FAQ | Pitkin County COVID-19 Response & Recovery

This is not a comprehensive document. We continue to receive additional guidance from the State and will continue to update regularly.

For more FAQs regarding COVID-19 in Colorado, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website here.

Table Of Contents

Public Health Order

Public Health Order Overview

Read the Pitkin County Public Health Order, or view the summaries for many activities and industries listed below.

Level Yellow Restrictions

Masks: Cloth face coverings are required in all indoor spaces open to the public and in all outdoor spaces where a minimum 6-foot physical distance from others can not be maintained, except while actively eating or drinking.

In Levels Blue, Yellow, Orange, Red and Purple, fully vaccinated people may gather with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks. This does NOT apply to public indoor settings (i.e. restaurants, grocery stores, office-based business, retail stores, etc.)

Mask mandate is in place in schools for students 11-18 yrs old through the end of the school year, as children do not have access to the vaccine.

Public and private gatherings: Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Fully vaccinated people may now:
1. Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
2. Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

High-risk populations: Individuals at risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19 are advised to remain at home as much as possible.

Ski Areas: Ski areas must operate according to their plans submitted to Pitkin County and the CDPHE. All retail, lodging and restaurant operations at resorts are subject to all restrictions within the order listed for those sectors.

Restaurants: Restaurants may operate at 50% of the posted occupancy limit indoors not to exceed 150 people, excluding staff, whichever is less, per room. Outdoor dining operates the same as Level Blue. All on-premises sale and service of alcohol must cease alcohol beverage sales to end consumers for on-premises consumption and for takeout between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM MDT each day.

Additional requirements for restaurants include:

Require individuals to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever they are not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with restaurant employees regardless of the ability to maintain 6 ft. of physical distance from others not of the same household.
Patrons in different parties must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. The spacing of tables may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper physical distancing between diners from different parties.
All employees must wear facial coverings that cover the nose and mouth, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health.
Disinfecting and deep-cleaning of all shared surfaces between seatings.

Bars: Closed

Retail businesses: May operate at the same as Level Blue, 75% of the posted occupancy limit.

Offices: May operate at the same as Level Blue, 75% of the posted occupancy limit.

Gyms/fitness: Gyms, recreation centers, and indoor pools, and outdoor recreation facilities may operate at 50 percent capacity, not to exceed 50 people, whichever is less, excluding staff, per room indoors, or per activity or area outdoors. Establishments larger than 7,200 square feet may use the Distancing Space Calculator to expand to no more than 100 patrons indoors per room, excluding staff, within their usable space.

Organized youth and adult sports and camps: May operate with no more than 25 players, excluding coaching staff and referees/umpires.

Child care: Open, with standard ratios.

Personal Services: 50 percent capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer, per room.

Limited Health Care Settings: 50 percent capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer, per room.

Indoor Events: Indoor events may operate at 50% of posted occupancy limit not to exceed 150 people per room excluding staff within their usable space. For unseated events in excess of 50 people, the usable space is calculated using the Distancing Space Calculator. Seated events or events hosting 50 or fewer people, the usable space may be calculated using 6 feet distancing between non-household contacts instead of using the calculator. Indoor Events must submit a Pitkin County Event Safety Plan 5 days prior to the event.

Outdoor Events: For outdoor seated and unseated events and entertainment, 50% capacity or up to 175 people within the usable space calculated using the Distancing Space Calculator, excluding staff, per designated activity or area. For seated events, the usable space may be calculated using 6 feet distancing between non-household contacts instead of using the calculator. Outdoor events must submit a Pitkin County Event Safety Plan 5 days prior to the event.

Field Services: real estate open houses must follow the indoor event requirements.

Additional details on Level Yellow restrictions are available on the Pitkin County website.

Public Health Order FAQs

Q: What are the main changes in the current Public Health Order (PHO)?

A: Effective April 10, 2021, Pitkin County moved to Level Yellow on CDPHE’s state dial.

Q: What protective measures are in place on the state dial in Orange?

A: Effective April 10, 2021, Pitkin County moved to Level Yellow. This order moves all sectors into level yellow restrictions. For more information on Level Yellow measures currently in place and how they impact your sector, visit our COVID-19 Dial webpage.

Q: What are restrictions on informal gatherings?

A: There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes. The state is following CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (CDPHE Guidance) and CDC’s guidance on small gatherings. The CDC still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If they choose to participate in larger gatherings, fully vaccinated people should continue to adhere to prevention measures that reduce spread, including wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, and washing hands frequently.

Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Fully vaccinated people may now:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
- Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

Q: What are the requirements for visitors in Pitkin County?

A: As of March 5, 2021, all travelers visiting Pitkin County are required to fill out a Traveler Responsibility Code form on the county website acknowledging local COVID-19 policies and are encouraged, although not required per CDC travel guidance, to get tested before arrival.

General

Personal Gatherings and Households

Q: Where does the personal gathering size limit come from?

A: Pitkin County has adopted CDPHE’s COVID-19 dial and associated guidelines and restrictions. There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes in Levels Green, Blue, and Yellow. The state is following CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (CDPHE Guidance) and CDC’s guidance for small gatherings. The CDC still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If they choose to participate in larger gatherings, fully vaccinated people should continue to adhere to prevention measures that reduce spread, including wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, and washing hands frequently.

Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Fully vaccinated people may now:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
- Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.

Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

Q: Do the personal gathering size and household limit apply to short-term lodging?

A: Lodging is no longer subject to the personal gathering requirements in Levels Green, Blue, and Yellow.

Q: Does this affect restaurants’ permitted party size?

A: Restaurants may operate at 50% capacity not to exceed 150 people, whichever is fewer. On-premise sale and service of alcohol must stop by 1 AM. Dining parties must be limited to 10 people while patrons in different parties must be spaced a minimum of 6 feet apart.

General

Q: Are masks required in Pitkin County?

A: Yes. Non-medical, cloth face coverings that cover the nose and mouth are required to be worn in all buildings, public and private, that are open to the public. Face coverings are required to be worn outside whenever there is a risk of being within 6 feet of another person who is not of the same household. Children who are under the age of two years and anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance are exempt from this requirement. For more information on mask requirements click here.

Q: When should you wear a mask?

A: You should wear a mask or face covering whenever you’ll be around someone you don’t live with, including:

In any indoor public space
While exercising in an indoor public space
While you are in a public pool area, but not swimming
On public transportation or when ride-sharing
When waiting in line
When receiving health care
Outdoors, if you are unable to stay 6 feet away from others
While talking to servers/hosts, waiting to order or for food, or talking to others at the table while not actively eating or drinking

Q: When can you take off your mask?

