CDPHE allows Phillips County businesses to partially reopen ahead of State schedule
It took some back-and-forth, but finally on May 20, Phillips County was granted a variance from Colorado’s Safer at Home orders. The variance was met with much enthusiasm from locals, who were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to reopen businesses that were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As long as Phillips County doesn’t see more than 10 new COVID-19 cases in a week, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is allowing restaurants, bars, churches, gyms and movie theaters to be open for in-person services. There are, however, strict guidelines for how they can do business.
In addition to that, the variance allows for a maximum of 50 people at outdoor in-person gatherings. Any planned outdoor gathering of more than 10 people must be submitted to the Northeast Colorado Health Department for review and approval. Individuals will still be required to wear masks and stay at least 6 feet apart from one another.
Events that have already been approved include barrel racing and stock car races. Terry Hofmeister, chairman of the Phillips County Board of County Commissioners, emphasized that the 50-person limit includes competitors not just spectators. In applying for the variance, Hofmeister pushed for a 200-person limit, but it was not granted. He’s not done trying though.
“The waiver for Phillips County is a ray of hope for our local businesses and community,” said Holly Ferguson, director of Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. “I would like to commend our county commissioners and those organizations, businesses and individuals that worked tirelessly on seeing this through to fruition and that are still working to ensure the safety of our community both in health and economic security.”
Hofmeister said, “It was a good community effort; it took a piece from every entity.” Applying for the variance required work from the City of Holyoke, Town of Haxtun, Phillips County, both hospitals and numerous individuals. In particular, Rep. Rod Pelton was a tremendous help, Hofmeister said.
Pelton noted that he found it frustrating working with CDPHE to get the counties of House District 65’s variances approved. It’s a decision that he believes should have been left up to the local government and health departments, who know their communities, all along.
“The very existence of rural Colorado depends on all businesses being open, and that works best when Denver gets out of the way,” Pelton said. Nevertheless, Phillips County has been granted its variance, which is what Pelton considers to be the first step in a return to normalcy.
“I hope that, as a community in Phillips County, everyone comes together to support one another and the businesses of their communities as things reopen,” he said.
Sherry Simms is the manager of the Peerless Theatre, one of several local businesses affected by the variance. “I’m very excited that we’re getting the doors open again,” she said, undoubtedly reflecting the sentiments of many. She also said that she has high hopes that community members will follow the rules and regulations put in place to allow the theater to be open.
Businesses have received their specific guidelines for reopening, but the public should know what to expect as well. In general, employees and volunteers must wear masks, and customers will be asked to wear masks in most cases as well. They can expect to see signage asking that sick individuals not enter.
Restaurants, bars and churches are limited to 50% of their capacities. The gym is limited to 30%. In the movie theater, seating will only be allowed in alternating rows, and each group must be separated by at least three empty seats to the side.
When standing in lines, customers must be 6 feet apart from one another. Employees must be monitored daily for symptoms, and symptomatic employees will be excluded from the workplace and isolated until they are fever-free for 72 hours, other symptoms have improved, and at least 10 days have passed since they became symptomatic.
This variance will remain in effect throughout Safer at Home, which is currently set to expire June 1.
Hofmeister hopes that these measures to reopen businesses and hold events in Phillips County will be productive for hotels, restaurants and gas stations as folks come in from out of town.
No statewide decision has been made about county fairs, but CDPHE encouraged Phillips County to submit a request at a later date for its fair.
On a statewide level, restaurants were allowed to open for in-person dining at 50% on May 27, but they cannot exceed 50 people, whichever is less. They are also encouraged to provide as many services outdoors as possible. Bars will remain closed. Establishments that do not serve food will be evaluated in June.
“The safest thing anyone can do is stay home whenever possible,” Gov. Jared Polis said, “but for those who want to shop and dine we want to make sure it can be done as safely as possible.”
Though these are statewide rules, it should be noted that about half of Colorado’s counties have CDPHE-granted variances that allow for rules catered to their specific needs.
City amends coronavirus response plan
Holyoke City Council held a special meeting May 22 in response to the variance. The City of Holyoke adopted a coronavirus response plan March 17. At last week’s special meeting, council members modified that plan to include the guidelines outlined in the variance.
While convened, council members also authorized Mayor Orville Tonsing and attorney Al Wall to sign a Federal Aviation Administration grant for the full amount of the airport master plan.
Day camps reopen June 1
Polis announced this week that children’s day camps and youth sports camps will open Monday, June 1, with restrictions and strong precautionary measures. Resident overnight camps will be closed through June, but decisions about July and August will be made mid-June.
“I know this has been a very different school year than many students were expecting, and thanks to the success of our social distancing efforts so far, Colorado kids will be able to enjoy day camps and youth sports camps this summer in as safe a manner as possible,” Polis said. “The risk, though less, is still very real, and it’s up to families to make the best decisions that work for them.”
While campsites within state parks were already reopened, private campsites were allowed to open May 25. However, counties may still opt to keep their campsites closed. Ski resorts are also now allowed to reopen with approval from their local authorities.