News

Gov. Jared Polis on Monday revealed what life will be like in Colorado starting next week when his stay-at-home order lifts, preparing the public for a “marathon” of restrictions likely to last months in order to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading out of control.

When the stay-at-home order ends Sunday, the main difference will be that Coloradans will be urged, rather than ordered, to stay in. Polis is calling this new phase Colorado’s “safer-at-home” period.

About half the workforce will be able to return to their jobs the first week of May, Polis said, but employers are urged to continue telecommuting if possible. Workplaces that do reopen will have to abide by strict guidelines, including temperature checks.

Retail will first open to curbside delivery and then be allowed to gradually open with strict precautions.

Hair salons, tattoo parlors, dog grooming and personal training will be allowed to resume services, but also with strict precautions.

Restaurants and bars will still be closed to in-person dining, and schools will remain shuttered.

But the governor was clear: “If you can stay at home, continue to stay at home.” People in vulnerable populations – those 60 or older or people with preexisting conditions – are urged to continue as if the stay-at-home order were still in effect.

“We need to figure out how to run the marathon now that we’ve run the sprint,” he said.

Detailed guidance on how the state will begin to reopen is expected to be released in the coming days. Polis’ on Monday only unveiled broad strokes.

Restaurants may be able to have a phased reopening in mid May, Polis said, but that prospect is still under exploration. Gatherings of more than 10 people will be prohibited.

Polis said that cities and counties across Colorado will be able to implement more stringent restrictions to respond to an outbreak. “In a big diverse state there should not be one statewide approach,” he said.

Polis said restrictions will be changed to ensure the health care system isn’t overwhelmed. “This will all be adjusted in real time,” he said.

There are more than 10,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Colorado, but public health officials believe there may be some 75,000 people in the state who have been infected.

About 450 people have died from the disease. More than 1,000 with confirmed cases of the disease are currently hospitalized.

Polis said that he plans to be in Eagle County on Thursday or Friday to grant the county an exemption ahead of time from the stay-at-home order because of the progress it has made in limiting the spread of coronavirus.

Eagle County has been one of the areas hardest hit by coronavirus.

The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported, journalist-owned news outlet exploring issues of statewide interest. Sign up for a newsletter and read more at coloradosun.com.