Patagonia Business Prepare for Shut Down – Say Could be Devastating

By Hilde Kate Lysiak

3/17/20

Patagonia businesses are preparing for a shut down amid concerns over coronavirus that some say could cripple local business.

Ten states, including California, New York, Ohio and Illinois, have ordered shutdowns of all bars and restaurants to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In Patagonia, local business owners say that the effects of closing could be devastating.

At the Stage Stop Inn and Wild Horse restaurant, the virus has already had an effect on business, according to owner Gerry Isaac.

“We have already had a lot of cancellations because people don’t want to travel anymore. If it [businesses are ordered to close] happens, then it would seriously depress business,” Isaac told the Orange Street News. 

Isaac says that if closed, the restaurant would hope to survive by continuing to do take out orders.

At the Gathering Grounds business has already been hurting due to the virus, according to employee Heather Wood.

“It is already really bad. If we don’t get business than it would be bad. The Gathering Grounds is supporting five households,” Wood told the Orange Street News.

If the Gathering Grounds were to close they would continue to serve take out orders.

Many places and events in Patagonia have already been canceled over concerns about the coronavirus. 

Crown Taqueria, now has temporarily shut down the indoor area of the restaurant, but is serving takeout. A sign outside read; “Customers, due to Covid-19 our dining room is temporarily closed!”

Crown Taqueria owner Alexis Banks told the OSN “We’ve already jumped ahead of the problem. We would never want to contribute to this problem. We would be fine, but most of out clientele is 60 and plus. It will absolutely hurt us financially but health is more important than wealth.”

The Tin Shed Theater recently posted that it has cancelled all of their events for March.

The Hummingbird Sanctuary has closed off there public restrooms.

President Trump has told people to avoid eating at bars or restaurants.

On Sunday Arizona governor Doug Ducey ordered a statewide closure of schools through at least March 27 as authorities rush to contain the outbreak of the new virus.

“It’s like a natural disaster. There is no stopping it, all we can do is prepare and limit its impact,” Timothy Penniston, a nurse practitioner at the Patagonia Family Health Center, told the Orange Street News.