As a result of having one of the highest rates of new coronavirus cases in the state, Summit County, CO has introduced further restrictions in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.
In what is the third public health order of the week the county, home to Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, and Keystone ski areas, has reduced the capacity of outdoor events from 175 to 75, and indoor events from 100 to 25.
State officials have given the county one week to bring down the number of new cases, or face being moved into the ‘high risk’ category of safer-at-home Level 3.
“Their initial recommendation was for us to move to that Level 3 and all the restrictions therein. After conversations and identifying that we really are putting in some targeted mitigation strategies … they’re giving us one more week for our community to turn this around.”
– Public Health Director Amy Wineland
Level 3 restrictions require that restaurants and retail stores run at 25% capacity. There is no guidance for ski areas if a county enters Level 3. However, the highest, and final level, would be a total stay at home order, essentially closing ski resorts. For this to happen, the test positivity rate has to exceed 15%, it’s currently 10.6%.
The recent rise in cases can be traced back to Labor Day celebrations and gatherings, and county officials are concerned about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
“Really try to avoid any gathering as much as possible. Really consider whether you want to have your traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday plans.”
– Public Health Director Amy Wineland
In a recent blog post, Arapahoe Basin COO Alan Henceroth said that if we want to enjoy winter, the time to act is now. Wear your masks, maintain social distancing, and keep to small groups.
