Colorado’s ‘Safer-at-Home’ Order starts today. What does that mean?
The goal of this phase is to maintain 60-65% physical distancing.
● Critical businesses will remain open with strict precautions (social distancing, asks for all employees, more frequent cleanings, etc.)
● Retail businesses (This does not apply to bars, restaurants, retail liquor stores or any liquor establishment, this applies to clothing stores, etc) may open for curbside delivery and phased-in public opening with strict precautions.
● Elective medical and dental procedures begin, with strict precautions to ensure adequate personal protective equipment and the ability to meet critical care needs.
● Personal services (salons, dog grooming, limited personal training, etc.) will open with strict precautions. (starting May 1st)
● Telecommuting continues for offices. Starting on May 4, up to 50% of staff can work in person (with social distancing in place).
● Nightclubs, gyms and spas will remain closed.
● No group gatherings of more than 10 people.
● K-12 schools remain online only for the 2019-2020 school year.
● Vulnerable populations and older adults must stay home unless absolutely necessary.
What Does This Mean for the General Public?
● Follow Safer at Home guidelines
● Strongly advised face coverings and staying 6ft apart in public
● No gatherings over 10 people
● Sick people may not go to work
● Limit non-essential travel
What Does This Mean for Older Adults and Vulnerable Populations?
● Continue to Stay at Home except when absolutely necessary
● Utilize special industry hours for vulnerable populations
What Does This Mean for Seeing Friends and Family?
● People should still limit interactions except with immediate household
● If you do see limited family or friends outside of your household, be extra cautious to stay 6 ft apart, wear face covering, and limit contact
● Stick to solo and non-contact recreation activities like running, walking, or hiking in your local community. Do not travel outside of your local community for recreation. Avoid contact sports or equipment.
What are Next Steps for the Safer-at-Home Phase?
The state is working to develop best practices and specific guidance for different industries during the Safer-at-Home phase and will have more details in the coming days. This includes:
● Retail (This does not apply to bars, restaurants, retail liquor stores or any liquor establishment, this applies to clothing stores, etc)
● Offices
● Elective Medical and Dental Services
● Childcare
● Personal Services
● Real Estate
How Will Local Governments be Affected? Under the Safer-at-Home phase, local governments will have a variety of options.
● Operates under the state’s Safer-at-Home executive order and public health orders.
● They can go farther than the state, including but not limited to stay at home orders or additional protective measures.
● They can apply for a variance from the state. To do so, they will need to demonstrate proof of very low case counts of COVID 19 and/ or 14 consecutive days of decline of infection of COVID-19 in the county. They also must submit an application that includes a written COVID-19 suppression plan approved by the appropriate local public health authority. All local hospitals and elected officials must sign off on the plan.
What is the timeline for the Safer-at-Home phase?
Sunday, April 26:
● Last day of Stay at Home Order
● Safer at Home Order Issued
Monday, April 27: Public Health Order and guidance to be issued:
● Retail – Curbside can begin (This does not apply to bars, restaurants, retail liquor stores or any liquor establishment, this applies to clothing stores, etc)
● Real Estate – showings can resume
Friday, May 1
● Retail and Personal Services can open if implementing best practices (This does not apply to bars, restaurants, retail liquor stores or any liquor establishment, this applies to clothing stores, etc)
Monday, May 4
● Offices can reopen at 50% reduced capacity, if best practices are being implemented. Note: if you can continue telecommuting at higher levels, you are encouraged to do so.