COVID-19 Business Reopening Questions and Answers: Phase 1 Guidance

COVID-19 Business Reopening Questions and Answers: Phase 1 Guidance

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver esta información en español

GENERAL QUESTIONS: 

Question: What are the specific metrics and criteria that Eagle County Public Health & Environment will use to determine whether businesses can evolve from Phase 1 to Phase 2, and Phase 2 to Phase 3, etc.?

Answer: Individual businesses will not be evaluated individually to move forward into new phases. New phases will commence at a County wide level based on the following metrics:

1. Each phase will last between 4 and 8 weeks.
2. This amount of time is necessary to evaluate the spread of disease in the community.
3. We must be able to confirm that a significant increase of disease spread has not occurred.
4. We also must ensure that our community’s medical and public health systems can still meet the needs of our residents.

Question: What does the extension to May 8th by the Governor mean for Eagle County?

Answer: Governor Polis and CDPHE exempted Eagle County to allow Eagle County’s order to stand alone. In Eagle County, the County’s orders apply instead of the state’s. However, in some cases there may be regulatory agencies that supersede any County order, such as the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). If you are licensed through DORA, please make sure to follow all appropriate restrictions and guidelines.

Question: Can my business operate?

Answer: Businesses which meet the compliance criteria of the Eagle County COVID-19 Transition Trail Map and can comply with the Social Distancing Protocol can operate as part of the first phase of reopening.

Question: Do I need to submit the Social Distancing Protocol document to Eagle County for approval?

Answer: Social Distancing Protocol forms must be fully completed and posted at facility or work site entrances visible to the public and employees and must be posted onto their website. The Protocol must also be delivered to individual employees either in hard copy or digital forms. The Protocol does NOT need to be submitted to Eagle County.  

Question: What safe distancing requirements will be required?

Answer:  Please see the Social Distancing Protocol to understand what safe distancing requirements are required. In general, 6ft distance is still required. If 6ft cannot be maintained, cloth face coverings should be worn.  

Question: How will protocols be enforced?

Answer: Violations of the April 27, 2020 Eagle County Public Health Order are crimes which are punishable by law. If you see violations of the Public Health Order, call Dispatch at 970.479.2201.

Question: What activities / businesses are not allowed?

Answer: As part of this first phase of business reopening, there are only a handful of businesses and activities that cannot re-open because appropriate social distancing or meeting gathering limitations are not possible. Please see the Eagle County COVID-19 Transition Trail Map for restrictions and allowances.

Question: Are there people per square foot limits?
Answer: There are not people per square foot limits. Gatherings are limited to 10 people or less and businesses should make a determination on how many people can be in their specific setting while still easily maintaining a minimum of 6 feet of distance between people and other requirements of the Social Distancing Protocol can be met.  “Essential Services and Businesses” may exceed the gathering limit when their facility size can still ensure each employee and customer can maintain 6 feet of distance between one another.  

Question: What restrictions would be specific to my business?

Answer: Businesses that are able to re-open under phase 1 all need to follow social distancing requirements. Please review Eagle County COVID-19 Transition Trail Map to understand if you can re-open and meet the requirements of Social Distancing Protocol which is required to be completed and followed by all businesses open to employees and customers.

Question: What do I do if I cannot access hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, or cloth face coverings?

Answer: In some cases, businesses may not be able to access hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, or cloth face coverings. This may mean that your business or activity cannot commence because proper cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitation procedures cannot be followed.  Although soap and water access can replace the need for hand sanitizer, this may not always be easily accessible to all employees and customers. Payments and product delivery can be set up so that customers have little-to-no contact with surfaces. Cloth face coverings can be handmade, or repurposed such as ski buffs, scarves, and bandanas. Eagle County is promoting DIY cloth face covering – see instructions and more information here.

Question: How do I properly perform a symptom check?

Answer: To perform a symptom check, speak with each employee and ask the following questions or have them sign this form (scroll to end):

1. How are you feeling? Do you feel like you are getting a cold?
2. Do you have a headache, sore throat, fever, dry cough, inability to taste and smell, shortness of breath, ear aches, body aches, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting or abdominal pain?

Question: When will my business be able to operate fully?

Answer: Officials recommend a phased re-opening that ensures public health criteria is met prior to moving on to less restrictive phases. In many cases, full operations for some businesses and activities may not be able to commence until there is significant herd immunity or a vaccine.  

