Offices can start bringing some employees back

The next stage of reopening under Colorado’s “safer-athome” coronavirus protocols is set for Monday, when offices across much of the state will be allowed to bring employees back under strict limitations.

Under Gov. Jared Polis’ directives that went into effect April 27, replacing his statewide stayat-home order, offices can reopen at 50% reduced in-person staffing capacity beginning Monday. Child care facilities can also expand or reopen if they are following best practices.

The relaxed measures do not apply to counties where stay-athome restrictions have been extended until May 8: Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin and Jefferson.

The state recommends that anyone returning to a workplace maintain 6 feet between themselves and others at all times; take breaks to wash hands or use hand sanitizer; wear masks and gloves; and stay home if sick. Employers are asked to frequently clean all high-touch areas, conduct and log daily temperature checks, monitor symptoms in employees and consider staggering or altering shifts to reduce the number of employees on site at the same time.

Businesses are still encouraged to allow employees to continue telecommuting, if possible.

Monday’s changes follow two loosening measures that went into effect over the last week as part of the new “safer-at-home” protocols. On April 27, curbside pickup at retail outlets and real estate showings were permitted, and on Friday, stores were allowed to permit customers inside their walls if they follow social distancing and cleaning guidelines.

Also Friday, personal services such as hair salons, dog grooming and tattoo parlors were allowed to reopen. The “safer-athome” measures are scheduled to be in place until May 26, though that could change depending on how Colorado’s COVID-19 caseload tracks.

Much remains closed under the state’s “safer-at-home” rules, including restaurants, cafes, bars, brew pubs, tasting rooms, cigar bars, gymnasiums, yoga and fitness studios, bowling alleys, playgrounds, libraries, movie and performance theaters, concert halls, museums and casinos. Polis also extended the closure of downhill skiing on Friday.