Larimer County’s move from Level Yellow to Level Red puts a considerable strain on businesses that are already significantly impacted by COVID-19. In response to this impact The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, the Loveland and Fort Collins Area Chambers of Commerce, the Cities of Loveland and Fort Collins, Towns of Estes Park, Windsor, Berthoud and Wellington continue to advocate for our businesses. Specifically, we have been researching programs nationally and within Colorado, and now we are working with State and Local officials to understand and create a variance program that would allow businesses operating at the highest levels of safety to open at a greater capacity.
This program will require approval from the State and at this time variances are not allowed for Counties in Level Red. As we continue to work with the State on options, it is important to continue building this program for Larimer County so that we can be ready as soon as anything changes and we have an opportunity to move forward. The state released information on the program here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yHPY6ddGQZ776g-5Vnvesr5iLzMEXL5z/view and is asking for feedback, by December 4, here: https://covid19.colorado.gov/press-release/state-requests-input-on-business-best-practice-certification-program-draft-framework
On Tuesday, December 1, businesses came together to share thoughts and experiences. Here is a recording of the call:
The meeting conveners did capture all the comments and chat notes from the call and have shared them with local and state officials. As well, they are serving as key guideposts as we consider a locally designed variance program.
Larimer County businesses have been extremely creative and adaptable in the face of the pandemic. For this reason, we need your feedback on how this variance program can be operated safely and effectively. You can signify your interest HERE.