Local impact of COVID-19, and how you can help

Like all of you, we’ve been monitoring the evolving global impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and are in constant communication with the local businesses it is affecting. Small- and medium-sized businesses across San Luis Obispo County are scrambling to figure out how to deal with the disruption of operations. We hear and relate to these struggles loud and clear.

Although SLO County does not currently have any confirmed cases of COVID-19, our community is still taking action to prevent the possibility of one. Some local updates of the status of COVID-19’s impact include the postponement of:

The Inspired Health & Wellness Expo
Salt + Soul Conference
Spartan Race
SLO International Film Festival
Downtown SLO Farmers Market
Cayucos Sea Glass Festival
SLO Performing Arts Center Shows
Cal Poly’s Spring Academic Quarter
 

More than ever, SLO County businesses need our support. Here are some ways you, as a consumer, can help:

  • Shop small online from your favorite local retailer

  • Don’t put your current subscriptions on hold - local businesses still need your support!

  • Buy a gift certificate from your favorite family-owned business 

  • Purchase your beauty products from your local salon

  • Support local arts by pre-purchasing tickets for later in the year 

  • Subscribe to a local CSA program to receive produce directly to your home

  • Buy a gift card from your favorite small-business restaurant

  • Purchase your coffee in bulk from your favorite local coffee shop

  • Leave positive reviews for small businesses you appreciate

  • Share your appreciation on social media

  • Snap a photo of your product and share it on social media

  • What’s your favorite local business? How can you support them during this time?

Trust that every business in our community is putting precautions in place for the sole purpose of guiding us towards a healthier community. In a disruptive situation such as COVID-19, supporting SLO County’s local economy is still important. 

By supporting local businesses, we are able to keep money in the community to support other important initiatives through local sales tax earned: from education to the police and fire departments, to parks, and other publicly formed programs. 

Of course, the top priority, now more than ever is to take care of yourself. Drink lots of water, get sleep, move your body daily, eat fruits and vegetables, and wash your hands - a lot!

There are lots of tiny actions we can take that will mean the world to small business owners in our community. Let’s make it happen.