Colorado has seen a 17.2% increase in cases of the novel coronavirus related to the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays, statewide data shows. At a Summit County Board of Health meeting Thursday, Jan. 14,.
Staff at Bagalis in Frisco sets up for limited in-person dining Dec. 21 after it was cleared to reopen under Summit County’s 5 Star Business Certification Program. The two new Summit County commissioners expressed concerns Tuesday, Jan. 12, that public health rules among industries are not equitable.
At Tuesday’s Summit County Board of Health meeting, newly sworn-in Commissioner Tamara Pogue spoke bluntly, saying she knows many people feel public health decisions are “arbitrary and difficult.”
Pogue said she “has confidence” in Public Health Director Amy Wineland, County Manager Scott Vargo and prior commissioners who steered the county’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic since March. That said, she added, “I really want to fight for balance here.”
Photo by Libby Stanford /estanford@summitdaily.com
Summit County’s move to level orange on the state’s COVID-19 dial means fewer restrictions for short-term lodging businesses, but some in the industry are still struggling to fill reservations.
While the county was in level red, gatherings were limited to one household. In level orange, gatherings are able to include up to two households or 10 people. The change in gathering size impacts short-term lodging facilities as well, allowing more than one household to stay together in the same location.
Still, interest has not increased much since the move to level orange on Monday, Jan. 4, according to Toby Babich, president of the Breckenridge Lodging Association.
Diners peruse a menu Dec. 4 at Modis while seated in the restaurant s outdoor dining area. Once Summit County’s incidence rate returns to level orange metrics for seven days, five-star certified restaurants like Modis will be able to operate under level yellow restrictions, which allow 50% capacity for indoor dining.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from St. Anthony Summit Medical Center officials.
Five-star certified businesses will be able to operate under level yellow restrictions once Summit County reports seven days of level orange case numbers.
When the county originally moved to level orange, officials said the numbers would have to be within that threshold for at least 14 days before five-star businesses could operate with a higher capacity. At a Summit County Board of Health meeting Tuesday, Jan. 5, Public Health Director Amy Wineland said that requirement has since changed.
The new year means fewer restrictions as Summit County moves to level orange on the state’s COVID-19 dial on Monday, Jan. 4. Since Nov. 22, the county has been in level red on the state’s.