Manitou Springs prepares for returning tourists; asks visitors to follow COVID health guidelines

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- As more tourists return to Manitou Springs during the Safer-at-Home phase, city leaders are asking people to obey health guidelines for COVID-19.

Gov. Jared Polis said several businesses could slowly reopen with strict guidelines starting May 1. But the new public health order has also brought more people out to the streets.

Mayor John Graham says city employees are setting up signs with the guidelines and sanitizing public spaces three times a day. However, much of the responsibility also lies on the customers.

“People need to be careful, they need to be judicious in how they conduct themselves," Graham said. "So we are asking for voluntary compliance and that people act smart.”

Several business owners and employees are glad to be back working. They too are adjusting to the new regulations.

“It’s weird not having people in here and talking to everyone," said Elena Welding, who bartends for Townhouse Sports Grill. "But it’s good to be back. We’re definitely taking a lot of precautions for cleanliness and things like that.”

Throughout the downtown area, there are several signs asking people to wear masks and to keep six feet apart, but no city worker is really enforcing the rule.

“We will have what we call 'social distancing ambassadors' in the downtown area," Graham said. "And they’ll be encouraging people to wear masks, to exercise social distancing.”

Welding says they will likely see more visitors soon, especially as Memorial Day weekend approaches. However, that can be a double-edged sword if people don't follow the guidelines.

“We want the business, we definitely do," she said. "The town needs it. We’ve definitely been struggling, but people need to be doing their part. I mean no one can do it alone.”