State provides advice for enjoying a safe Labor Day weekend amid COVID-19

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- As Coloradans get ready to celebrate the Labor Day Weekend, state officials are asking everyone to act responsibly and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Jill Hunsaker Ryan,  executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says, "Have fun this Labor Day, but remember to wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, and stay in small groups. We need everyone to follow these guidelines so we can maintain our downward trend. Now is not the time to relent.”

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment outlines the risks and benefits of certain activities over the weekend, with the lowest risk being camping and outdoor lodging, and the highest risk activities including attending bars, nightclubs, group singing, gyms, and large gatherings.

Colorado has made great progress against the spread of COVID,  but after the 4th of July, cases of COVID-19 went up. In the week leading up to the 4th of July weekend, El Paso County had 307 reported cases of COVID-19 in a one-week period. A week after the holiday, those numbers jumped by about 57% to 483 cases of COVID-19.

State health officials warn that while people are out and celebrating, that everyone shares responsibility for protecting high-risk populations and workers we interact with.

The state says that Coloradans should:

• Wear a face-covering when around others. 
• Gather only in small groups (10 people or fewer), preferably outside
• Maintain 6 feet of physical distance.
• Avoid risky activities that could lead to COVID-19 exposures or physical injuries. To learn about how to stay safe and assess risks, visit covid19.colorado.gov/risks-benefits.
• Follow all local COVID-19 guidelines and fire restrictions. To check fire conditions and restrictions, visit www.colorado.gov/dfpc/fire-restriction-information.

“We need to put the health of our essential workers first this Labor Day weekend,” said Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE. “If you have symptoms or get exposed to the virus, it’s critical to follow the isolation/quarantine guidance. From what we know about the virus, it can spread even when you are feeling ok. We all need to protect one another.”

If you need to get tested for COVID-19, click here for a link to resources on where you can get tested in El Paso County.

It’s especially critical for people who have COVID-19 symptoms to get tested immediately. For people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but aren’t experiencing symptoms, they should get tested 7 days after exposure. There are free community testing sites available across the state.