Teller County files variance request, asks to reopen casinos and restaurants

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Teller County is the latest community in Colorado to file a variance request asking state officials if they can reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

On May 8, Teller County commissioners approved the draft that reads, "our request for a variance is appropriate because we have a low case count, more than adequate hospital capacity and a reopening plan that is sufficient to safely continue to our response to COVID-19 and recovery."

The variance comes with requests to reopen restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, places of worships and casinos in Cripple Creek.

"We believe if social distancing guidelines are followed, facial masks are worn and sanitizing protocols are implemented then group size should be restricted."

Mark Dettenrieder, Teller County Commissioner says, "the emphasis, the real focus in our suppression plan is social distancing, standard protocols that we all know now."

The variance says hospital space in Teller County is adequate, plus an auxiliary care facility created in response to the outbreak hasn't been used.

UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital signed off on the variance stating it believes it can provide services under the COVID-19's suppression plan.

The hospital's letter included in the variance says their locations in Teller County has zero intensive care unit (ICU) beds but explains they rely on resources in Colorado Springs for ICU backup.

There are 31 cases of COVID-19 in Teller County and two deaths.

Dettenrieder believes if the public can adhere to social distancing guidelines, a surge in cases can be prevented.

"We need to open back up in a safe, smart, common-sense kind of way, and I'm hopeful we can do that."

The variance was officially filed on Friday and commissioners hope to have answer from the state by the end this week.