may not be possible for everyone as many have lost their own sources of income over the last few weeks but, for those who are still working or have some financial stability during this time, continue to pay for your usual services even if you cannot receive those services at this time. If you have someone who cleans your home twice a month or had scheduled an appointment to see your hair stylist last week, continue to pay them what you would have if you had received their services. Those in professions that are self-employe or contracted and require close contact are some of the hardest hit by the current situation.
- Connect with or share your favorite restaurants and businesses via social media. Give your favorite local stores and restaurants a shout out on social media. This takes only a few minutes of your time but can make a huge difference for the businesses you acknowledge. Be it a reminder that your favorite local salon is rescheduling appointments or that a local restaurant is now offering family meal deals, sharing it on social media and tagging the relevant business generates awareness of that business and can help them remind customers that they are still operating.
