While Colorado’s COVID-19 dial was retired on April 16th

By Randy Beaudette

The Gilpin Board of County Commissioners held a Special meeting on April 15, 2021 to discuss Gilpin County Public Health response to the new Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment COVID-19 Dial 3.0.

Board-Chair Linda Isenhart opened up the meeting at 12:15 am along with Commissioners Web Sill and Sandy Hollingsworth. Also joining online were County Manager Abel Montoya, County Attorney Brad Benning, Deputy Clerk Sharon Cate, and members from the Senior Leadership Team.

COVID-19 Response

Colorado’s COVID-19 dial was retired on Friday April 16, 2021, and the responsibility for restrictions are being handed over to each County’s Health Department. Because restrictions vary from county to county, what applies in here might not apply over there.

In response to the State’s decision, Gilpin County Attorney Brad Benning presented Public Health Order 21-02 which adopts the State’s former COVID-19 Dial framework with some County specific modifications which will theoretically continue to control and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Phase 1- Moving Toward Full Reopening – will occur between April 16, 2021 and May 16, 2021. Gilpin County will remain at Level “Green” based on the County’s health metrics and not “Positivity Rates” as before. Level “Green  is the least restrictive on the former Colorado COVID Dial where as there are no capacity limits for restaurants and all other businesses but the 6-foot distancing rule must be in place which will basically determine the capacity of a business. Face coverings are required indoors and outdoors if the 6-foot distancing  rule cannot be maintained. (per Public Health Order 20-11)

Phase 2 – Observation Period – Gilpin expect to move into a new COVID Dial addition, “Level Clear” which is based on hospitalization rates of County residents. The County expects to move into Level Clear on May 16, 2021 and will be in effect until August 15,2021. Level “Clear” is defined as the “New Normal” in which businesses can operate at 100% capacity with no Mitigation Requirements. However, as long as Public Health Order 20-11 is in effect, face coverings will still be required indoors and outdoors if the 6-foot distancing  rule cannot be maintained.

The duration of Public Health Order 21-02 is expected to be in effect from April 16 thru August 1, 2021 and can be modified as needed to less or more restrictive measures. After August 15, 2021, the County will evaluate the results and decide on solutions moving forward.

For more info visit www.co.gilpin.co.us and click on the PUBLIC HEALTH & COVID -19 tab.