Pueblo could lose business variances if COVID-19 case numbers don’t lower
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- While Governor Jared Polis considers rolling back variances in areas with COVID-19 surges, Pueblo County is trying to stop that from happening.
The Pueblo County Health Department said, "for the next few weeks Pueblo County is at risk of losing our variances."
After hitting 84 COVID-19 cases in a two-week span, The Pueblo County Health Department is working a mitigation plan to the state of Colorado. However, they are not required to issue one at this time.
If case numbers don’t lower in the two weeks after a plan is submitted to the state, certain businesses in Pueblo County that are viewed as a higher risk for COVID-19 could potentially close or be limited.
For the time being, health officials urge folks to steer clear of social gatherings like weddings or graduation parties. Here is a full list of recommendation from the Pueblo County Health Department to reduce COVID-19 case numbers:
- Wear a mask following the Governor’s orders
- Wear masks at family gatherings and events
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet
- Wash hands often/ use hand sanitizer
- Vulnerable populations stay home
- If you are sick or have any symptoms (include the list), please stay home.
Get tested if you are not feeling well or have symptoms. Self-isolate until you get the results. Those with COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to contact their doctor and get tested. Free testing is available in Pueblo on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Case numbers may be up in Pueblo County but fortunately, COVID-19 hospitalizations are down. Last week only 4 people were treated in hospitals for the virus.
EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this article said the Pueblo County Health Department are required to submit a mitigation plan. For the time being, Pueblo County has not reached all of the COVID-19 threshold categories needed for the state of Colorado to require a mitigation plan from them.
