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Chaffee County prepares for a great recovery summer

According to Chaffee County, it has seen a sustained decrease in positive COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days, meaning that it is now at a stage to begin a careful and gradual reopening process that will return the county, not to the old normal, but to some version of a new normal. It follows Colorado Governor Polis’ decisions this past week to shift the state’s “Stay-at-home” orders, which expire April 26, to an April 27 status the state is calling “Safer-at-Home.”

Whitewater rafting. Courtesy photo

The decision appeared to catch many counties by surprise, and has resulted in an uneven response among Colorado’s 64 counties; with some choosing to open immediately and some such as Denver City and County choosing to remain locked down.

Chaffee County leaders say that their message regarding the county reopening from the “Stay-at-Home” orders for coronavirus known as COVID-19, is very focused on our own county. It is both a promise and warning: “We have one chance to get this right.”  If we do it wrong, and cases begin to rise and if businesses jump the county’s timeline, or if people don’t open social distancing standards, the county could lose its entire, critical summer recreation season.

The decision this past week to move the county into a recovery phase is based upon the following assumptions:

  • Local hospitals are safely able to treat patients without resorting to crisis standards of care;
  • Testing is available for all people with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection and that meet the testing criteria;
  • Tracking for all COVID-19 cases can be accomplished;
  • Clear protocol is in place that requires social distancing and assists with case investigation;
  • The county’s plan is closely aligned with the phased reopening of the state presented recently by Governor Polis; although statewide epidemiology will differ with Chaffee’s unique demographic and geography.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

The county is taking a phased approach to opening local businesses. This means that the community will still be able to effectively follow social distancing practices while visiting some local businesses and completing essential tasks.

Poncha Springs and Buena Vista sign on County Road 291 (Photo by Taylor Sumners)

Prior to opening, all businesses in Chaffee County must complete a SAFE BUSINESS CHECKLIST and receive a SAFE BUSINESS CERTIFICATION to operate. Visit www.chaffeecounty.org and click the red COVID box to complete the form.

PHASE 1

The following businesses may OPEN MAY 1:

  • Personal services including salons, tattoo parlors, dog grooming, personal training
  • Non-permitted construction
  • Libraries
  • Retail
  • Personal trainers (less than 4 people)
  • Art galleries
  • Real estate
  • Offices – Up to 50 percent of staff can work in person with social distancing in place starting May 4. Offices are encouraged to continue telecommuting through Phase 2.

The crowd gathers for a Salida Circus performance at Riverside Park in Salida, the site of many free-to-the-public performances throughout the summer season. Photo By Taylor Sumners

PHASE 2

The following businesses may OPEN MAY 16:

  • Second home owners
  • Retail food establishments
  • Spas and hot springs
  • Gyms and fitness facilities
  • Faith-based organizations can only operate with 10 or fewer people while practicing social distancing

PHASE 3

All short-term lodging and tourism industry businesses may OPEN JUNE 1.

WHAT’S NEXT?

As Chaffee County continues to work with local, state, and federal leaders, policies and procedures may change. The county is encouraging local businesses to stay informed and visit http://chaffeecounty.org/public-health often to view the latest guidelines.

For more information, contact City Hall at 719-539-4555.