Local businesses in Somerton feeling the impact of coronavirus

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Mayor of Somerton, Gerardo Anaya tells News 11 that he is not leaving any option off the table to ensure the safety of his community.

“We saw it in Italy at one point they were like us, now they’re saturated," said Mayor of Somerton, Gerardo Anaya.

Mayor Anaya said this is the time to be proactive, also keeping those high at risk his first priority. That's why it's important for the city to be 10 steps ahead of the game plan because Somerton poses challenges. “We only have one fire station if something like that happens it going to defeat our resources," said Mayor Anaya.

One of those safety decisions is the possibility of closing down all local restaurants, bars, etc., to minimize bigger gatherings.

Local businesses in the city are feeling the impact.

Many of them say sales are down, prices are up, and they have witnessed more people travel to Mexico for supplies due to the low pricing.

“A lot of people are coming in scared, people are calling us to hold off on their delivery to wait it out and see what happens with the virus," said Alejandro Rivera, the Co-owner for Alex Furniture Store.

Rivera confesses his sales are down and that he is noticing people are traveling across the border to buy cheaper supplies. “There is only one Main Street for businesses, if they shut everything down, I’m out of a job," said Rivera.

Rivera said that with it still being tax season his sales are usually off the roof by this point, but unfortunately, that's not the case. “Usually these next two months we do great to help support us during the summertime when it’s down, but it’s not looking like that," said Rivera.

Other residents News 11 spoke with say they are staying hopeful. That they will continue to do their part to help minimize the spread of the virus to help those more at risk.