Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has allowed local public health agencies with counties in the Red level on the state’s dial to move to the Orange level, which went into effect on Monday, January 4.
As always, counties can choose to continue to operate with more restrictive guidance. The state’s decision to move the counties simply provides greater flexibility for local jurisdictions. CDPHE notified counties of the decision last week. San Juan Basin Public Health has moved both Archuleta and La Plata Counties to Level Orange.
“Our goal is to empower counties to operate with the least restrictions possible, while at the same time ensuring protection of the public’s health and Colorado’s hospital capacity. We are closely monitoring disease transmission while working to provide much-needed economic relief by allowing businesses to operate with fewer restrictions,” Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of CDPHE, said.
Colorado’s dial framework standardizes different levels of “openness” at the county level and enables counties to balance, to the greatest extent possible, controlling the virus with our social and economic needs. The dial framework has five levels that guide a county’s response to COVID-19. Capacity restrictions for businesses, restaurants, schools, and other things vary based on a county’s dial level. A county’s dial level is determined by three metrics, as well as other public health considerations:
- Number of new cases. The case count provides information on how prevalent the virus is circulating in communities.
- Percent positivity of COVID tests. The percent positivity is a clear indication if enough testing is being done.
- Impact on hospitalizations. Hospitalization data provides information about health care capacity.
The dial dashboard now reflects these changes as of its last update. You can also find information by city at the bottom of the page. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.
On Tuesday, CDPHE released an amended public health order that provides updates to the COVID-19 dial framework. The new changes were effective January 4 and will expire in 30 days “unless extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing.”
The main changes include:
Adding the 5 Star State Certification Program to the order. The program requires businesses to implement safety measures beyond what is already required by public health orders and guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19. In doing so, certified businesses are able to expand operations.
Depending on the county’s level and metrics, certified businesses may be eligible for less restrictive capacity limits. A 5 Star certification reassures employees and customers that businesses are adhering to enhanced guidance in other areas. The program is completely voluntary for local governments.
Counties that moved from the Red to Orange levels this week will need to maintain a 7-day Orange Level average incidence trend in order to operate under Yellow Level restrictions. Counties must engage in a consultation process with CDPHE, which may entail moving to a more restrictive level, when they are out of compliance with any of the metrics for more than seven days.
5 Star certified businesses currently in Orange Level counties may be eligible for less restrictive capacity limits outlined in Yellow Level, after engaging in a consultation and approval process with their local public health agency.
The changes also include additional flexibility for professional performing arts in Level Red, and increased the capacity restrictions for gyms, aligning with restaurants.
The Colorado COVID-19 dial is a tool that allows Colorado to balance the urgent need to contain the virus with the need for localized guidance during the pandemic. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.
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