A: There are times when it’s okay to take your mask off when you’re away from home, such as:

When actively eating or drinking at a restaurant
If a hearing-impaired person needs to read your lips
When you’re not sharing a common area, room or enclosed space with others
When you are getting a service to the nose or face
When you are officiating at a religious service
When delivering a speech to an audience (performers must be 25 feet from audience)
When you must temporarily remove your mask for identification purposes
While you are swimming in a public pool
When outdoors in public and can stay 6 feet from others

You should replace the mask as soon as you can after these activities to reduce the risk of infection.

Q: What kind of mask should you wear?

A: Cloth mask or face covering: Cloth face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction, and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. Face coverings need to cover the nose and mouth at all times and should remain in place until taken off safely.

The Pitkin County Public Health Order Language states:

Face coverings are required to be worn outside whenever there is a risk of being within 6 feet of another person who is not of the same household.
Face coverings are required to be worn while using or waiting to use public (buses, light-rail) or non-personal (taxis, car services, ride-shares) transportation services.
In addition to mask requirements currently required in Pitkin County for indoor public spaces such as grocery stores, retail, and restaurants while being seated, mask requirements will include the following: All Offices, Lobbies, Elevators, Indoor Businesses, Common Areas and Gyms (except while using an indoor pool), and when receiving a personal service (massage, hair salon, etc).
Businesses must post signs at entrances that instruct customers they must wear a mask when entering or moving around inside the business and must refuse service to individuals not wearing masks.
Outdoor team and recreational sports must follow Public Health guidance on facial coverings and COVID-19 Business Safety Plan.
The following individuals are exempt from face covering requirement:
- Individuals two (2) years old and younger; or
- Individuals who cannot medically tolerate a face covering.

Q: What other mask precautions can you take?

A: Other than wearing your mask properly and making sure it fits well, you can layer up on masks to ensure the reduced transmission of COVID-19. Some examples are:

Fabric cloth mask that has multiple layers
- This does not include the layering of scarves, valve masks, or neck gaiters
  - Any fabric of neck gaiters is considered adverse to countering the spread of COVID-19
  - Valve masks are acceptable only if you add a nonmedical disposable mask as your first layer. Valve masks are known to work well for the wearer but compromise the protection of those around the wearer
Double Mask
- Wear a nonmedical disposable mask on and around your nose/mouth area for a snug but breathable fit
- The second mask should secure the first mask’s perimeter against your face
- Do not layer two disposable masks

For extended information on these precautionary steps you can take to maintain community safety, visit this latest update.

Link to the full public health order HERE.

Community

Q: What are the five commitments to containment? Must I adhere to these commitments?

A: Everyone in Pitkin County is asked to be vigilant in protecting yourself, your family, your employees and your community by pledging to the 5 Commitments to Containment. These actions taken by the entire community will help contain the outbreak and box in the virus:

I will maintain 6 feet of distance from anyone not in my household
I will wash my hands often
I will cover my face in public
I will stay home when I am sick
I will seek testing immediately and self-report if I experience symptoms.

Q: When should I consider getting tested for COVID-19? What symptoms would I be exhibiting?

A: You should consider getting tested if you meet any of the criteria below:

Have symptoms of COVID-19.
Had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
Have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local or state health department.

Please visit our testing page for more information about how to get tested HERE.

You could exhibit a wide range of symptoms of COVID-19 that range from mild to severe including:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Q: Can we carpool?

A: We are encouraging people NOT to carpool. If you can’t use an individual vehicle, steps to follow include: use fresh air through vents or windows, do not use air recirculation mode, bring hand sanitizer, reduce car capacity by 50%, ride to work with the same people, passengers sit in the back, passengers need to wear cloth masks when more than 1 person is in the car, disinfect car at the end of the day or after different people use the car. Family members are exempt from passenger restrictions.

Visitors

Q: Is there a 14-day quarantine requirement for people returning or visiting Pitkin County (visitors, non-resident homeowners, residents, etc.)?

It is important that you follow social distancing, hygiene, and mask requirements, and if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 please contact your primary care provider or visit our testing page for additional testing sites.

Q: What’s included in the Traveler Responsibility Code?

A: CDC Travel Guidelines

Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
Unless you are fully vaccinated, if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel into the United States.

Pitkin County Requirements

All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings — regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
Continue to practice physical distancing — avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

Q: Who must complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?

A: Any traveler spending ONE or more nights in Pitkin County that does not meet any exemptions.

This applies to ALL visits to Pitkin County if they are 10 days or more apart.
This includes all residents, full or part-time, and second homeowners.
This does not apply to those visiting Pitkin County for the day.

Q: What limitations are there on visitors to Pitkin County?

A: Any person who travels to or visits Pitkin County must be free of any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 before arrival. If any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are present in the 10 days prior to arrival in Pitkin County, the Visitor or Guest must not travel to Pitkin County. All Visitors and Guests will self-screen for symptoms each morning during their stay in Pitkin County. Travelers must sign a Traveler Responsibility Code prior to arrival to Pitkin County. Any Visitor or Guest that develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 during their stay in Pitkin County will:

Adhere to Self-Isolation requirements on the Pitkin County website even if this prolongs their stay in Pitkin County at the traveler’s expense.
Contact a healthcare provider or reach out to a local COVID-19 testing site for guidance and to schedule COVID-19 testing as quickly as possible.

Testing, Quarantining, & Isolating

Visit our COVID-19 testing site finder to find a location that fits your needs. For guidance on getting tested and contact tracing please visit the Get Tested page.

1. I think I have COVID-19:

You might have COVID-19 if you have:

ANY of the following: fever of 100.4°F or higher, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills, diarrhea, nausea, runny nose, congestion, stomach pain, or vomiting.

Call your doctor to get a referral to be tested at Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) or visit our testing page here for additional testing sites available in Pitkin, Eagle, or Garfield Counties (see map of available locations here). If you don’t have a doctor, call AVH’s Primary Care at 970-279-4111. There is no additional charge to the patient beyond insurance coverage (if you have it). No insurance is needed. Tests must be ordered and scheduled in advance. No walk-ins.

