On April 16, the state's COVID-19 dial evolved into Public Health Order 20-38: Limited COVID-19 Restrictions, which allows counties to implement regulations at the local level while still maintaining some limited requirements across the state. Counties may use the statewide dial framework as a model for implementing their own regulations.
Beginning April 16, Arapahoe and Adams county businesses and residents will follow simplified restrictions issued by the Tri-County Health Department, with the continued goal of controlling and slowing the spread of COVID-19.
As of April 14, 2021, there were 135,050 known positive cases in Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties, with 1,688 deaths in those counties, and there also is evidence that more contagious and potentially more severe variant strains are spreading in Colorado. With cases going up and a limited COVID-19 vaccine supply, Tri-County Health Department officials want everyone to remain cautious for a brief extension of time until vaccines are more widely available.
The Tri-County Health Department public health order will be in effect from April 16 through May 15. Highlights include:
Phase 1: Moving Toward Full Re-opening April 16 (30 days): Counties will move to a new level on the dial, one level less than the level indicated by their metrics on April 15. For example, a county at Level Yellow metrics on the current state Dial will move to Level Blue on April 16 and remain there until May 15.
Phase 2: Observation Period, May 16 to Aug. 16 (90 days): Counties will move to Level Clear, which has no restrictions, subject to Tri-County Health Department observation of hospital admission rates in Arapahoe and Adams counties. In Level Clear, businesses will be able to operate at 100 percent capacity with no mitigation requirements, although face-covering requirements may still apply.
Douglas County has opted out of the local public health order.
Adams County: Level Blue: Cautious level (will remain at this level until at least May 16, 2021)
Arapahoe County: Level Blue: Cautious level (will remain at this level until at least May 16, 2021)
Because COVID-19 remains in Colorado, residents are advised to stay home as much as possible, practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently and avoid touching your face, wear a face covering or mask when you leave home, and connect with neighbors and loved ones virtually.
Thank you, Aurora, for doing your part, observing public health guidelines, reaching out to neighbors and friends, lifting up front-line health care workers and first responders, and supporting local businesses during this time.