Denver opens 5 Star Program applications
Denver also announced that it will reactivate the city s emergency operations center to assist with vaccine distribution efforts. Author: Janet Oravetz (9News) Updated: 6:49 PM MST January 29, 2021
DENVER Denver is reactivating its emergency operations center (EOC) to help deal with what Mayor Michael Hancock called the twin challenges of vaccine distribution and economic recovery related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news vaccinations bring is not enough to rescue and restore our city, said Hancock. The economic crisis brought on by the pandemic is going to be with us even after our residents are safely vaccinated.
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.
Five-star certification would allow Denver businesses to have more customers inside. Visit Denver and H2 are running the inspection and certification program.
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While big retailers and chains have been able to operate somewhat normally, experts say small businesses have suffered the most from forced closures and capacity restrictions.
and last updated 2021-01-09 01:00:58-05
SEVERANCE, Colo. â At G5 Brew Pub in Severance, they are welcoming back diners after a very long December.
âIt was terrible. December destroyed us,â Jeremy Gourd said.
Jeremy and his wife, Tammy Gourd, have owned the brewery since 2016.
âItâs 2021. Weâve got to continue building good business,â Tammy said. âThis canât happen again.â