Critical services, now including churches, receive some flexibility on COVID-19 restrictions.

On December 7, Governor Polis amended his public health order for the third time since March 2020. The original public health order outlines restrictions, state-wide, for individuals, gatherings, businesses, and public activities.

Under "critical services," the amended order lists "houses of Worship and associated ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms (religious or secular)." With the "critical" classification, churches can exceed the capacity limitations if they are unable to perform the services within said parameters. Individuals in attendance will still need to wear masks and remain socially distanced.

Public places such as museums, zoos, and aquariums can continue to operate at 25% capacity or 25 people capacity, whichever is fewer. Staff and visitors also need to follow orders for individuals including wearing a non-surgical face covering (covering both the nose and the mouth), remaining six-feet apart from others outside their immediate household, and staying home completely if showing signs of COVID-19 or receiving a positive test result for COVID-19.

The recent amendment addressed current COVID-19 statistics for the state of Colorado.

"As of December 6, 2020, there have been 260,581 known cases of COVID-19 in Colorado, 14,868 Coloradans have been hospitalized and 2,724 Coloradans have died from COVID-19. Multiple sources of data show that COVID-19 transmission and the use of healthcare due to COVID-19 have leveled off in Colorado. Our work to “flatten the curve” appears to be succeeding, and the Governor has ordered some lessening of the current Safer at
Home restrictions as a result."

Read the 69-page amended full public health order. 

What do you think of the order amendment? Share in the comments below. As always, please be kind as you comment.