Liz Copan/ ecopan@summitdaily.com
FRISCO– Summit County government officially requested a variation from state restrictions imposed by the Colorado public health department to reduce the coronavirus pandemic.
In the demand sent to the state Friday, May 15, county authorities specifically requested consent to open hotel and short-term rental lodging as well as restaurant interiors for dining service at minimized capacity and with adherence to various security protocols.
Over half of the counties in Colorado have made an application for variations from the state’s public health order, however so far only 9 have been approved, including one for neighboring Eagle County. If approved, the variation would last up until May 26, when the existing stay-at-home order expires, and can be restored on an ongoing basis.
In a letter composed to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Director Jill Ryan, Summit County Public Health Director Amy Wineland kept in mind the severe impact the closing of dining establishments and short-term lodging has actually had on the community in regards to financial, social and psychological health.
In order to satisfy the limit needed for a variation approval, a county must satisfy certain requirements as described under Road Map for Reopening standards released by the federal and state governments.
The criteria includes the requirement for a sustained decline in cases for a minimum of 14 days, that regional healthcare facilities are able to treat all clients without turning to crisis requirements of care, that screening can be performed for all people with signs consistent with COVID-19 infection, that active monitoring can be accomplished for all COVID-19 cases and contacts, and lastly that clear procedures have actually been executed that need physical distancing and ass