Colorado’s revised COVID-19 alert dial that allowed most counties in the state to move to the less- stringent “yellow” category didn’t include Mesa County, but it soon will.
A long-awaited program that will enable qualifying and approved businesses to operate with fewer COVID-19 restrictions was officially kicked off in Pueblo on Tuesday at 1129 Spirts and Eatery.
The restaurant is one of the initial businesses, alongside Brues Alehouse, to join the county s COVID-19 health restrictions variance program. About 30 businesses are currently in the queue to become certified through the program and raise capacity.
Dubbed the Five Star Variance Program, Commissioner Garrison Ortiz has championed the program and sought state approval for its enactment since at least early December. Implementation was stalled due to the high number of active COVID-19 cases in the state, as well as the indicator level for COVID-19 in Pueblo County that remained at level Red. Others who have been involved in getting the project off the ground included the Latino Chamber of Commerce.
Gov. Jared Polis thanked Mesa County on Friday for starting its unique program to help keep businesses open while a pandemic rages around them.
Started over the summer, the countyâs Variance Protection Program, also known as Five Star, has allowed businesses, including restaurants, to operate under a COVID-19 pandemic alert level lower than where counties are rated.
As a result, the first restaurants and other businesses outside of Mesa County that will operate under a new statewide version of the program will be in Summit County starting this weekend.
Larimer County is expected to be approved as the second county early next week.
Economic leaders seek 5-star certification for Durango businesses
Durango, Colorado Currently Fri 2% chance of precipitation 1% chance of precipitation 1% chance of precipitation
Push underway to apply for state program allowing more freedom from COVID-19 restrictions By Patrick Armijo Education, business & real estate reporter
Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 10:36 AM Updated: Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 8:36 PM
Economic leaders seek 5-star certification for Durango businesses Local economic leaders are committed to applying for a state variance program, called the 5-Star Certified Business Variance Program, that would allow businesses more latitude to operate under COVID-19 public health restrictions. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file
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