The Denver Post
Mark Cerick, left, picks up online ordered meal at the restaurant Somebody People in Denver on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post
Colorado public health officials this week unveiled a new program to let participating counties offer restaurants and other businesses a path to expand their capacities beyond the limits set by their county’s color level on the COVID-19 restriction dial.
The new 5 Star State Certification Program “requires businesses certified through the program to implement safety measures beyond what is already required by public health orders and guidelines,” according to a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment news release.
Moffat County will officially remain in Level Orange following mitigation approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The mitigation plan includes the adoption of the state’s mask mandate and goes into effect Thursday, Dec. 17 and runs through Jan. 12, 2021. County Attorney Becky Tyree stated the health order could be rescinded, amended, or extended at any time.
For now, Moffat County has until Dec. 28 to show a decrease in its current positivity rate – which sits at 16.8%, or the state could come in and force the county into Level Red. As of Thursday, the Board of Public Health requested an extension to match the length of the proposed mitigation plan. The Board of Health is still waiting for an answer from the state.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
A line of outdoor dining shelters at Tables restaurant in Denver, as coronavirus rules prevent customers from dining indoors on Dec. 10, 2020.
The Colorado health department has finalized rules for a program that would loosen COVID-19 restrictions for businesses going above and beyond public health orders.
To qualify for the new 5 Star State Certification Program, businesses must set up extra safety precautions on top of what is already required by law. Certified businesses will get to expand their operations in exchange, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Qualifications include plans for outbreak detection, reporting and response processes, high ventilation standards and efforts to provide special business hours or accommodations for at-risk populations.
Pitkin County visitor affidavit now extends to anyone staying overnight, regardless of residency aspendailynews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from aspendailynews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
State health dept. releases checklist for program to help businesses reopen
The program would be similar to Mesa County s Five Star program, which allows businesses to stay open if they ve proved they can operate safely. Author: Dacia Johnson (9NEWS) Updated: 9:39 PM MST December 14, 2020
DENVER The state health department (CDPHE) on Monday shared a checklist for counties interested in what it calls the 5 Star State Certification Program which aims to help accelerate the reopening of businesses safely.
The program would be similar to Mesa County s 5-Star program, which allows businesses to stay open if they ve proved they can operate safely.
CDPHE said counties can apply for the program variance after they set up a committee to implement the program, determine what resources they can contribute and figure out how they ll ensure compliance and enforcement.