PUEBLO — A variance request made by Pueblo County has been approved Friday by the Colorado Department of Health, according to the Pueblo County Department of Health.
With this approval, Pueblo County bars, wineries and tasting rooms can open its gathering spaces for operation. Theaters, gyms, bowling alleys and indoor malls can reopen with social distancing guidelines in place and encouraged use of face mask coverings.
The initial variance request also included places of worship; graduation events; some indoor and outdoor recreation events and activities; public gatherings and events; libraries; variances from the 10-person rule currently in effect to allow courts to move forward with jury trials and to allow city council and county commissioners to make meetings available to limited members of the media or public; private membership organizations; and licensed estheticians.
The state is said it is "working now on a framework for allowing the personal services of estheticians to resume, so your request for this variance is not being approved at this time."
The request notes Pueblo County's low rate of transmission of COVID-19, hospital capacity to respond to a surge in cases, and testing availability. It also explains the county's suppression plan and triggers that will alert officials to the need to tighten restrictions.
The county health department said it is working to have specific guidance for businesses and activities approved in the variance. To read the full variance, click here.
