Colorado has entered the “Safer at Home” phase of social distancing to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. In effect for 30 days and through May 26, 2020 are two executive orders and two corresponding public health orders, allowing greater access to businesses, workplaces, and activities, but all with various requirements to maintain certain social distancing and preventative measures.
The “Safer at Home Orders,” Executive Order D 2020 044 and Public Health Order 20-28 allow “limited reopenings of postsecondary institutions and certain businesses” but still require Vulnerable Individuals to stay home. They still encourage individuals to stay at home and practice Social Distancing as much as possible but do permit certain activities and gatherings in groups of no more than 10 for activities that adhere to Social Distancing Requirements. The other two orders, Executive Order D 2020 045 and Public Health Order 20-29 permit the limited reinstatement of elective, medical, dental and veterinary services under certain conditions.
In addition to the general public interest to work together to slow the spread of the virus as well as business-owner concerns over the potential for civil liability for harm to clients and employees as motivators to comply with these orders, many have questioned the state’s ability to enforce its orders. To that end, this resource answers questions about the state’s enforcement mechanisms.
The Public Health Orders have extensive and detailed guidance, including templates and forms, for businesses about the protocols and systems that the must or should implement, and this guidance can vary depending on the nature of your business. Businesses should take extra care to review these orders in detail as they plan for re-opening or expanding their services following the Stay-at-Home Orders. And, remember to check your local governmental authorities for restrictions that may be more stringent than the state's.
Note: Laws change and individual circumstances vary and change, especially in this time of coronavirus! If you are in need of legal assistance, seek legal counsel. This post is not intended and should not be relied on as legal advice for your particular circumstance, and it relies on information that can quickly become out of date. Contact Margrit with any questions, margrit@lentparkerlaw.com, 303-481-2866. And visit here for links to more Covid-19 resources.