This report captures the shifting Colorado policies and guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US by tracking public information from official sources, such as gubernatorial comments, executive actions and guidance.
New Documents Released on June 2, 2020
Executive Order D-2020-091 Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors (see here) Still prohibits gatherings of 10+ people
Any businesses that must remain closed must be specifically identified by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Department of Public Health and Environment Announcement Calling for Industry Input on Reopening Guidelines (see here)
Reopening Guidance for Short-term Rentals (see here)
In Brief
In the Fifth Amended Public Health Order 20-28 states "As of June 1, 2020, there are 26,577 known cases of COVID-19 in Colorado, 4,372 Coloradans have been hospitalized and 1185 Coloradans have died from COVID-19. Multiplesources of data show that COVID-19 transmission and the use of healthcare due to COVID-19 have leveled off in Colorado. Our work to “flatten the curve” appears to be succeeding, and the Governor has ordered some lessening of the current Safer at Home restrictions as a result."
Below is a summary of the recreational activities pertinent to the changes in restrictions.
Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors
Social distancing requirements remain in effect and Coloradoans are encouraged to only leave their residences for necessary activities.
Social distancing requirements as defined in Fifth Amended Public Health Order 20-28 Safer at Home Section III subsection N are as follows: individuals shall maintain at least a six-foot distance from other individuals, wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly clean high-touch surfaces, and not shake hands.
All public and private gatherings in commercial spaces are limited to no
more than ten (10) individuals and must remain 6 feet apart. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members living in the same residence.
Effective June 4, 2020, the following recreation activities
are permitted:
Camping. Campsites must be a minimum of 6 feet apart, and should
only be available by reservation.
Children’s Day Camps and Youth Sports Camps. Effective June 1, 2020,
children’s day camps, youth sports camps and exempt single skill-building youth camps may
open. Please consult Wolf & Associates to learn about restrictions.
Playgrounds and outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and
pickleball courts, may be open for use for no more than 10 people at
a time.
Outdoor swimming pools may open at 50% capacity, limited
to no more than 50 people, with the bathrooms and showers open but
the lockers remain closed.
Organized recreational youth or adult league sports may
resume activities with no more than 25 players outdoors or 10
players indoors. Parents may attend youth sports activities but must
remain 6 feet apart from non-household members. Spectators are
strongly discouraged for adult sports. The sports league must retain
records of who played in case later disease outbreak investigations
become necessary.
Gyms, recreation centers and indoor pools may open, with no
more than 10 people per room, maintaining 6 feet distancing. Restrooms and showers may remain open. Lockers may not.
Non Permitted Activities
1. Gatherings or events, including organized races, of more than 10
people that are not otherwise authorized in this Order;
2. Adult and youth sports tournaments that attract crowds or travelers;
3. Rodeos, fairs, festivals, and parades;
4. Receptions for more than 10 people; and
5. Car, motorcycle or horse races unless there are no spectators and
race personnel maintain 6 feet distancing as much as possible; and
6. Sporting events except for recreational sports leagues as stated above.
Because the COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid situation and highly dependent on jurisdiction- and sector-specific considerations, we anticipate that additional guidance will be coming from the federal, state and local governments in the coming days and weeks. This article is for informational use only and it is highly recommended that you consult with one of our attorneys if you are a business owner engaging in recreational activities for case specific advise.