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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – After announcing a change in the state’s COVID-19 numbering system for guidelines, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said El Paso County went to red level guidelines this Friday.
Governor Jared Polis announced the changes to the numbering system last week. Under Level Red, restaurants have to close their restaurants indoors, and many other businesses have to downsize.
The CDPHE says the change from orange to red is due to high levels of COVID-19 transmission, positivity rate and hospitalizations. On Sunday, the two-week incidence rate was 1,160.7.
The move takes effect at 5:00 p.m. Friday. El Paso County joins more than a dozen other counties in Colorado that have been moved to red-level restrictions due to increased transmission of COVID-19. No county has yet been moved to a Stay At Home order.
“The numbers are very problematic and they continue to increase,” Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said.
According to the red level guidelines, personal gatherings involving members of multiple households are not allowed. Restaurants are limited to alfresco dining online, gyms are limited to 10% capacity, bars are closed and the last call to other establishments serving alcohol is 8 p.m., personal services are Limited to 25% capacity, retail is limited to 50% capacity, Places of worship are limited to 25% capacity, and outdoor events are limited to 25% capacity. Schools can remain open, but they are encouraged to take blended or distance learning where appropriate.
Click here for a full list of guidelines by color levels in Colorado.
Mayor Suthers said he was concerned that the restrictions were “well designed” would change the numbers, and he fears those who would normally eat in a restaurant will go against public health orders and organize informal gatherings in the place.
“People have to suck and do what they need to do in their own lives to turn it around,” Suthers said.
The mayor said he hopes the state and federal government will consider approving additional help for COVID-19 for small businesses under more stringent guidelines.
It is not known how long El Paso County will remain in red level status for COVID-19 restrictions.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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