Question:  If one of my employees has a positive case of COVID-19, do I need to quarantine all my employees or temporarily close my business?

Answer: In the event an employee has confirmed COVID-19 disease or has symptoms but was not tested, employers should NOT recommend testing for any other employees as a condition of employment. Investigations performed by Eagle County Public Health and Environment will help identify close contacts that may require additional measures.  

For businesses that implement an appropriate Social Distancing Protocol, other employees are not likely to fall into the category of close contacts. “Close Contact” is defined as a person who is a member of the same household, a partner, or someone that has shared a personal item such as drinking glass, food, or food utensil, or someone that has been closer than 6 feet for over 10 minutes to a person with symptoms.  

In the event the multiple employees (3 or more) are sick with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the business owner must report this to Eagle County by calling 970-235-0187.

Question: Are employees and customers required to use face coverings?

Answer: Face coverings are recommended for the general public when obtaining necessary services, but may not be required. Face masks are required for employees if 6 feet distance can’t be maintained beyond the momentary circumstances. Eagle County is promoting DIY cloth face covering creation – see instructions and more information here.

Question: Should I have employees get doctors notes to return to work whether or not they have a confirmed case of COVID-19?

Answer: Doctors notes for employees to return to work should not be requested or required.  We are asking employers to waive their current policies requiring doctors notes to return to work to reduce the burden on our medical and public health system.

All sick individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are requested to be tested within 48 hours of the start of their symptoms.  However, regardless of being tested for COVID-19, sick individuals are asked to isolate at home for 7 days from the start of symptoms AND 72 hours until fever-free (without the use of any fever-reducing medications), whichever is longer and as long as their symptoms are significantly improving.

This includes people that have tested positive, people awaiting their test results, and people who have symptoms but have not been tested. Employers do not need and should not require negative test results for anyone that has completed the self-isolation requirements.

Question: If you are experiencing symptoms what should you do?

Answer: All sick individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are requested to be tested within 48 hours of the start of their symptoms.  However, regardless of being tested for COVID-19, sick individuals are asked to isolate at home for 7 days from the start of symptoms AND 72 hours until fever-free (without the use of any fever-reducing medications), whichever is longer and as long as their symptoms are significantly improving.

This includes people that have tested positive, people awaiting their test results, and people who have symptoms but have not been tested. Employers do not need and should not require negative test results for anyone that has completed the self-isolation requirements.

Question: Can businesses require face coverings for customers?

Answer: Businesses are allowed to require face coverings for employees and customers.

Question: When gathering with friends or groups of 10 or less, what guidance does the County have on how to do this while complying with the Public Health Order?  Should friends wear masks into other friends’ houses? What are some tips to staying safe when socializing inside and outside?

Answer: Gatherings of 10 or less with friends may occur, if everyone can follow social distance requirements and no non-residents are invited to attend. Some good tips include ensuring that symptomatic individuals do not attend and stay home.

Emphasize the importance of maintaining 6′ of distance whenever possible. Emphasize handwashing, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces regularly.

Outdoor activities may have a lower risk of disease spread than activities in enclosed environments. If indoors for a prolonged period of time, or if close proximity is unavoidable (like in a vehicle), increased airflow and use of cloth face coverings is strongly recommended.

Question: Are drive in movie theaters allowed?

Answer: Drive-in events may be allowed if the requirements of the Social Distancing Protocol can be met.  In addition, outdoor spaces must be managed to ensure no more than 10 people in defined spaces, cars should only include members of an individual household, at least a six-foot distance in between individuals must be maintained, and a reasonable and safe distance between groups of no less than 20 feet should be maintained.

Question: Is the required leash law for dogs still in effect?

Answer: The new Public Health Order does NOT include a leash law for dogs.  

Question: How is “guidance” different than “social distancing protocols” as referenced in the Eagle County COVID-19 Transition Trail Map?

Answer: Guidance specific to the type of industry or business may be required to meet the intentions of the Social Distancing Protocol. Examples of where this is necessary include child care, medical, and other settings where it may be more difficult to maintain the 6 feet of distance between individuals. In addition, some industries may need to follow specific guidance from their licensing authorities at the State or National level.

Question: Can Eagle County residents travel outside of the County?

Answer: Eagle County’s Public Health Order does not prohibit residents from traveling outside of Eagle County, although the County encourages people to weigh the risk of travel before doing so.