When symptomatic, help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:

Staying home except to get medical care
Separating yourself from other people (including others in your household)
Monitoring your symptoms
Wearing a cloth covering over your nose and mouth if you must be around other people
Cleaning your hands often
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Covering your coughs and sneezes

2. I tested positive for COVID-19:

Isolate (stay home) until it’s safe to be around others. You may discontinue isolation when the following conditions are met:

24 hours with no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications AND
Other symptoms have improved (for example, cough, shortness of breath), AND
10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared

If you had no symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19, stay home until 10 days have passed since the test was administered.

Someone from Pitkin County Public Health will contact you to answer any questions you have about your test result and potential isolation letters, gather more information about your illness and a list of close contacts, and provide resources you may need to safely isolate (e.g., food/medication delivery, mental health supports). Contact tracing is a key strategy to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Pitkin County Public Health staff will inform your close contacts that they may have been exposed, so the contact can monitor for symptoms and separate themselves from others in case they become ill. This conversation will be confidential.

During isolation:

Do not go to grocery stores or other public places (food deliveries and other supports can be found here and/or discussed with the Disease Investigation staff who calls you)
Do not use public transportation
Do not go to work. Working from a home-based office is permitted
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
Clean your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Cover your coughs and sneezes

We realize that the above requirements may be difficult for many. To minimize the negative effects, we have compiled a list of resources that may provide mental health support, as well as support acquiring groceries and housing for isolation.

Resources available in English y Español

3. I think I was exposed to someone with COVID-19:

Quarantine (stay home) and monitor your health for COVID-19-like symptoms for 10 days from the last date of exposure OR 7 days from the last day of exposure with a negative test within 48 hours (i.e. day 5 – day 7). People who had close contact with a case infected with a COVID-19 variant virus must quarantine for 14 days from last day of exposure.

COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

For 14 days after exposure, regardless of your quarantine length, you should:

Watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or health care provider.
Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Avoid contact with high-risk individuals.

During quarantine:

Do not go to grocery stores or other public places (food deliveries and other supports can be found here and/or discussed with the contact tracing staff who calls you)
Do not use public transportation
Do not go to work. Working from a home-based office is permitted
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
Clean your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Cover your coughs and sneezes

Resources available in English y Español

If you develop symptoms, call your doctor to get a referral to be tested at Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) or visit our testing page here for additional testing sites available in Pitkin, Eagle, or Garfield Counties (see map of available locations here).

Q: Do I need to quarantine if I have been vaccinated?

A: For most people, if a full two weeks have passed since your second dose of the vaccine, you do not need to quarantine if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19. If you live and/or work in a congregate setting (such as correctional settings or homeless shelters), then you may still be required to quarantine after the exposure even after you are fully vaccinated.

4. I do not have symptoms but would like to get tested:

At this time, we are not recommending that asymptomatic individuals (people without symptoms) who have not had a known exposure to COVID-19 receive testing. Testing resources are limited and therefore the community is best served if only those who have exposure and symptoms receive the test.

A negative test for an asymptomatic individual only means that you are negative at that point in time and you could still become infected later on. A test done too early on in the incubation period could lead to a false negative test. Testing negative one day does not prevent one from testing positive the next day. The current testing method (PCR nasal swab) will return a false negative result 100% of the time when administered the day of transmission, 40% of the time four days after transmission, and 20% of the time in those who have symptoms three or more days after transmission.

However, if an asymptomatic test is necessary, please visit our testing website to review the sites that may conduct asymptomatic testing.

5. I would like an antibody test for COVID-19 to see if I was infected before:

The current most widely used antibody tests test for IgG and IgM antibodies. IgG antibodies generally develop between seven to ten days after infection, while IgM antibodies are a sign of a more recent infection. At this point, it is unclear to what extent the presence of antibodies may protect from future reinfection.

Please note, a negative test result does not rule out previous COVID-19 infection, and a positive test result could be wrong (false positive) and does not guarantee immunity. Positive results may be due to past or present infection with a different coronavirus strain. Current guidelines, such as social distancing, frequent hand hygiene, staying at home if symptomatic, and use of face masks, will remain in place regardless of the test result.

If you would still like to arrange for an antibody test, you may do so by reaching out to your primary care physician.

6. I work with somebody who tested positive for COVID-19:

Currently, best practices dictate that those who are considered “close contacts” with a positive case quarantine for 10 days from last date of exposure OR 7 days from last day of exposure with a negative test within 48 hours (i.e. day 5-day 7). While monitoring for the onset of symptoms. People who had close contact with a case infected with a COVID-19 variant virus must quarantine for 14 days from last day of exposure. Those who are deemed close contacts will be contacted by Pitkin County Public Health with quarantine instructions.

Close contacts are those who had close contact (within 6 feet) for more than 15 minutes (regardless of whether or not masks are worn) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 while that individual was contagious (two days before diagnosis as well as for all days on which the case was symptomatic).

If you develop symptoms (fever of 100.4°F or higher, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite) during your quarantine period, please reach out to your doctor or primary care physician to see if you qualify for a referral for testing.

7. I went to a restaurant or business (grocery store, coffee shop, etc.) where someone tested positive for COVID-19:

Unless you were in close contact (within six feet for 15 minutes or more; regardless of whether or not masks were worn) with the individual who tested positive for COVID-19, you do not need to seek testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend testing for those who are not close contacts.

If you are identified as a close contact, Pitkin County Public Health will reach out to you with quarantine instructions.

8. I have an employee who tested positive for COVID-19:

Contact Pitkin County at the information line at (970) 429-6186, if Public Health staff have not already reached out to you. Additionally, refer to the Employer Guidance document (Spanish) for more information. These precautions are steps any place of work can enact if they presume they may have an employee that tests positive.

The Public Health Disease Investigation Team will initiate contact tracing with the individual. Do not notify other employees about the individual’s positive test result (this is a private medical matter) or attempt to contact trace yourself.

If your place of employment is identified as a location where exposure may have occurred, a member of the Disease Investigation Team will reach out to you directly. The CDC defines a “contact” or an “exposure” as a person who has been closer than 6 feet to a positive person for more than 15 minutes (regardless of whether or not masks are worn), while the person who has tested positive is considered contagious. People who are identified as “contacts” are required to quarantine for 10 days from last date of exposure OR 7 days from last day of exposure with a negative test within 48 hours (i.e. day 5-day 7). People who had close contact with a case infected with a COVID-19 variant virus must quarantine for 14 days from last day of exposure.

Unless your employee self reports to you as the employer, you as the employer may or may not be aware if your employee has tested positive. CDC Guidelines for Businesses provide precautions and steps any place of work can enact if they presume they may have an employee that tests positive.

