San Juan County businesses are upholding the San Juan Strong Promise, a pledge intended to minimize the transmission of the coronavirus. The initiative includes various local enterprises committed to maintaining safety protocols as the nation continues to struggle against the outbreak.
Tourism-related businesses in the county have faced significant financial impacts due to the loss of international and out-of-area domestic visitors. This has affected sectors including hotels and gift shops.
In Monticello, Jackalope Trading Company owners Mindy and Adam Redd joined the promise early, utilizing online ordering to maintain a web presence. Mindy Redd also acted as a catalyst for the campaign through an initiative with the Bayles family of Bear Skins Custom Ink.
Other Monticello businesses, such as Wagon Wheel Pizza, have implemented masking and temperature checks. Stacey Steele reported that the pizza parlor feeds approximately 350 people weekly while maintaining these protocols. PJ’s of Monticello also utilized the program to access PPE, allowing them to provide disposable masks to customers.
Hole ‘N the Rock in north county has instituted sanitizer stations and mask requirements. The management joined the promise following concerns for a loved one with compromised health.
In Blanding, the Dinosaur Museum reported that over 1,500 visitors passed through safely during a shortened season, noting that all workers and visitors wore masks. Homestead Steak House has also implemented employee temperature checks and mask usage to keep the restaurant operational.
In south county locations like Bluff, La Posada Pintada has utilized masking since the early days of the pandemic. Owner Jenn Davilla helped distribute promotional materials and masks to other businesses in the Bluff community.
At Twin Rocks and Crazy Crow Cafe, manager Frances van der Steppen reported that customers have expressed gratitude for the diligence provided. The establishment maintains social distancing of at least 10 feet and limits group seating to six people or fewer. While seasonal changes have moved some dining to patios, the dining room has since reopened.
Most participating businesses have maintained a COVID-19 free workforce. Those that experienced cases utilized the protocols of the San Juan Strong Promise to prevent spread to coworkers or customers, allowing them to remain operational while employees quarantined at home.
All participating businesses are enrolled in the State of Utah’s Stay Safe to Stay Open initiative, which provides statewide promotion and access to resources such as floor decals and window clings. More than 60 businesses are currently participating countywide.