For travel outside of Eagle County, the State of Colorado’s most recent “Safer at Home” Executive Order is here. Eagle County has been granted an exemption from the State’s Order, but for travel outside of Eagle County, unless the county you are traveling to has been specifically granted an exemption, or has an order in place that is more stringent than the State order, the State’s Order applies.

County, municipal, or special districts may have additional orders in place, looking on the County website or contacting the County department of public health would be a good place to start.

PERSONAL SERVICES SUCH AS SALONS, BODY ART & SKINCARE

Question: Should I open my business if I am concerned about an inability to comply with social distancing protocols and keep my employees and customers safe?

Answer: If you are concerned about being able to comply with gathering limits and social distancing requirements you may decide not to open during Phase 1 or wait for further guidance from state and local agencies to reopen at a later time.

Question: Will additional personal protective equipment (PPE) help me to operate safely if my business necessitates sustained close person-to-person proximity?

Answer: Cloth face coverings should be worn by both the employee and client in addition to following the social distancing requirements such as frequent hand washing. Masks may help to reduce the risk of exposure due to prolonged close contact, but there is still a higher level risk with sustained closed contact.  

For some industries or businesses, specific guidance may be provided in addition to completing a Social Distancing Protocol.  In addition, some industries may need to follow specific guidance from their licensing authorities at the State or National level.

Question: Can nail salons, skin care, and massage operations re-open?

Answer: Personal services like nail salons, skin care, and massage therapy are licensed through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).  

These services must still meet the requirements of their licensing authorities, including restrictions on when they are allowed to open. In addition, they will be required to meet all the requirements outlined in the April 27, 2020 Eagle County Public Health Order.  Business owners must be aware of their industry-specific requirements and follow all appropriate restrictions and guidelines.

PLAY GROUNDS:

Question: Are playgrounds open to the public?

Answer: Playgrounds are closed during phase 1. As part of a phase 2, the County expects to open playgrounds with social distancing guidance in place.

Question:  Are dog parks open to the public?

Answer: Dog parks are open; however, gathering limitations and social distancing requirements must be followed.

Question: Can I invite guests over for a social gathering, meet in a public space, or schedule playdates for children?

Answer: Gatherings of 10 or less can happen IF all social distance requirements can be followed for both parents and children. Individual groups of 10 or less must also distance at least 20 feet apart from other groups of 10 or less. Playgrounds are closed because play structures are high-touch equipment that cannot be easily cleaned and the difficulty to control safe distancing. Within these parameters, a playdate at a private residence (preferably outdoors) or on public land is allowed.

SENIOR CENTERS:

Question: Can I visit senior centers?

Answer: Seniors are a COVID-19 vulnerable population and visits to senior centers are not permitted by the general public.

CHILDCARE:

Question: Is childcare considered an essential service?

Answer: Childcare is considered an essential service.

Question: Is there guidance on how childcares can operate appropriately?

Answer: Updated State guidance for childcare operations will be sent to all licensed child care providers when available.

CONSTRUCTION:

Question: What restrictions are specific to construction?

Answer: Construction is considered a critical and essential service by the State of Colorado and Eagle County. Here is additional State guidance for construction.  

GOLF:

Question: What specific provisions are in place for golf course operations?

Answer: Golf courses which operate in compliance with the Eagle County COVID-19 Transition Trail Map and the Social Distancing Protocol requirements are able to re-open. A consortium of Eagle County Golf Operators have developed a high-level operations plan that all golf operators will use as a basic framework to support consistency of best practices pertaining specifically to golf course operations.

Question:  Are Eagle County residents allowed to bring friends to golf courses that come from other counties?  

Answer: Non-resident visitors to Eagle County are restricted to limited essential services and travel. Friends from out of the County are not allowed to frequent golf courses.

ELECTIVE AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICAL CARE:

Question: What types of preventative medical care is allowed to operate?

Answer: All elective and preventative medical care may operate as long as theSocial Distancing Protocols and any other industry specific health care licensing and oversight agency requirements can be met, and standard precautions protocols are followed.

Question: Is there guidance on how preventative medical care can appropriately operate?

Answer: Guidance for elective and preventative medical care is being developed through DORA. Additional questions: emma.sloan@eaglecouny.us.

OFFICE:

Question: In general, can I open my office no matter what type of business I am?

