Douglas County variance approved; restaurants, gyms, churches can reopen
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Restaurants, gyms, churches and the Park Meadows mall have been given the green light to reopen with some social distancing guidelines.
In a letter obtained by our partners at 9News, the Colorado state health department approved the variance request Friday night with an amendment: occupancy levels are capped at 50% posted capacity with a minimum of 28 square feet per person not to exceed 175 people.
The variance goes into effect immediately, according to Douglas County.
The letter from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says Douglas County has demonstrated weeks of positive data with a COVID-19 incidence rate of 22 per 100,000 residents.
However, health officials say if the county sees a backslide, the variance would be rescinded.
Douglas County hasn't released detailed rules for each business, but the variance request provides insight as to what it might look like, according to 9News.
Restaurants would be limited to 50% capacity and need to seat tables 6 feet apart. Diners would have to wait in their cars until their table is ready and wear masks in the restaurant until they are seated. Servers and staff must wear masks at all times.
Gyms would need 120 square feet for each customer. Users would need to stay 6 feet a part and sanitize any equipment they use immediately. Locker rooms would stay closed.
As far as places of worship -- congregants will be asked to wear masks during the service but can take them off if they're separated by other parties by more than 6 feet.
