|
Dear DRE Licensees
First, the team at DORA and I would like to extend our thanks for your continued efforts to maintain compliance with the emergency orders and regulations that have been enacted in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. As you are likely aware, we have seen increasing and alarming trends of COVID-19 outbreaks in states neighboring Colorado. While the root causes for these spikes are still being analyzed, we know that the festive atmosphere that arrives with summer coupled with the gradual loosening of restrictions on businesses, public gatherings, and recreational activities has no doubt played a role.
Heading into the holiday weekend, we ask that you, our licensees and stakeholders, help us ensure that we can all honor our nation’s birthday while remaining aware of the grave challenge that now faces us.
In an effort to help flatten the curve of this pandemic, we urge you to adhere to the orders issued by Governor Polis and the health experts at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. At DORA, we have worked closely with the Governor and CDPHE to expand upon these orders and create industry-specific guidance for our licensees and regulated entities that we hope is clear, practical, and most importantly keeps you and your customers and clients safe. Please take a moment to visit both the Safer at Home website and DORA’s COVID-19 Updates for Licensees and Consumers page, locate your industry or profession, and review the public health requirements and guidance for the safe operation of your business or place of work.
Please know that if you violate the current public health order, depending on the nature of the violation, regulatory action may be taken against your license.
Then, be sure to review our Guidance for Employers and Places of Public Accommodation which provides a clear overview of considerations surrounding the use of masks in public. It is important to note that Governor Polis has stressed the absolute need for mask wearing while in public, and has allowed for businesses to refuse service to those who attempt to enter without a mask. However, there are some important Civil Rights considerations that must be taken into account for anyone who cannot wear a mask due to a medical or physical or disability. This document addresses those common questions relating to mask usage in public places and businesses.
We know it hasn’t been an easy road, but want to assure you that we are endeavoring each day to balance public health and safety with the need to keep Colorado businesses open and our economy strong. Thank you for working with us during this time. Thank you again for your partnership in helping us navigate this unprecedented health crisis. We hope that you and your loved ones enjoy a beautiful holiday weekend staying Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors.
Respectfully,
Patty Salazar
Executive Director
Department of Regulatory Agencies
|
