Fremont County public health submits variance request to reopen local restaurants, churches, gyms

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Fremont County Department of Public Health and Environment has submitted a variance request to the state in an effort to reopen local restaurants, churches, gyms and outdoor recreation.

The state's Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment received the request on Wednesday, and should have an answer by Friday or Monday.

On May 6, the county public health department submitted the request based on the criteria that Fremont County has demonstrated proof of two conditions: very low case counts of COVID-19 and 10 consecutive days without any new cases in the county as of the date of the request.

Under the variance request, restaurants would be encouraged to continue business through take-out, delivery and curbside pickup. Changes could include limiting the number of customers to 30% normal seating capacity, closing of self-serve stations and no sharing of condiment containers.

Churches would be encouraged to continue offering online or drive-up services as much as possible, limit guests to no more than 30% seating capacity and provide 6 feet distance between groups, plus implementing touchless offering and communion.

Gyms would also limit customers to 30% capacity, with one-way entry and exit, plus the use of directional walkways. Sharing of equipment would be prohibited, and employees would disinfect bathrooms and high touch areas every two hours while maintaining a cleaning log.

As of May 6, Fremont County had 17 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and five probable cases. That brings its total to 22 cases out of a population of over 46,000 residents.