Answer: Most offices may be allowed to open if they are not otherwise prohibited as described in the April 27, 2020 Eagle County Public Health Order or the  Eagle County COVID-19 Transition Trail Map. 

For businesses not open to the public and that will not serve customers in person, the number of employees in a location is not limited to 10 employees when necessary to conduct business operations. Rather, a minimum six-foot distance must be maintained between employees and all other social distancing requirements.

For businesses with discreet and segregated areas of a building or facility, 10 persons may be in each discreet and segregated area provided they meet the minimum six-foot distance between all persons.  

RESTAURANTS, MOBILE FOOD VENDORS, BARS, AND GROCERY STORES

Question: Can restaurants and bars operate during Phase 1?

Answer: Restaurants and bars can continue takeout and delivery services however, in-house dining is not allowed, including on decks and patios. Even with reduced occupancy and distancing seating for patrons, it is difficult to maintain social distancing in restaurant and bar environments. Many surfaces in a restaurant are also higher-touch, and have higher potential for disease spread. Restaurants and bars may be able to open with restrictions as part of a phase 2 reopening.

Question: Should my restaurant use different sanitization and cleaning products or stronger bleach solution than normal?

Answer: Here is some guidance for restaurants cleaning product use: Sanitization of food contact surfaces should continue as required in the retail food regulations, 50-200 ppm chlorine, or 100-400 ppm quaternary ammonia (or as required on the manufacturers label.

For disinfection, the recommendation to prevent typical foodborne illness after a vomit or diarrhea incident 1 cup bleach to a gallon of water. 

To prevent the spread of coronavirus, cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, such as POS systems, door handles, handrails, etc. with a minimum of 1/3 cup per gallon of water, which should be done frequently for occupational health of employees and health and safety of customers. You can also check out what products are on the EPA’s approved list to disinfect for COVID-19.

Question: Can I have all of my employees tested for COVID-19 as a way to show customers that my establishment is safe and to promote my business?

Answer: Testing employees for COVID-19 as a requirement for employment is NOT recommended.  There may be legal concerns or employer liabilities to do this and we recommend you consult your attorney.  

Further, the accuracy and availability of the serology tests for immunity is still somewhat uncertain, and may or may not be a reliable tool to promote the safety of your facility. And, while we are encouraging people to seek standard testing for COVID-19 as soon as they begin to feel symptoms, we are still not in the place of testing people who are not symptomatic.

The best tools to promote the safety of your facility are good cleaning and sanitization, strong social distancing practices, employee symptom screenings, and the wearing of face coverings and gloves where further indicated or required.

Question: What protocols should my retail food establishment start planning for once we are able to reopen for in-house dining?

Answer: Eagle County is working with local, state and federal partners on the development of strong guidance for when restaurants and bars can again welcome customers for dine-in services.

We will be encouraging your operation to be creative in how you can maintain 6 feet of distance between parties and follow the Social Distancing Protocol.  In addition, the  Eagle County COVID-19 Transition Trail Map helps describe expected timeframes when gathering sizes may be increased.  

This is subject to change depending on the spread of COVID-19 in our community but may help provide some guidance on timing.

RETAIL:

Question: Do I have to limit the number of customers and employees in my store beyond the limit of 10 if social distancing cannot be met due to the size of my space?

Answer: You can only allow the number of people in the store that can meet social distancing requirements. No more than 10 people at any given time are allowed under phase 1. “Essential Services and Businesses” may exceed the gathering limit when their facility size can still ensure each employee and customer can maintain 6 feet of distance between one another.  

This includes customers and employees unless your business fits under an exemption in the April 27, 2020 Eagle County Public Health Order.

Question: I am a cash only business. Can I still operate?

Answer:  Yes. Handwashing and sanitizing is still most important – after handling cash and before touching your face, phone, or food. Gloves aren’t absolutely necessary but even in these cases, proper disposal of the gloves and handwashing/sanitizing after removing gloves is still necessary.

We recommend hand sanitizer at cashier stations to help promote this behavior without having to leave the workstation or with the delivery driver for ongoing personal use.

Question: How is “outside” or “outdoor” space defined?

Answer: Any outdoor space that is used by an establishment to operate their business

Question: Is outdoor space considered differently in the 10-person and less restrictions?

