PAGE – While the novel coronavirus is taking a deep toll on the U.S. economy, prompting layoffs and halting events across the nearby Navajo Nation, which closed its tribal parks on Thursday, there is one business that is inviting visitors to Lake Powell to quarantine in style on a houseboat or on any other watercraft.

“They (visitors) are going to be, in essence, separated from everybody else,” said Mike Anderson, general manager at Antelope Point Marina, which announced on Friday that the marina is in business despite shutdowns and postponements. “They’re out on the lake by themselves. Most of our guests are going to be in their own party doing their own thing, away from the crowd.”

“With an influx of disheartening news, we’d like to be a small ray of sunshine––Lake Powell,” DeRon J. Lister, the tours manager for APM, said in a statement. “Travel is slowing down and the economic impact could be detrimental. For those (whom) may still be interested in traveling, vacationing, or ‘quarantining in style,’ we can help.”

Anderson said APM is maintaining its concession contract with the National Park Service and its business site lease with the Nation.

“So, we have a responsibility to honor the contract and the business site with the Navajo Nation,” Anderson said. “We’re going to remain responsible to that contract and (to) that lease.”

APM last season had a total of 300,000 visitors go through its fee booth, which is open from mid-March to around mid-October. APM though remains open year-round – with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas ­– that pertains to its contract and business site lease.

Anderson said APM is following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Arizona Department of Health Services, Coconino County Health and Human Services, and others for preventing the COVID-19 infection, such as frequent hand washing.

“We have cleaning stations available for both our guests and employees,” Anderson said. “We’ve distributed antibacterial wipes as well as in our restrooms, and in specific places that are set aside for people to wash their hands. And we’re encouraging our customers and our employees to wash their hands frequently.”

Anderson added, “We will work with the NPS as well as the Navajo Nation to ensure the safety of our customers and our guests and our visitors.”

Antelope Point Marina is now open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

APM will also host a community 5K and 10K run and Easter extravaganza on April 11. The event will include Easter activities, lunch, Easter bunny meet-and-greet, a coloring contest, among others.

Information: antelopepointlakepowell.com