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.”
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.
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.
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.
What is meant by “Second home owners” listed under Phase 2? I own a second home in the county but do not operate any business from there. It’s only for my personal use. If I need to register, what do I enter into fields such as Business Name and Business Type on your form? And that’s only what I can see on the page of the form.
The phased timeline is just that – a timeline for how the county will reopen for business, second homeowners and tourists. This includes dates by which businesses meeting all requirements and fulfilling the business application process may be allowed to reopen. It also includes a date, May 16, by which second homeowners will be allowed to return/use their second homes. Any use prior to that date is not authorized. You don’t need to register if you are coming only for your personal use. IF you were to rent it as a short term rental, that requires county registration, STR fees and is not allowed until June 1.