COVID-19
An Update About Corona Virus
As an guide in Idaho, you’ve definitely been affected by the corona virus. States throughout our region have issued multiple orders for mitigating the virus, including:
This is in order to flatten the curve and minimize the effect on all the members of our communities.
In response to this, we’ve preemptively stopped operations at our lodge and halted reservations for spring trips. Our number one mission is to help the public enjoy Idaho, and the number one requirement above all else for this is our employees’ and customers’ safety. Whatever time it takes, we can all recover.
In our business, your well being is my top priority. I want to keep you updated about everything going on in the business so that you can plan upcoming seasons appropriately. My first priority is to keep you and your families safe. That means I’ll be updating our protocols for mitigating airborne diseases like this as the industry develops standards.
This is also a tough time financially for all of us. I want to assure you that although our growth plans will undoubtedly be slowed this year, so far we have no cancellations. Up to July, I do expect bookings and walkins to be slow. However, multiple businesses and agencies in our industry are expecting a potential spike in business once social distancing practices are no longer necessary. There’s going to be a whole lot of folks with extended cabin fever eager to finally get out. We may have a lot of work once the peak of the virus has passed. Although the spring and early summer seasons have been postponed, we’re not seeing a change in reservations at this time. Summer lodge reservations haven’t grown, but this is to be expected as we all wait to see how the situation develops.
Timing wise, if we had to choose, this is probably the best time for us to forgo trips and revenue. Spring bookings are typically not our busiest times, versus mid/late summer, fall and winter.
The Last Resort is also in a good position to weather this storm. We are a zero debt company, and that affords us amazing flexibility in times like these. Unlike many other outfitters in worse positions, we’re prepared, and we’ll be here after this passes.
When interfacing with our customers, keep in mind that many have been affected by this disease, some in profound ways. Let’s continue to put their needs first. In light of this, I’m prepared to extend discounts and extra days at the lodge to those who need it. We also continue to be one of the best outfitters for guide pay in the state, and these discounts won’t affect that. I’m sure you all could use some made up time for this lull in work, and our business will help with wages and expenses as much as we can.
In this business, we’re all in this together. Let’s continue to look out for each other, including our customers. We have a lot to share with each other, and we’re not looking to profit through this situation. We’re prioritizing weathering the storm, and we need to extend our shelter to those who need it. Our understanding and graciousness in these times will be remembered.
As an employee, you are also part of our family. If there’s something we can do for you, please reach out and we’ll do whatever we can. We and IOGA are also strongly lobbying Idaho for additional help for guides’ missing wages If stop work orders continue for an extended time, you may qualify for worker’s compensation at https://labor.idaho.gov/dnn/COVID-19. The situation is still new and evolving with the state, as we get updates we’ll update you.
Whether you’re an employee or a contractor, the Idaho Department of Labor has assistance for you. I encourage you to apply for assistance at all of the following due to Governor Little Stay At Home Order, which has resulted in less work:
This covers your reduced hours of work consider that last 5 business quarters, including working with other outfitters.
This also will submit an application to the Pandemic Unemployment Program.
Please let me know if you need more information for this. Thank you, stay safe, and see you soon.