Maintain confidentiality. Your employee’s health history is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and should remain private. The individual’s identity must not be revealed to other employees.

Provide support for the individual as well as enabling the individual to continue working remotely, as much as possible, if their health allows. The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 will need to complete their isolation orders before returning to work in-person.

Do not refer employees for testing (unless symptomatic). Pitkin County Public Health will work directly with you to determine if exposed employees need to be quarantined or tested. Individuals in isolation or quarantine will be released to work by Public Health.

Encourage all employees to:

Wear required face coverings at all times when on shift and while socializing with coworkers
Wash hands regularly, especially before eating or touching your face
Maintain 6 feet of space between self and others
Cover cough or sneeze into the elbow or tissue
Avoid contact with people who are sick
Stay home if sick and seek testing within the first 48 hours of symptoms
- Sick employees, regardless of testing, are asked to stay home and isolate for 10 days after symptoms start, you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours, AND your other symptoms have improved

Your business may or may not be required to close depending on the contact tracing and level of exposure identified. If a recommendation to close is being considered, Pitkin County Public Health will reach out to that business to discuss the concerns and process in detail. Regardless of whether or not a business is asked to close, all businesses should follow CDC Guidelines for Businesses, including:

If it has been less than 7 days since the sick employee has been in the facility, close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person.
- Clean, sanitize, and disinfect the employee’s working area.
- If practical, wait 24 hours before using or cleaning the area with windows open to minimize other employees being exposed.
- If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
If it has been 7 days or more since the sick employee used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. Continue routinely cleaning and disinfecting all high-touch surfaces in the facility.

9. I want to visit someone who is at a higher risk for severe illness (aged 65 and older, underlying health conditions):

Pitkin County Public Health does not currently recommend testing for individuals visiting higher risk individuals, as a negative test one day does not ensure that you are disease-free the next day.

Try to limit contact with those at a higher risk for severe illness. It is possible to spread COVID-19 even if you do not have symptoms of illness. If you have been staying home and limiting interactions for two weeks, you may be less likely to be carrying the virus.

If you decide to visit someone who is high-risk:

Wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth
Maintain 6 feet of space
Stay outside if possible
Keep the interaction short
Avoid taking public transportation
Clean your hands often
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Consider leaving children at home unless you are confident that they understand distancing guidelines

10. I am traveling somewhere or enrolled in a program/camp that requires testing for COVID-19:

If you are traveling somewhere or have enrolled in a program or camp that requires a negative COVID-19 test before arrival, reach out to your primary care physician to arrange testing or review our testing website for sites that test asymptomatic individuals. Ensure ample time, as getting an appointment and receiving your test results may take 1-2 weeks.

Make contingency plans if you receive a positive test result and are unable to proceed with your trip or program. Even if you receive a negative test result, due to the increased risk of COVID-19 with any kind of travel, we also encourage you to have a plan for how to isolate if you develop COVID-19-like symptoms while traveling or at your camp as well.

11. My employer requires that I am tested before I can return to work:

Our Employer guidance (Spanish) document covers this and more.

At this time, we are not advising employers to require asymptomatic individuals to be tested before returning to work. If your employer still requires this to return to work, you may be able to arrange for testing through your primary care physician. If an individual tests positive through a nasal swab, they will need to isolate for ten days from the time of receiving their results. A negative nasal swab does not preclude an individual from becoming ill at any time in the future.

General Business Questions

General

Q: What is a room?

A: A room is defined as having four walls and at least one exit/entrance.

Q: What is a wall?

A: A wall is defined as any material type that can reasonably restrict aerosols from passing through may be considered a “wall.” For example, a loose, mesh mosquito net is not finely-knit enough to reduce airflow and will not stop any particles or aerosols. A fabric sheet curtain and a tarp or plastic barrier are considered a wall because the material would prevent aerosols from passing through.

Q: What is an extra-large venue?

A: Extra-large venues are defined as greater than 7,200 square feet. The 7,200 sq. ft is for the room where the dining, event or gathering will occur.

Q: Is there sanitation guidance I can use for my business?

A: The EPA N-List is a compilation by EPA of known chemical disinfectants that can kill CoV-2 COVID 19. There are over 500 chemicals listed from various manufacturers. If it is pertinent to the question you are researching, have the person do an internet search, “EPA N-List ” and it will take them right to the pages. It was last updated on Nov 19, 2020.

Q: What steps do I need to take to open my business?

A: All businesses should follow the following protocols prior to opening:

Review the guidance by sector, Business Safety Plan Checklist, and its links.
Discuss with your employees the steps required in the checklist.
Fill out the checklist, adding details to the plan that are unique to your business.
Hit submit when you are ready and then look for a link for a printable version of the plan.
Print a copy and have it available for review if requested by a customer. Note: The last page will have a sign you can print out.
Post the provided sign at your business entrance to indicate you have a Pitkin County COVID-19 Business Safety Plan Checklist.

Business Safety Plans

Q: To whom do we submit the Business Safety Plan?

A: Please click here to find the Business Safety Plan form. Once you hit submit, you will receive an email with a copy of your plan and the signage for your business that your Business Safety Plan is on file with the County and a copy is available upon request by customers.

A: Businesses with multiple locations or operations can decide which is most appropriate:

Fill out one Business Safety Plan Checklist for the entire business and add in each section or at the very end the items that vary per location.
Or
Fill out a checklist for each different location given they are different in more ways than similar and one plan for all locations would be difficult to use when training employees. Indicate in the first section the business name and specific location for each separate plan being submitted.

Q: When filling out the Business Safety Plan Checklist, when do we just check the box and when do we need to provide details?

A: Each bullet should be checked as that indicates your business will comply. If there is a variation or additional information, you may add it in the fillable section as part of that bullet or in the Optional bullet for that section.

Compliance

Q: Is the County going to monitor compliance and take action for offenses?

A: The Consumer Protection team monitors compliance.

Q: To Whom do we report abusers of the system and occupancy limits?

A: For enforcement questions and reporting non-compliance, call the Dispatch Non-Emergency Line: 970-920-5310 or complete the COVID-19 Complaint Form.

Critical Worker

Q: Who is a critical worker? What are important considerations when determining if a worker should continue to report to in-person work after exposure to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19?

A: CDPHE released a critical worker FAQ to determine if you are a critical worker along with important considerations when determining if a worker should continue to report to in-person work after exposure to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19.

