Coconino News

The novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the economy in Flagstaff. 

Amidst growing concerns and landscape that changes daily, some businesses are making the best of it.

The tourism and hospitality industries have taken the hardest hit. Economists say that the effects on the tourism and hospitality industries will be long-lasting. According to a report from the Brookings Institution, Flagstaff is the 10th most vulnerable area in the entire country. More than 17,000 employees in the city work at businesses linked to tourism and/or hospitality industries.

On March 11, Gov. Doug Ducey, declared a state of emergency across the state. On March 16, Flagstaff Mayor Carol Evans declared a state of emergency in the City of Flagstaff. 

“The economic impacts to our small businesses and our tourism industry, which is the backbone of our economy, are severe,” Evans said.

Even though the outlook is bleak, many Flagstaff businesses are getting creative and finding ways to respond to the crisis. Following local, state and national directives to practice social distancing, businesses are challenged with keeping employees employed and customers happy.

One local business, Diablo Burger, is donating a meal to a local emergency room or organization for every meal that customers purchase. They are providing customers with a way to order online and providing take-out options for their customers.

The Brightside Bookshop is taking orders and payments over the phone and offering curbside pickup during select times.

Many local restaurants and breweries are offering take-out options and delivery options for their customers. 

The City of Flagstaff has created a "COVID-19 Small Business Hub" on their website. The aim is to help support local businesses by showcasing business hours and services for those that remain open during the pandemic.

As of March 26, Coconino County has 36 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two deaths.