COVID-19

November 11, 2020

With El Paso County entering SAFE AT HOME LEVEL 3 beginning 5 pm Friday, November 13, 2020, the impact of this on Downtown businesses is serious – but you can help. Downtown Partnership implores you to lean in to supporting our small businesses and independent restaurants like never before.

What Safe At Home Level 3 means:

• Indoor seating at restaurants dips to 25 percent capacity, maximum 50 people. Outdoor seating, with proper social distancing, continues.
• Retail shops also dip to 25 percent capacity.
• Learn more from the EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

How you can help:

• Order takeout this weekend. Restaurants have food inventory that was intended for serving greater capacities – so ordering takeout in the next few days is especially helpful. 
• Continue ordering takeout in the weeks ahead. With these capacity limits, it’s nearly impossible for restaurants to cover their overhead, so every order helps. And, for those who are comfortable with the option, limited indoor dining capacity remains. 
• Outdoor dining continues – so dress warmer, bring a wrap or blanket (purchase one of our Downtown/Switchbacks fleece dining blankets for only $10), and perhaps choose to enjoy lunch or brunch outdoors instead of dinner to take advantage of our great Colorado sun. 
• For retail shops, most shopping in our unique Downtown boutiques can continue at 25 percent capacity. Consider shopping during less busy days and hours, such as weekday afternoons. 
• Explore our updated web directory of more than 60 shops; to search those that offer online shopping just enter the tag “online” in the search field. 
• Allow us to serve you! There are 16 curbside pickup parking spaces throughout Downtown, for easy pickup of retail and meal orders. Simply pull in the space, call the store or restaurant, remain in your vehicle, and your order will be brought safely to you. 
• Wear a mask while in public. The small act of wearing a mask makes a big impact. And, please, continue to practice social distancing and regular washing of hands. 
• Be patient and be kind. Our restaurateurs and shopkeepers are doing their very best to survive these difficult times and to serve you. Call ahead before visiting a restaurant, tip generously, share a smile.
• Make a personal or family pledge for how you will consistently support our Downtown small businesses in these weeks and months ahead – whether it’s committing to a certain night every week for takeout or visiting our shops on a quiet weekday afternoon.

Thank you for believing in our Downtown and renewing your efforts to help our small businesses through this latest rough patch.

Susan Edmondson, President & CEO