Sector-Specific Questions

CDPHE Guidelines & Restrictions Sector Overview

Level Yellow Restrictions

Mask mandate is in place in schools for students 11-18 yrs old through the end of the school year, as children do not have access to the vaccine.

Public and private gatherings: Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Fully vaccinated people may now:
1. Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
2. Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

High-risk populations: Individuals at risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19 are advised to remain at home as much as possible.

Ski Areas: Ski areas must operate according to their plans submitted to Pitkin County and the CDPHE. All retail, lodging, and restaurant operations at resorts are subject to all restrictions within the order listed for those sectors.

Additional requirements for restaurants include:

Require individuals to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever they are not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with restaurant employees regardless of the ability to maintain 6 ft. of physical distance from others not of the same household.
Patrons in different parties must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. The spacing of tables may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper physical distancing between diners from different parties.
All employees must wear facial coverings that cover the nose and mouth, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health.
Disinfecting and deep-cleaning of all shared surfaces between seatings.

Bars: Closed

Retail businesses: May operate at the same as Level Blue, 75% of the posted occupancy limit.

Offices: May operate at the same as Level Blue, 75% of the posted occupancy limit.

Gyms/fitness: Gyms, recreation centers, and indoor pools, and outdoor recreation facilities may operate at 50 percent capacity, not to exceed 50 people, whichever is less, excluding staff, per room indoors or per activity or area outdoors. Establishments larger than 7,200 square feet may use the Distancing Space Calculator to expand to no more than 100 patrons indoors per room, excluding staff, within their usable space.

Organized youth and adult sports and camps: May operate with no more than 25 players, excluding coaching staff and referees/umpires.

Child care: Open, with standard ratios.

Personal Services: 50 percent capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer, per room.

Limited Health Care Settings: 50 percent capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer, per room.

Outdoor Events: For outdoor seated and unseated events and entertainment, 50% capacity or up to 175 people within the usable space calculated using the Distancing Space Calculator, excluding staff, per designated activity or area. For seated events, the usable space may be calculated using 6 feet distancing between non-household contacts instead of using the calculator. Outdoor Events must submit a Pitkin County Event Safety Plan 5 days prior to the event.

Field Services: real estate open houses must follow the indoor event requirements.

Additional details on Level Yellow restrictions are available on the Pitkin County website.

Construction

Q: What guidance is there for construction sites?

A: Under all levels of the state dial, construction remains as a “Critical Business.” A critical business may continue to operate without capacity limitations but must follow the requirements in Section III.B and C of the November 2, 2020, Colo Public Health Order. Guidance for safety plans on construction sites, for landscaping, and for construction that doesn’t require permits:

Construction workers are now permitted to purchase lunch wherever they see fit, so long as they are wearing face coverings or masks and adhering to other guidelines.
Carpooling guidance has been updated to allow carpooling if they can follow guidance which includes only 50% vehicle occupancy and wearing face coverings or masks while in the vehicle. Sanitizing practices are also outlined in the Business Safety Plan Checklist.

Construction sites are allowed to have hand sanitizer available in lieu of soap and water in freezing conditions, as this follows the OSHA construction site guidance. However, if a portable hand washing station is located inside a heated area, soap and water must be available, followed by hand sanitizing containing at least 60% alcohol.

Q: What are the requirements for construction activity to continue?

A: On April 27th contractors are welcome to submit a COVID-19 Site Safety Plan for their permitted construction site. Details on the safety requirements and additional required documents can be reviewed by following the link below:

Approval is required for any construction activity, that requires a permit, prior to operations.

Q: Is there guidance for landscaping capacity?

A: Social distancing will dictate how many people they can have on the worksite.

Q: What are the requirements for landscaping activity to continue?

A: Landscaping companies and construction activity not requiring a permit are allowed to resume operations in Pitkin County as of April 23, 2020 as long as they have completed a company-specific operation plan that demonstrates compliance with the Business Safety Plan Requirements.

Non-permitted construction includes activities like: house painting, driveway resurfacing or parking lot paving/restriping, window washing, property management/maintenance, pool and spa maintenance, carpet installation, wood floor installation, interior decorating and window coverings, appliance delivery, and installation and alarm service and maintenance testing. For a comprehensive definition of Non-permitted construction, please refer to this link. The Business Safety Plan document is to be completed prior to the commencement of work.

Landscaping Guidance (Traducción Española)

Child Care and Camps

Q: Can child care centers or summer camps transport children?

A: When using public transportation, keep the same children and staff in consistent groups as much as possible, maintain social distance and require face coverings for employees and children 3+ years of age.

Q: What are the current guidelines for childcare?

A: Currently, child care may remain open with standard ratios. For additional information, please visit CDPHE’s Child Care Facilities Guidance Page. License-exempt child care programs are considered critical child care services and must follow the child care guidance, including case and outbreak guidance for schools and child care centers.

Q: Are children allowed to attend more than one program? Can siblings attend different programs?

A: Yes to both.

Q: Can partitions be placed in rooms to allow for more than one group of children?

A: No. This is not a safe option in terms of fire safety/egress and social distancing. Large spaces such as gymnasiums or a cafeteria can be used for a classroom for groups of 10 children that are stable from day to day to the extent possible. If the space is large enough to allow for social distancing (6 feet between each child and minimum of 36 square feet per child), more than one stable group could be in the space at the same time as long as there is adequate space between groups.

Events

Q: How many people are allowed at an informal event in Pitkin County at this time?

Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Fully vaccinated people may now:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
- Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.

Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

In Level Red and Level Purple, informal gatherings are not permitted.

Q: Do I need a special COVID-19 Plan?

A: Yes, under event guidance, find the type of event that you are planning. An Event Safety Plan must be submitted 5 days prior to the event. The event safety plan is in addition to rather instead of any normally required government permit.

Q: What should I do about having food at my event in a safe manner?

A: Food service needs to follow guidance for restaurants. Under restaurants. One must comply with any State of Colorado, municipal, or county food service rules as well.

Q: Are cocktail parties or alcohol-only events allowed?

A: Not at this time as bars are closed. Alcohol served with sit down dinners is allowed. When the state allows bars to open, then this policy will be revisited.

Q: What about bands and dancing?

A: Performers in a restaurant or bar whose performance includes forced exhalation that increases the potential to aerosolize respiratory droplets, such as speaking or shouting, singing, playing some instruments, or physical exertion, must maintain a minimum distance of 12 feet if wearing a face covering or 25 feet if not wearing a face covering from the patrons.

