Through social media, residents and visitors alike have asked “how can I help local businesses?”
So, to promote and support local businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the city of Williamsburg launched a website to connect customers with city businesses allowing them to continue to “buy local.”
Gov. Ralph Northam this week ordered all non-essential businesses such as recreation and entertainment venues to close. Non-essential businesses included, but not limited to, are bowling alleys, theaters, fitness centers, racetracks, barbershops, spas and massage parlors.
Restaurants, ABC stores, breweries, wineries and other establishment can remain open for carry-out, curbside pick-up and deliveries only.
Non-essential businesses, such as retail, can stay open as long as the businesses continue to sanitize, keep patrons to fewer than 10 and maintain social distancing.
The order went into effect Tuesday and will remain in place until 11:59 p.m. April 23.
Williamsburg city officials said the site allows customers to search local businesses by map, name and business category.
“As businesses send us the information, we will post it on the site,” said Michele Mixner DeWitt, the city’s director of economic development. “The City created this portal to help our businesses reach customers during this time and provide one-stop-shopping for customers.”
“The resiliency of our businesses is extraordinary,” DeWitt added. “We encourage customers to continue to shop locally in support of our businesses.”
RELATED STORIES:
- Williamsburg Live still on, tickets remain on sale. Here’s what’s up
- Colonial Williamsburg expands closures due to coronavirus concerns
- Local businesses are adapting to the new reality of the coronavirus. Here’s how
- Williamsburg created a hub for residents to get accurate info about coronavirus
- It’s the start of wedding season, but the coronavirus has other plans
- Some tenants in Merchants Square won’t have to pay rent in April
