Larimer County drops to ‘red level’, but some Loveland businesses will not comply



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LOVELAND, Colorado – Larimer County is now at “red level” on the state’s COVID-19 dial. For restaurants, that means more dining indoors. Sidewalks, take out, and outdoor dining would always be an option.

Many business owners in Loveland say they are unwilling to comply with the new guidelines that come with being in the state’s “red level”.

“I call on all businesses in Loveland, Colorado to stand up for your right to survive,” said Betta Gumbo owner Clay Caldwell.

Caldwell says his constitutional right to survive is threatened by the decision by the state and the Larimer County Health Department to go “red level.”

“The board of health took a leap from the orange level to go red using numbers from the state, not our own county, and then Loveland is even less,” Caldwell said. “This is madness.”

Larimer County Public Health said this was not the case and the county’s positivity rate was 12.1%, compared to 12.3% for the state. Loveland is also second behind Fort Collins in the number of COVID-19 cases.

For Morgen Harrington, owner of Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, alfresco dining is not a viable option due to their limited space. She hopes that this decision not to comply with the new guidelines will open a dialogue that will find a different solution.

“It’s not us against the health department,” said Harrington, who also wants people to know that this is by no means a political decision. “It’s our community saying that’s not fair and that’s not the way to handle this problem.”

This is a position the Loveland Chamber of Commerce agrees with and says is in no way intended to downplay the severity of COVID-19.

In a statement, they say, in part, “We are asking the county and the governor’s office to consider allowing us a variance option with the 5-star variance program that Mesa County Health and Chamber have put in place.” place in August to continue. to do business safely and efficiently. “

“It will be a death sentence for a number of businesses if they close again,” Harrington said.

The list of companies against the new decision has grown steadily throughout the day, and many fear they will not be able to survive if they are forced to operate under “Level Red” guidelines.



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