ROANOKE, Va. – Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is looking to drive visitors to the region in the safest way possible, especially during the fall and holiday season.
The group has been marketing the region as an outdoor playground where people can safely participate in outdoor activities or dine at restaurants’ outdoor patios.
VBR received $250,000 in CARES Act funding and used some of that money to start the ’Stay Safe Pledge,’ a campaign to encourage businesses and customers to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while also supporting those local businesses.
So far, about 200 local businesses have taken that pledge, which includes guidelines for both businesses and customers.
The pledge for Businesses includes:
- Follow CDC guidance for cleaning & disinfecting
- Wear masks or face coverings
- Wash hands frequently and have hand sanitizer available
- Follow social distancing & capacity guidelines
- Conduct regular health screenings of employees
The pledge for guests includes:
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often
- Follow social distancing guidelines
- Wear masks or face coverings when around others
- Stay home if you feel sick or are showing symptoms
- Avoid direct contact with staff and other guests
VBR has printed posters for businesses to hang at their establishment and handed out masks that read, ’Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge Stay Safe’ to reassure people that everyone’s doing their part.
“To stay safe and to keep our region safe, but also continue to make it welcoming,” said Catherine Fox, with VBR.
Since the CARES Act funding runs out in December, VBR is looking for other grants to keep promoting the region because the pandemic took a huge toll on its budget.