Answer: Outdoor spaces must be managed in the same way as indoor spaces. This includes no more than 10 people in defined spaces, and following social distancing requirements including:

1. Maintain at least a six-foot distance from other individuals.
2. Keep a reasonable and safe distance from other groups of no less than 20 feet.
3. Not give handshakes or fist bumps.
4. Wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or use hand sanitizer.

Question: When will the mountain be approved to open?

Answer: Vail and Beaver Creek are still prohibited from reopening by State Executive Order at this time. Eagle County did not seek exemption from this particular order.

RECREATION:

Question: Can personal 1:1 training commence if they adhere to social distancing requirements?

Answer: Personal training may commence indoors or outdoors if all social distancing requirements are met. High touch equipment must be cleaned after each use. High touch equipment that cannot be easily cleaned, cannot be used.

Question: Can studio classes commence if they adhere to social distancing requirements?

Answer: Studio classes may commence; however, must follow all gathering and social distancing requirements. High touch equipment must be cleaned after each use. High touch equipment that cannot be easily cleaned, cannot not be used.

Question: Can fitness centers that utilize equipment like treadmills, bikes, weight machines and free weights commence if they adhere to social distancing requirements?

Answer: Fitness centers that utilize equipment like treadmills, bikes, weight machines and free weights may re-open, if all gathering limitations and social distancing requirements are followed.  This is considered high-touch equipment so the equipment must be able to be cleaned after each use.

High touch equipment that cannot be easily cleaned, cannot not be used. If gathering sizes cannot be monitored and maintained at 10 people or less in defined areas, they may not re-open.

Question: Can organized sports such as baseball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, tennis,and pickleball commence if they adhere to social distancing requirements?

Answer: Non-contact, non-league organized sports may commence, this includes activities like tennis or pickleball. Contact, league organized sports may not commence, this includes without limitation baseball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey.

Question: Can summer camps commence if they adhere to social distancing requirements?

Answer: Summer camps may not re-open at this time. Summer camps serve children that range from ages of Kindergarten – 12th grade. Eagle County and partnering agency child care/education task forces will begin developing guidance on protocols with anticipated re-opening in phase 2.

Question: Can lap pools used for exercise commence if they adhere to social distancing requirements?

Answer: Lap pools may not open during phase 1. Eagle County is investigating opportunities to open pools safely for phase 2.  

Question: Are recreational pools and hot tubs allowed to open?

Answer: Recreational pools and hot tubs may not open during phase 1. Eagle County is investigating opportunities to open pools safely for phase 2. These are high touch environments with limited supervision or processes to manage interactions.

Question: Can outdoor events such as running and bike races commence if they adhere to social distancing requirements?

Answer: Outdoor events such as running and bike races may commence only if gathering size is limited to 10 people or less.

Question: How are maximum group gathering limitations applied to outdoor recreational facilities for activities such as golf, or outside fitness classes?

Answer: Multiple groups of up to a maximum of 10 individuals may be present at one overall site as long as each group is located in a defined differentiated area at least 20 feet apart from other groups of 10. Additionally, all social distancing requirements must be followed including:

5. Maintain at least a six-foot distance from other individuals.
6. Keep a reasonable and safe distance from other groups of no less than 20 feet.
7. Not give handshakes or fist bumps.
8. Wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or use hand sanitizer.

Question: Can a spa re-open and allow access to steam rooms, saunas, and locker rooms?

Answer: Spas including access to steam rooms, saunas, and locker rooms may not re-open during phase 1.

Question: Can I provide towels for use by customers at our recreational facilities and activities?

Answer: Towels may be provided to customers, as these items can be easily cleaned. Appropriate laundering guidance from the Centers for Disease Control should be followed.

Question: Are skate parks allowed to open?

Answer: Individual operators may choose to open skateparks if operators are able to monitor the number of people present at one time (limited to 10) and ensure compliance with social distancing requirements.

K -12 EDUCATION:

Question: Will school re-open for regular attendance for the 2020/2021 school year?

Answer: Distance learning will remain in place for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year.  At present, it has not been determined when or if schools will re-open for regular attendance for the 2020/2021 school year.

Question: Are multiple groups of 10 allowed in a single childcare / camp setting as long as groups are NEVER combined (including opening and closing, lunch, etc)?

