El Paso County temporarily limiting indoor capacity in response to COVID-19

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo (KRDO) -- In response to El Paso County's rising number of COVID-19 cases, the county is temporarily rolling back a variance that allows up to 175 people inside businesses with that capacity.

The county announced Friday that city, county and business officials have agreed to temporarily reduce indoor capacity to 100 people. Places of worship are exempt from that temporary restriction. Businesses are still supposed to follow the guideline of 50% or 100 people, whichever is fewer. The mitigation plan takes effect on Monday, officials confirmed to KRDO.

That restriction will be in place for two weeks, and then the county will reassess its plan from there.

“We appreciate the support from CDPHE and all of our community partners,” said Susan Wheelan, El Paso County Public Health Director. “First and foremost, our priority is to protect the health and well-being of our residents. We are grateful for the opportunity to discuss realistic and actionable mitigation measures we can implement as a county, and we remain committed to utilizing all of the prevention tools available to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Officials are also announcing that they're exploring options for a free drive-through community-based testing site; and business officials have committed to advocating for increased teleworking, according to the county.

Since the beginning of July, El Paso County has seen a steady rise in COVID-19 positive cases, and several individual days in July saw more positive cases than any single day in the months prior.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.