How Level Red affects museums, holiday events
Many outdoor holiday events and cultural programs meant to lift spirits during this dark time of year will go on as planned, despite Gov. Jared Polis’ announcement of new Level Red coronavirus restrictions for Colorado on Tuesday.
“It’s a horrible choice,” Polis said during an afternoon press conference, referencing the “balance” officials are trying to find by issuing county- by- county threat levels, but stopping just short of a statewide stay- athome order.
Polis, followed by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, described an “exponential growth” phase of coronavirus infections. But the lack of immediate details left some programmers of necessarily indoor experiences — museum exhibitions, mostly — with more questions than answers.
Level Red means no indoor, seated events, no new applications for outdoor variances ( which have been given to institutions like Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Zoo), and a 25% cap on outdoor event capacity, depending on the size of the space ( or about 75 people per event), according to the Colorado Department of Health.
Counties moving to Level Red by Friday include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, La Plata, Logan, Mesa, Morgan, Routt, Summit and Washington.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver decided to close — temporarily but indefinitely — at 5 p. m. Nov. 20 as a result of the new restrictions. Denver Museum of Nature & Science officials did not have an immediate response to the effect that Level Red restrictions would have on “The Art of the Brick” Lego exhibition, given the lack of clarity in the updated COVID- 19 dial, a spokeswoman said. At press time they were working with the mayor’s office to answer questions.
“While the news conference did not indicate any specific impacts to the Denver Art Museum’s operations, we are seeking clarification from City and State officials to ensure we are taking the right steps,” wrote a spokeswoman for that institution, which is currently selling tickets to a popular Frida Khalo exhibition through Jan. 24.
“For those who wish to reschedule their visit or would like
a refund, we encourage ticketholders to contact info@ denverartmuseum.org or call 720913- 0130,” she added.
Ongoing events such as Civic Center’s Christkindl Market, which moved to that larger venue from Skyline Park this year, were set to debut on Friday, Nov. 20 — the same day the new, Level Red restrictions take effect in Denver.
“We have been informed by the city that outdoor markets will follow retail guidelines and we will be able to operate with our current 75 people per zone ( there are two zones with one buffer) under the new directive,” said a Christkindl spokesman of the 60,000- square- foot, open- air market.
Fetch Markets — which is producing Cherry Creek North’s Winter Wanderland holiday craft market — also said the new restrictions will not affect its hours or capacity, since they were taken into account when planning the 75- person- capacity market spaces.
Denver Zoo’s wildly popular Zoo Lights, opening its 30th anniversary season on Nov. 23, had been designed for just such an announcement. The 80- acre, City Park complex went into a “safer at home” stage a few weeks ago, said spokesman Jake Kubie, with Level Red- type restrictions and capacity variances already in place.
“Denver Zoo remains open to the public, vigilantly implementing and enforcing the extensive health and safety measures that have been in place since we reopened in June,” Kubie wrote via email. “We are frequently in touch with state and city health officials, and will make adjustments as needed to do our part to protect the community from the spread of COVID- 19 and comply with any new regulations and recommendations.”
Guests with previously purchased tickets to Zoo Lights can still stroll around outdoors and snap virtual greeting cards. Per the Zoo’s variance, they’re able to allow 50% of normal capacity, which translates to no more than 700 people per hour.
“However, we rarely reach that level of attendance during the daytime this time of year and have proactively limited available tickets by 50% during peak times/ days to help further spread out guests in the Zoo at any given hour,” Kubie said.
Denver Botanic Gardens, which opens its Blossoms of Light outdoor display on Nov. 20, is also not making any changes to its current plan, which took into account Level Red restrictions.
“Blossoms of Light and Trail of Lights ( at the Chatfield Farms location) have reduced capacity, timed tickets, touch- free entry, no interactive features, and mask and social distancing requirements to ensure a safe experience at the Gardens,” said a spokeswoman. “The only indoor access is for restrooms. There are no further changes at this time.”
Blossoms of Light capacity is 2,250 per night, she added, spread out across Denver Botanic Gardens’ 24 acres at its York Street location in Denver. Timed entry is every 30 minutes.
Until a stay- at- home order arrives, some museums will continue to operate as they have in recent weeks. Without one, ticketed events are still on, said History Colorado Center spokesman John Eding.