A statewide certifications program that would allow some businesses to operate at higher capacity limits than the COVID-19 dial allows will start accepting applications Friday.
The “5 Star” Certified Business Variance Program by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment rewards businesses that implement extensive safety measures to surpass guidelines.
Certified businesses in areas where Level Red restrictions are in place, including El Paso, Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Douglas counties, where indoor dining is banned, would be allowed to operate at lower Level Orange restrictions: 25% capacity.
For a Level Red county to be eligible for the program, it must record declines in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, positive rate and hospitalizations for two weeks straight, the agency said.