Summit County issued the following announcement on Oct. 23.
Summit County Public Health issued an amended Public Health Order Friday after consultation with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in an effort to stop the surge of local cases and avoid more restrictive measures being imposed by the State. The amended local public health order limits the size of public and private gatherings, adds requirements for short-term lodging operations, limits non-critical office-based businesses, and limits restaurant group sizes. All prior requirements and restrictions remain in place, including the mandate that bars and restaurants cease all alcohol sales, service, possession and consumption on premise at 10 p.m, that was included in the most recent public health order. The new health order will take effect at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24.
“Our case numbers have continued to rise due to social gatherings, outbreaks and community spread. We choose to implement serious mitigation measures now in an effort to try and slow the spread of the virus and avoid state imposed restrictions or closure as our ski season begins,” County Manager Scott Vargo said. “We are at a critical point as a community and need everyone to step up and follow the Six Commitments to Containment if we want our economy to remain open.”
As of Oct. 23, the county is in the red Stay at Home level on the state dial with 371.2 cases per 100,000 people. This places Summit County in the top 6 counties in the state for highest Two-Week Cumulative Incidence.
Summit County continues to see a growing trend in outbreaks in our resident population associated with gatherings, activities at restaurants and office-based business operations. The intent of the amended Public Health Order is to minimize contact among individuals and reduce the public's exposure to the novel coronavirus in an effort to prevent further restrictions and closures being imposed upon the county by the State, which notified local public health authorities on Oct. 23, that they may move counties more quickly to other dial levels than previously communicated and that they move a county more than one level at a time. The State also recommended that Summit County rapidly implement the strongest mitigation plan possible.
“We need to show the State that we are taking our situation seriously and implementing measures to reduce the spread,” Summit County Public Health Director Amy Wineland said. “These targeted measures along with concerted effort by our community members are critical in protecting our vulnerable populations, and supporting our jobs and businesses, and winter season.”
In response, the amended local public health order gives limitations on public and private gatherings, requirements for short-term lodging operations, limitations on non-critical office-based businesses, and restaurant group sizes, and includes the following:
Limitations on Public and Private Gatherings
- No more than 6 individuals indoors from no more than 2 households.
- No more than 10 individuals outdoors from no more than 2 households.
- No more than 10 individuals indoors and/or outdoors from no more than 2 households at short term lodging operations.
Requirements for Short-Term Lodging Operations. Owners and/or entities responsible for the booking and renting of short-term lodging units must validate and confirm the identity and group size of all renters upon arrival to ensure compliance with amended Public Health Order.
Limitations on Non-Critical Office-Based Businesses. Non-Critical Office-Based Businesses are required to maintain in-office occupancy at not more than 25% of total by maximizing use of telecommuting and developing in-office rotation schedules. Non-Critical Office-Based Businesses must continue compliance with all applicable Governor’s order, CDPHE orders, and DORA and State rules, regulations and guidance. All other Office-Based Businesses should encourage remote work and reduce in-office occupancy wherever practicable.
Non-Critical Office-Based Business, as defined by the CDPHE Public Health Order, means any commercial business that is conducted in an office and not a production environment and is not included in the list of Critical Business in Appendix A of the CDPHE PHO 20-35. Office-based businesses include, but are not limited to:
- Accountants and accounting firms
- Architecture, engineering and land surveying businesses/firms
- Landscape architect businesses/firms
- Land surveyor businesses/firms
- Private investigator businesses
- Fantasy contest operator businesses
- Non-transplant tissue banks
- Appraisal management companies
- Real estate offices
- Other corporate offices and private firms
"We are exactly 2 weeks from what should be the start of the ski season, which I bet you have, like me, been thinking about for months. And like you, I have spent a good portion of my paychecks on gear, including safety gear, so I can ski, bike, climb, and boat. But if we continue to gather in groups with all our friends after getting after it in the mountains, then all of that gear could be a waste of money because if we are not playing it safe after recreating then we will go back to a stay at home status,” said Frisco Mayor Hunter Mortensen. “So, please go get after it safely in the mountains, and then come home and be social with your friends on Facetime, Zoom, Insta, SnapChat, or Facebook, but not in bars, at parties, or in backyards. The stakes are high - saving our ski season."
Community members are encouraged to step up and show that they care, and help keep Summit County open by reporting potential violations of the public health order. If an individual or business is not complying, citizens can call 970-668-8600. Violations of the Summit County Public Health Order are punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.
Summit County’s local public health order aligns with the current state public health order and incorporates all state requirements and guidance. The new local health order will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m., Nov. 30.
Original source can be found here.
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