Performers are not included in capacity limits as long as they do not join the spectator or patron areas at any time and, for performers whose performance includes forced exhalation that increases the potential to aerosolize respiratory droplets, such as speaking or shouting, singing, playing some instruments, or physical exertion, the performers must remain at least 12 feet if wearing a face covering or 25 feet if not wearing a face covering from attendees. If performers join the patron spaces, they must be included in the capacity limit numbers. Performers should also use a separate entrance and exit from spectators or patrons.

Adopt seating and spacing modifications to increase physical distance from a performer. Dancing is strictly limited at all events to no more than six persons dancing together from the same party. Dancing parties must remain six feet from other persons and all must follow current mask mandates. For wedding services, the following dances are expressly allowed: the couple’s first dance and the parent dances.

Q: Is there a variance process to allow my event to have more than dial level restrictions?

A: Depends on the dial level. For more information, view the CDPHE’s capacity chart.

Institutions

Q: Where do museums fall in this stage of reopening?

A: Museums and other institutions must follow the same capacity restrictions as indoor events in Levels Green, Blue, Yellow, and Orange. All museums must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan using sector-specific guidance to address capacity, physical/social distancing, masks, and cleaning practices.

Level Yellow: 50% capacity based upon fire code occupancy limit not to exceed 150 people using the Distancing Space Calculator per room.

Q: What are the rules for religious services?

A: Effective December 7 and according to the state’s Third Amended Public Health Order 20-36, Houses of Worship and associated ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms (religious or secular) are considered Critical Services. Places of Worship may operate after submitting a Business Safety Plan and following the guidelines put forth by Pitkin County. Final guidance is posted on the Business Resources Page. These institutions are encouraged whenever possible to implement electronic platforms to conduct services or hold more frequent services to allow strict compliance with Social Distancing Requirements. In-person services need to adhere to CDPHE Places of Worship & Life-Rite Ceremonies guidance. For any receptions following ceremonies, an Event Safety Plan must be submitted 5 days prior to the event.

Q: Is the Pitkin County Library open?

A: Foyer pick-up is available and our main library building will remain closed. Public computer use is available in the Dunaway Community Room. Library computers are available for 1-hour sessions, which may be extended for an additional hour depending on demand. See the Pitkin County Website for more information on library usage and modifications.

Gyms/Fitness Centers

Q: Can fitness instructors use machines with clients that are cleaned between sessions?

A: Yes, machines can be used during a session as long as they are used by one person per session and not shared; then machines are disinfected after the session.

Q: At what capacity can fitness facilities operate at?

Level Yellow – Concern: 50% capacity or 50 people excluding staff and coaches.

Q: When can fitness facilities open?

A: Please see complete guidance requirements here: CDPHE Personal Recreation.

Q: What about one on one training and small group classes? Can there be more than one training session if it’s a large facility?

A: Personal training is permitted with one trainer and a group of up to 4 people, maintaining 6 ft of social distance, and not sharing equipment. The only time more people could be working out in the same facility together is if they were of the same household.

Lodging and Rentals

Q: What is the definition of Lodging?

A: “Short Term Lodging” is any lodging or lodging space that is used by an occupant for less than 30 days. This includes, without limitation, bed and breakfasts; lodges; retreats; hotels and motels; licensed or professionally managed properties rented through Airbnb, VRBO, travel agencies, or similar companies or websites; units owned on a timeshare or fractional interest basis, condo-hotels, or similar resorts. All lodging accommodations must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan using Pitkin County’s Lodging Guidance to address capacity, physical/social distancing, masks, and cleaning practices.

Q: What guidelines are there for employee housing? Do I need a business safety plan for the housing?

A: Businesses with employee housing need to include property management in your agency’s Business Safety Plan Checklist if you directly provide it. If you contract property management out we encourage you to review your vendor’s business safety plan.

Q: Are VRBO and HomeAway owners required to have a business license and/or clean their properties under CDC guidelines in order to be in compliance with the city ordinance?

A: Check with your local jurisdiction for business license requirements. Yes, properties must adhere to the cleaning guidance outlined in Pitkin County’s Lodging Guidance and submit a Business Safety Plan Checklist.

Q: Is there guidance on whether daily housekeeping will be allowed?

A: Daily housekeeping is allowed if you follow the protocols outlined in Pitkin County’s Lodging Guidance and CDPHE’s cleaning guidance. It is recommended in the guidance to schedule cleaning when guests are not present in the unit/home.

Q: Do we assume that all allowed rental units will be listed under a manager who has filed a Business Safety Plan and can demonstrate safe practices?

A: Rental units managed under the same property management company should be included in that company’s submitted Business Safety Plan. Every business working in Pitkin County must file a Business Safety Plan prior to opening, including those in property management, hotels, restaurants, landscapers, etc.

Q: Who will audit short term rentals for compliance?

A: How successful our community is with containment and if we can keep welcoming visitors this winter will come from the rate of infections in our community. Occupancy statistics collected by ACRA will provide additional information. It is on all of us to ensure a low infection rate by practicing the 5 Commitments of Containment.

Q: Do property owners need to submit a Business Safety Plan or is that only for property managers?

A: It depends if you’re renting your property out. You don’t need one if you are living in your house. Single unit rent by owners are not able to operate at this time.

Medical Services

Q: Are dental offices permitted to open?

A: They are after submission of a business safety plan checklist. There is additional guidance the State is providing for other medical/dental personal services that would need to be read through and incorporated into the safety plan. If you are a business regulated by DORA, look here.

Office and Professional Services

Q: What is the capacity of my office space? What about office buildings that are several floors, have a co-working space, or outdoor private patio?

A: Each office business in a building needs to follow capacity restrictions while individuals must maintain 6ft. distance and abide by mask-wearing requirements regardless if that office is on one floor or multiple floors. Working remotely and/or adopting an in-office rotation schedule is strongly encouraged when/if possible. Outdoor patios, as part of an office, can be used as long as social distancing protocols can be maintained and patio equipment is cleaned and sanitized before and after use. Shared patios between office businesses should work together to maintain social distancing and cleaning and sanitation protocols. Additional guidance for office-based businesses.

Level Yellow: 50 percent of the posted occupancy limit, and are strongly encouraged to implement remote work to the greatest extent possible.

Q: Does an office that is deemed critical need to follow dial level capacity restrictions?

