County applies for Protect our Neighbors certification
Phillips County Board of Commissioners chairman Terry Hofmeister reported that on July 13, the County applied for Protect our Neighbors certification through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Certification allows Colorado communities to move from the Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors phase to the Protect our Neighbors phase of the state’s COVID-19 response. A decision for Phillips County may take about 10 days, but Hofmeister hopes that it will be made in time for the July 21-26 Phillips County Fair.
Though counties can join together for a regional certification, Phillips County and its neighbors decided to work independently in order to meet their own specific needs.
Until communities are certified to enter Protect our Neighbors, they remain in Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors. They can apply for certification if they demonstrate strong public health care systems as well as low virus levels.
In the Protect our Neighbors phase, communities are allowed up to 50% opening of all sectors. Gatherings can also have up to 500 people while maintaining social distancing. Currently, Phillips County is allowed up to 250 people at outdoor gatherings and 175 people at indoor gatherings.
Even when Phillips County is approved for Protect our Neighbors, it won’t be a free-for-all. Critical businesses, for example, must continue to use social distancing at all times and promote work from home to the greatest extent possible. Employers with over 50 employees in any one location will need to implement employee symptom screening.
As has been the case all along, restrictions may be tightened if there is a local COVID outbreak.
At fair and other such events, be mindful of new regulations
Phillips County Fair will be the biggest event locals have seen since the onset of the coronavirus earlier this year. Mindfulness will be of the utmost importance as residents make plans to attend.
Folks can expect to see hand sanitizer and masks available around the fairgrounds, and they are encouraged to use them. Additional staff has also been hired for increased cleaning efforts.
Fairgoers should be aware of markings and signage that denote safe social distances and the preferred flow of traffic. At the event center, for example, look for doors labeled specifically for entry and exit to limit contact between people. Be prepared for things like the barbecue to be handled differently as well.
When it comes to the parade, nothing can be thrown or handed out. That includes brochures and candy. A few events have been canceled entirely. Though it may be disappointing, Hofmeister reiterated that such measures are all about keeping everybody safe.
In general, things at the fair and other future events may look a bit different for a while. For the best experience possible, manage expectations, check often for updates and changes beforehand, and be mindful of new policies while there.