A coalition of Larimer County organizations Friday applied for the state’s certified business-variance program, known locally as the “Level Up Program,” which could ease COVID-19 restrictions for certain businesses in the county.
The “5 star” business-variance program is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and allows participating businesses to operate at one level above Larimer County’s position on the statewide dial, provided they demonstrate compliance with public health guidelines and safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Larimer County not yet Eligible for State COVID-19 5 Star Certification Program
Larimer County not yet Eligible for State COVID-19 5 Star Certification Program
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NoCo NOW! Episode 4: Old Town Recovery
Old Town Fort Collins is a well-preserved district that features over twenty historical buildings that are national and local designated historic districts. Join us for a live discussion with Jim Hewitt (Owner of the Cupboard) of a long-time old town retail business and Laura Levy (Pandemic Recovery Manager of the Larimer Recovery Collaborative) to learn more about how Old Town businesses are surviving in these trying times.
Larimer County representatives will meet again this week with the office of Gov. Jared Polis to discuss the county’s Level Up Program that it presented to the state last week.
The county, businesses, chambers, cities and economic development entities are asking the state to permit qualifying businesses to open at greater capacity than would otherwise be permitted under the state’s pandemic level, which is currently Level Red.
The pilot program that Larimer proposed requires approval from the state, which under existing rules prohibits variances when counties are in Level Red.
The governor’s office complimented the county on its presentation last week but said it was not prepared to decide on the plan as presented. The governor’s office encouraged the team to continue forward progress while making several modifications including reconsideration of capacity limits and pre-certification.
Inspired by Mesa County's '5-Star' Variance Protection Program, Laimer County's 'Level-Up Pilot Program' has the support of local chambers of commerce.