Change

Change, change, change.  If there is anything that we’ve learned about a pandemic it’s that things will not stay the same very long.

This last weekend was another one of those change moments for us during the pandemic.  The CDC came out with their new mask guidance, Larimer County ended their public health orders and the City of Fort Collins ended their local face cover order.  At the same time, the State of Colorado amended their face cover order.

So what in the world does all this mean?

• Businesses can now fully reopen their facilities. There are no longer any limits on capacity or requirements for social distancing.  It should be noted that businesses may implement their own policies so long as they are meeting the minimum requirements set forth by the state of Colorado. The Chamber and other business and government leaders are asking all residents to be kind to others and respectful when visiting business establishments as everyone adapts to new requirements and recommendations.
• Based on the updated state-wide mask order, fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces, unless the setting requires otherwise.
• At the same time, unvaccinated people over the age of 11 are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces where members of different households are present
• And the state-wide mask order still requires masks in these setttings:
  • Public Transportation: Everyone on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation.
  • Schools: For unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated students, teachers, and staff in schools.
  • Congregate Care Facilities: For unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated residents, staff and visitors to congregate care facilities, including nursing facilities, assisted living residences, intermediate care facilities and group homes.
  • Prisons and Jails: For unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated residents in prisons and jails.
  • Health Care Settings: For unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated personnel in emergency medical and other health care settings, including hospitals, ambulance service centers, urgent care centers, non-ambulatory surgical structures, clinics, doctors’ offices, and non-urgent care medical structures.

We are excited to consider the reopening of our economy here in Northern Colorado and the opportunity that it brings to us all.  Change is incredibly difficult, but we are hopeful that we can all embrace the concept of “grace” as we make our way through this evolution in our recovery. Keep an eye on communication from the Chamber to know how we will be adjusting to this change and our efforts to bring business back in the building, our parking lot and more!

We also want to encourage all of our citizens to use the fantastic resources available to get vaccinated.  Larimer County, our health care providers and now our pharmacy partners are ready and able to help you and your employees get vaccinated today as we Drive to 65.  We are supporting the effort to have 65% of our Larimer County population be vaccinated, realizing that every person that gets vaccinated helps to stop COVID-19 from spreading and getting us back to business.   To learn more about the opportunity that vaccines provide for the community, please check out the Town Hall that we hosted with the Loveland Chamber on Monday.

Hang in there business community!  We are here to help you through change!