FREMONT COUNTY — Some businesses in Fremont County will start to reopen following variance approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health Wednesday.
The variance request was approved Wednesday that outlines the reopening of restaurants, fitness centers, places of worship, recreation and outfitters. Outfitters includes rafting, helicopter tours, skydiving, zipline and Jeep tours. Officials with the Fremont County Department of Health said Thursday this variance is effective immediately.
The state health department said the safer-at-home order will still be applied to areas not discussed in the variance. This variance will be rescinded by the state health department if the county has 25 or more cases they need to investigate in the span of one week.
The county reported 22 cases of the virus as of May 6 and has had no new cases since April 25. County health officials said businesses are encouraged to submit protocols and plans for reopening.
In any of these places, customers will have to be asked about symptoms before entering or taking part in any activity. Service or participation should be declined if they have symptoms. Employees will also be screened for symptoms each day before work and those with symptoms "must be excluded from the place of worship and required to remain in isolation for 10 days, per CDC guidance."
Restaurants
Restaurants are recommended, according to this variance, to display a CDC sign that show images of symptoms and states: "Feeling Sick? Stay home when you are sick!" Officials with the Fremont County Department of Health said they recommend single-use menus and disinfecting. County health officials said restaurants will be able to reopen at 30% capacity.
Fitness Centers
Those using the facility must be no closer than "every other machine" that way people are next working out next to each other and smaller exercise rooms with poor ventilation should be "discouraged from use." Equipment will not be shared by those working out unless they're from the state household. Fitness centers will be able to reopen at 30% capacity.
Places of Worship
Cleaning and disinfection of worship space needs to be cleaned after use.
Recreation
Private campgrounds and RV parks will be open at 50% capacity with no shared facilities other than restrooms that will be cleaned every two hours.
Outfitters
Participants in any activity will need to be asked beforehand if they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19.