Answer: Multiple groups of up to a maximum of 10 individuals may be present at one overall site as long as each group is located in a defined differentiated area at least 20 feet apart from other groups of 10. Additionally, all social distancing requirements must be followed including:

9. Maintain at least a six-foot distance from other individuals.
10. Keep a reasonable and safe distance from other groups of no less than 20 feet.
11. Not give handshakes or fist bumps.
12. Wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or use hand sanitizer.

Question: Will busing for childcare be allowed in the phase 1 or phase 2?

Answer: Busing is allowed in phase 1; however, the April 27, 2020 Eagle County Public Health Order outlines transportation protocols that must be followed.

Question: What screening will be required for children participating in summer programming?

Answer: Eagle County and partnering agency child care/education task forces will begin developing guidance on protocols with anticipated re-opening in phase 2.

Question: If an Early Childhood program opens in May, will children and staff be asked to wear masks? What is the youngest child that can wear a mask?

Answer:  Currently, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the licensing authority for child care, requires masks to be worn by staff caring for children and interacting with parents to the extent possible. Masks for children under the age of 3 are not recommended and for ages 3 to 5 is discouraged due to safety concerns and more frequent touching of the face due to the mask.

Question: Will staff be asked to take children’s temperatures before, during, and after care?

Answer: Children and staff should be assessed for signs of illness when they arrive and frequently throughout the day. Assessment may warrant taking a temperature in certain situations, but does not need to be a routine screening practice. Parents should be encouraged to monitor their children for illness and keep them home when they are sick.

Question:  Will staff be required to use a screen questionnaire with parents in the parking lot?

Answer: Each child care center may have a different process for assessing children for signs of illness when they arrive dependent on their facility.

Question: Will staff and children be asked to leave shoes outdoors?

Answer: Child care centers must comply with local and state guidance but may choose to implement additional practices, such as leaving shoes outdoors as long as it does not pose additional harm or risks to children or staff.

Question: Are parents allowed inside the building during pick up and drop off of children?

Answer: Each child care center may have a different pick up and drop off process for complying with local and state child care guidance and social distancing requirements.

Question: Does the group of 10 in childcares need to be consistent day to day?

Answer: Groups of 10 in childcares should not change on a day to day basis to reduce exposure and make the potential need for contact tracing easier.

Question: Some camps and programs have recruited seasonal staff from outside of Eagle County. If these programs are permitted to operate at some point during the summer, what requirements or restrictions should be in place to allow seasonal staff to move here prior to commencing work and working with local children?

Answer: Both the non-resident restrictions and summer camp restrictions will change in phase 2. More specific guidance will be released closer to that time.  

Question: How do childcare operators disinfect art (all supplies really) supplies in early childhood?

Answer: Supplies that are high-touch and cannot be easily cleaned cannot be used.

Question: How do you social distance early childhood participants, such as 4 years olds?

Answer: Social distancing with very young children is not completely possible. The best procedure for child care is to limit classroom size and avoid kids and staff changing rooms and groups. Click here to view childcare guidance.

HOTELS / TIMESHARES/ FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP / SHORT-TERM RENTALS:

Question: Can lodging re-open to visitors?

Answer: Lodging facilities, including hotels, timeshares, fractional ownership condos and short-term rentals can only open to visitors who are travelling for critical services and essential travel.

Question: Are additional cleaning practices required for lodging services?

Answer: It is recommended that hotels and lodging that provide cleaning services follow the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s cleaning guidance for homes and workplaces. Lodging that traditionally requires guests to clean the property themselves may consider additional staff or host cleaning between parties.

Question: How do I verify that people wanting to stay at my hotel are travelling for critical services and essential travel.

Answer: Enforcement on travel restrictions is not easy. The County requests that you act as a partner in helping to discourage unnecessary travel to Eagle County by not advertising to out of County visitors, and by asking people requesting reservations if their travel is essential as defined in the April 27, 2020 Eagle County Public Health Order.

Question: Is it realistic for hotels to plan to open to guests for June 1, 2020?

Answer: It is difficult for hotels to plan for when to re-open. Part of what makes this situation so difficult is uncertainty about how this first phase of reopening will go.

If there is no major resurgence of COVID-19 in Eagle County, here is information to help plan for the future: The Eagle County COVID-19 Transition Trail Map outlines three phases.

The first phase of re-opening will start on April 27, 2020 and will be in effect for at least four weeks and may go as long as eight weeks. As of now, re-opening lodging with guidance is located in phase 2. That means the earliest that this could happen is the end of May. However, it may not occur until mid to late June.