A: Critical Businesses must comply with Social Distancing Requirements at all times, adopt work from home or telework policies for any operations that can be done remotely, and implement other strategies, such as staggered schedules or re-designing workplaces, to create more distance between workers unless doing so would make it impossible to carry out critical functions. Critical Businesses that serve the public such as grocery stores and other Critical Retail shall comply with Social Distancing Requirements at all times including, but not limited to when any customers are standing in line. Critical Business and Critical Government Functions shall continue to promote telecommuting to the greatest extent possible. Critical businesses need to submit a Business Safety Plan Checklist. For additional guidance, please visit CDPHE’s Critical Infrastructure Workers FAQ Page here.

Outdoor Recreation

Q: Are golf and tennis shops allowed to open now as retail outlets?

A: Yes, they are allowed but they need to fill out a Business Safety Plan Checklist before opening the retail portion of their operation. Please follow CDPHE’s retail guidance and capacity limits.

Q: How long can golfers arrive before their tee time to use the practice facilities?

A: Contact the golf course for specific details about their operations. Golf courses will manage arrival times, tee times, and practice facilities in order to maintain social distancing and hygiene requirements.

Q: Are outdoor gear rentals allowed (golf, tennis, bikes, paddleboards, etc)?

A: Rental equipment is only permitted if it can be properly disinfected before and after use. In your Business Safety Plan Checklist you must indicate how you will manage rentals while maintaining social distancing requirements.

Q: Are Outfitters and Guides able to operate

A: Yes, Outfitters and Guides are permitted to open to out-of-town guests. See Guidelines by Sector for more details.

Q: What are the rules for racquet sports during this phase? Indoor or outdoor? Public or Private/HOA?

A: Effective June 1, public playgrounds, skateboard parks, racquet sports and other non-league, non-coached, informal park usage are permitted to open.

Q: Are playgrounds allowed to open?

A: Effective June 1, public playgrounds, skateboard parks, racquet sports, and other non-league, non-coached, informal park usage are permitted to open. Child cares can use their designated playgrounds as long as groups are not combined and social distancing is followed to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, children and staff should wash their hands when they enter the building after being outside

Q: Guidance for Outdoor Guides/Tours

A: Guided services include overnight services, for fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, ATV tours, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, and climbing. For more information, please visit CDPHE’s outdoor recreation guidance.

Level Yellow: 50% capacity, not to exceed 10 people, whichever is less.

Personal Services

Q: What are the guidelines for Personal Services?

A: Level Yellow – Concern: 50% capacity not to exceed 50 people, whichever is less, per room.

Refer to State of Colorado guidance and your permitting agency for further details.

Q: When a business has different services on different floors in a building (spa, pilates/yoga, and retail), how many people can be on each floor?

A: Certain activities such as personal training reduces the number to 4 clients with 1 instructor. Also, keep in mind that social distancing protocols should also be considered when determining the appropriate number of people.

Level Yellow – Concern: 50% capacity not to exceed 50 patrons, whichever is less, per room indoors or per activity or area outdoors. Establishments larger than 7,200 square feet may use the distancing space calculator to expand to no more than 100 patrons indoors per room, excluding staff within their usable space.

Q: Are spa-type services like massage, facials, nails, etc. permitted?

A: Spas and salons are allowed to do many treatments but not all treatments, such as facials or waxing around the mouth and nose. For specific guidance on which treatments are allowed go to DORA’s website. Additional guidance can also be found under the personal services section on the State website here. Because customers must keep a mask on at all times, this will also limit the types of services able to be provided.

Pools

Q: Is there any guidance for HOA / private, indoor / outdoor pools, hot tubs and developed hot springs

A: Effective June 8, Outdoor, indoor pools, developed hot springs and hot tubs, public or private may open with a Business Safety Plan. This includes any pool open to the public, including but not limited to municipal pools, homeowner association pools, pools at fitness centers, inn lodging facilities, hot tubs, and developed hot springs.

Please review CDPHE’s Personal Recreation Page for complete guidance requirements.

Indoor Pools (including Hot Tubs)
- Level Yellow: 50% capacity or 50 people
Outdoor Pools (including Hot Tubs)
- In Levels Blue, Yellow and Orange, limit the pool to 50% capacity, up to 50 people excluding staff and coaches, whichever is fewer. Capacity is limited to 25% capacity up to 10 people in Levels Red and Purple

Real Estate

Q: Do Real Estate businesses need to submit a Business Safety Plan or just follow State guidance?

A: You will need to fill out a business safety plan, as well as following State guidance.

Q: Are we allowed to show properties? Where do I find guidance for disinfecting a home after a showing?

A: Meetings, showings, appraisals, consultations, open houses, etc. can occur in accordance with indoor event requirements. Disinfecting guidance across sectors can be found HERE.

Restaurants

Q: What services are allowed at restaurants?

A: Effective April 10, 2021, restaurants may operate at 50% of the posted occupancy limit indoors not to exceed 150 people, excluding staff, whichever is less, per room. Outdoor dining operates the same as Level Blue. All on-premises sales and service of alcohol must cease alcohol beverage sales to end consumers for on-premises consumption and for takeout between 1:00 A.M. and 7:00 A.M. MDT each day.

Additional requirements for restaurants include:

Require individuals to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever they are not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with restaurant employees regardless of the ability to maintain 6 ft. of physical distance from others not of the same household.
Patrons in different parties must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. The spacing of tables may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper physical distancing between diners from different parties.
All employees must wear facial coverings that cover the nose and mouth, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health.
Disinfecting and deep-cleaning of all shared surfaces between seatings.

Please review Pitkin County’s Public Health Order for more information regarding hospitality restrictions

Q: Do patrons need to wear masks? If and/or when can they take them off?

A: Patrons are required to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever they are not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with restaurant employees regardless of the ability to maintain 6 ft. of physical distance from others.

Q: What are the guidelines for social distancing? What about outdoor dining?

A: Limit outdoor seating and/or reconfigure tables so that different groups can maintain a minimum of six feet of physical distancing. The spacing of tables may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper physical distancing between diners from different parties.

Retail

Q: Is return merchandise accepted?

A: Only items that can be properly sanitized can be returned, per State guidance.

Q: What are the rules for customers trying on items (clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.)?

A: Currently there is no State guidance that addresses “items customers can try on.” Therefore, a business can determine if and how items will be tried on. We recommend retailers consult any industry guidance, what fellow retailers are doing, and their comfort level for keeping their customer and employees safe. We encourage businesses when they feel it is necessary to go beyond the Business Safety Plan Checklist found in Pitkin County’s Informal Event Guidance. If staff must come closer than 6′ from a customer for them to try on an item, such as jewelry, staff should wear a mask and gloves and limit the time in close contact of the customer to as little time as possible and a total time of less than 10 minutes. We encourage retailers only to permit items to be tried on that can be properly sanitized per State guidance. We will add additional guidance as it comes.

