As the worldwide outbreak of the novel coronavirus continues to spread, many are worried about the future and have more questions than answers. Authorities in Colorado are taking the situation very seriously and have taken specific measures to protect the health and wellbeing of the public. Here are some tips for COVID-19 in Winter Park
Official Response
According to the second updated public health order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, ordered on March 27th, all Colorado residents must stay home unless engaged in certain necessary activities. This order is intended to minimize contact between people as much as possible to minimize the spread of COVID-19. It also effectively limits the opportunities for people to come in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. These steps are necessary to slow the spread of disease, reduce the number of people who become severely ill or die, and protect our health care system. This order does not apply to employees in:
• Grocery stores
• Gas stations
• Pharmacies
• Police stations
• Fire stations
• Hospitals, clinics and healthcare operations
• Garbage/sanitation
• Public transportation
• Public benefits (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid) hotlines
• Grocery and meal delivery, drive-through, and takeout options
• Liquor and cannabis stores
• Health care
• Transportation
• Election activities
• Childcare services
For the average person in Colorado, this means you must stay home as much as possible, follow social distancing when you must go out, and self-isolate if you are sick. Necessary activities are tasks and errands you must do to keep you and your family safe and healthy, such as getting medical care, food and supplies, exercising pets, and going to work if you are in an essential business. Outdoor activities that you engage in by yourself or with your household members, such as walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, running, are acceptable. State parks are open for walking, biking, etc., but all playgrounds, picnic areas, campgrounds, and other areas where groups might gather are closed.
Effective March 17, 2020 and continuing through April 30, 2020, the following public places are closed to use, and occupancy by members of the public:
• Restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses
• Bars, taverns, brew pubs, breweries, wineries and clubs
• Movie and performance theaters, opera houses, concert halls, and music halls
• Casinos, horse tracks, and off-track betting facilities
Businesses subject to these restrictions are encouraged to offer food and beverage using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service, yet to use precautions in doing so to mitigate the potential transmission of the virus. As well as these statewide measures, Colorado officials are also following direction from the President, and asking for the public to take measures to prevent the spread of this disease, including:
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Disinfecting frequently touched items and surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones, and keyboards, as frequently as possible.
• If you or your children are sick, stay home! If anyone in your household has tested positive, keep the entire household at home.
Stay Safe During This Time – Tips for COVID-19 in Winter Park
Here at Winter Park Escapes, we are happily doing all we can to comply with these restrictions and guidelines. We know that with the full cooperation of our community we can work together and survive this crisis. And we look forward dearly to the time we are all safe and healthy again and can once more host our dear guests!