Question: How can events and conferences be handled as hotels will not be able to function without inviting larger groups inhouse?

Answer: At this time conferences and events may not occur due to gathering size restrictions.

Question: When can we begin actively marketing to non-residents?

Answer: Marketing to non-residents to visit Eagle County is not permitted during phase 1 or potentially phase 2. Phase 2 guidance is still being developed.

REAL ESTATE:

Question: Will properties be able to be shown for real estate transactions?

Answer: Properties are able to be shown for real estate transaction; however, all gathering size limitations and social distancing protocols must be followed.

Question: What protocols should listers and brokers follow to appropriately show properties?

Answer: Real Estate agencies, listers and brokers should work together to identify what procedures work best for their individual circumstances and comfort level. However, all gathering size limitations and social distancing protocols must be followed as a baseline requirement.

Question: Do real estate offices have to be open by appointment only?

Answer: Real estate offices do NOT have to be open by appointment only; however all gathering size limitations and social distancing protocols must be followed. Appointments may be helpful in ensuring the gathering size restrictions are easily met.

Question: Can a Broker conduct an “in-person” listing consultation?

Answer: Brokers can conduct in person listing consultations; however, all gathering size limitations and social distancing protocols must be followed.

Question: Will the real estate community be able to put lockboxes and signs on properties?

Answer: Lockboxes can only be used if they can be easily cleaned or disinfected between each use. Signs on properties can be posted. 

Question: Can brokers take photos and videos of the interior of a listing?

Answer: Brokers can take photos and videos of the interior of a listing; however, all gathering size limitations and social distancing protocols must be followed.

Question: Can a broker escort clients in their vehicle when viewing property or does the client need to travel in a separate vehicle?

Answer: It is recommended that individuals from different families travel separately. However, if group transportation is a necessity, please follow all transportation requirements in the April 27, 2020 Eagle County Public Health Order.

Question: How should home tours be conducted?

Answer: Home tours must comply with all gathering limitations and social distancing protocols.

Question: How should appraisals and inspections be conducted?

Answer: Inspections and appraisal must comply with all gathering limitations and social distancing protocols. If additional precautions are desired, individuals should create whatever additional precautions make them most comfortable.

Question: What are the guidelines for in-person closings at the title companies?

Answer: In-person closings at title company must follow all gathering size limitations and social distancing protocols must be followed.

Question:  What restrictions, if any, is there on providing access to homes for others services necessary for the closing checklist process, like carpet cleaning, repairmen, movers, etc.

Answer: Most services necessary for the real estate closing checklist process, like carpet cleaning, repairmen, movers, etc, are considered essential services.  Providing access to homes for these services is permitted, however, social distancing protocols must be followed.

VISITORS:

Question: Are visitors allowed to come to Eagle County?

Answer: Travel restrictions are in place for Eagle County and therefore travel into Eagle County for recreation or vacation is not allowed. Visitors to Eagle County are limited to those in need of essential services or for elective or preventative medical care.

Question: When will visitors be able to come to Eagle County?

Answer: Visitors to Eagle County are limited to those in need of essential services or for elective or preventative medical care. The Transition Trail Map outlines the three phases of re-opening and what visitors can expect over an extended time period.

Question: I have a secondary residence in Eagle County. Am I allowed to come to my second home?

Answer: Second homeowners may travel to their secondary home. Local Residents are those persons who own, maintain, or live in a home or residence in Eagle County.

Question: Does the Eagle County Public Health Order allow for visitors?  

Answer:The April 27, 2020 Eagle County Public Health Order includes a county-wide travel restriction. Travel into or around Eagle County is limited to Local Residents only. Persons that are not Local Residents, should return home immediately, unless they fall under an exception located in the Order.

Question: What exceptions allow for non-resident travel into Eagle County?

Answer: Non-residents may enter Eagle County for the following reasons:

1. To provide or obtain Essential Services or Businesses.
2. For elective or preventative medical or dental visits.
3. To travel through Eagle County on the way to another destination outside of Eagle County only if such travel is otherwise in accordance with State and desired destination orders. Such persons may stop in Eagle County only for Essential Services or Businesses or to address an emergency.
4. Eagle County may provide a special exception to these restrictions where the Director of Public Health confirms there is good cause for the exception.