Q: Is there any guidance for consignment stores?

A: Currently there is no specific State guidance for consignment or thrift stores around acceptance of items. We encourage businesses to limit items to only items that can be sanitized or the store can wash and dry before placing them out for sale. For other aspects of your business follow retail guidance.

Q: How many employees are allowed to work and what does that mean for the number of customers allowed in?

Level Yellow – Concern: 50%

Six-foot distancing between customers and employees must be maintained at all times. See the guidance chart above for more details. More requirements for retail stores.

Traveler Responsibility Code

Evolution of the Traveler Responsibility Code

Q: What happened with the old Traveler Affidavit program?

A: On February 24, the Board of Health voted to change the Traveler Affidavit program to a Traveler Responsibility Code with an effective date of March 5.

Q: Why did the Traveler Responsibility Code replace the Traveler Affidavit program?

A: The Board of Health and the Pitkin County Public Health department received feedback from local businesses and organizations to remove legal connotations to the Traveler Affidavit Program. The Traveler Affidavit Program required that all visitors, regardless of residency, must obtain a negative test result 72 hours prior of arrival in Pitkin County. While the new Traveler Responsibility Code still requires all travelers regardless of residency status to complete the form, the new form asks that people acknowledge to follow CDC’s travel recommendations in lieu of the previous testing requirement.

Q: Did anything change to the program’s framework?

A: Yes. The new Traveler Responsibility Code’s form asks all travelers to acknowledge that they will follow CDC’s travel recommendations whereas the Traveler Affidavit program’s form required that all travelers follow specific testing guidelines.

Personal Gatherings

Q: Where does the personal gathering size limit come from?

A: Pitkin County has adopted CDPHE’s COVID-19 dial and associated guidelines and restrictions. View our Events and Gatherings Pathfinder for the current Pitkin County guidelines for informal and formal events and gatherings.

Q: What types of gatherings are permitted?

A: There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes in Levels Green, Blue, and Yellow. The state is following CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (CDPHE Guidance) and CDC’s guidance for small gatherings. The CDC still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If they choose to participate in larger gatherings, fully vaccinated people should continue to adhere to prevention measures that reduce spread, including wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, and washing hands frequently.

Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Fully vaccinated people may now:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
- Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

Q: Do the personal gathering size and household limit apply to short-term lodging?

A: Lodging is subject to personal gathering requirements, depending on dial level. View our Events and Gatherings Pathfinder for the current guidelines and restrictions.

Completing the Traveler Responsibility Code

Q: Does Pitkin County’s Traveler Responsibility Code require one to receive a negative test result?

A: We are not asking travelers to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. Instead we are asking travelers to complete and acknowledge the following guidelines and requirements:

CDC Travel Guidelines

Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
Unless you are fully vaccinated, if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel into the United States.

Pitkin County Requirements

All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

Who needs to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?

Effective March 5, 2021, unless exempted as defined in Section 2 of the amended Pitkin County Public Health Order, all individuals traveling into or returning to Pitkin County after 10 days or more from any location outside of Pitkin County, by any means or mode, and spending one or more nights in Pitkin County must complete the Traveler Responsibility Code.

The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful winter and spring season.

Q: I own a home in Pitkin County, do I need to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?

A: Yes. This applies to all residents, full-time, part-time and second home owners. Any individual traveling into or returning to Pitkin County after 10 days or more from any location outside of Pitkin County, by any means or mode, is required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code.

Q: How long is the Traveler Responsibility Code in place?

A: The Traveler Responsibility Code replaced Pitkin County’s previous program, known as the Traveler Affidavit Program. This new program will be in place throughout the duration of the ski season, through April. Pitkin County Public Health will then work with the hospitality task force to revisit the program and determine what changes may need to be made to accommodate the travel during the summer season.

Q: When does the Traveler Responsibility Code need to be completed?

A: You can fill it out at any time. Below are the points that an individual will acknowledge in the Traveler Responsibility Code. These points align with CDC’s guidelines and include local Public Health order requirements.

CDC Travel Guidelines

Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
Unless you are fully vaccinated,if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel to the United States.

Pitkin County Requirements

All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

Q: I am entering Pitkin County but do not need to fill out the form because I meet an exemption. Do I need written documentation demonstrating that I meet the exemption criteria?

A: No, but we still expect all travelers to adhere to the commitments of the Traveler Responsibility Code. This includes:

Confirming you do not currently have COVID-19 symptoms or had had close contact with anyone in the last 14 days who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.
Follow the 5 Commitments of Containment
1. Maintain 6 feet of distance from anyone not in my household;
2. Washing hands often;
3. Covering my face in public;
4. Staying home when sick or symptomatic; and
5. Seek testing immediately

Follow all applicable local and state mask requirements. View the current Pitkin County mask requirements.
Adhere to all Pitkin County quarantine and isolations requirements. Click here
Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

Q: The website says to fill out the Traveler Responsibility Code prior to travel but, how many days before travel?

A: You may complete the Traveler Responsibility Code at any time. We encourage you to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code prior to arriving in Pitkin County to learn how to travel safer and know what the local Pitkin County requirements are once you arrive.

Pitkin County Resident & Second-Home Owner Requirements

Q: I am a Pitkin County resident and have a short trip scheduled out of state. Do the traveler requirements apply to me to return?

A: All persons who have been away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more are required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code. There is no difference for residents, full- or part-time. If you are gone less than 10 days we encourage you to still follow the CDC recommendation to consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel.

Q: I live in Aspen but commute to work for 1-3 weeks at a time. Am I still required to complete the form every time I return home? I fly each way.

A: All persons who have been away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more are required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code. There is no difference for residents, full or part-time.

If you are gone less than 10 days we still encourage you to follow the CDC recommendation to consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel.

CDC Guidance can be found here.

Arriving/Departing from Aspen Pitkin County Airport

Q: Will I be asked to show proof of my submitted Traveler Responsibility Code upon arrival at the Aspen Pitkin County Airport?

A: No, you will not be required to show proof upon arrival. You are expected to keep the Traveler Responsibility Code documentation with you throughout the duration of your stay. Once you complete the form you will receive a confirmation of your submission. Please keep the copy of this confirmation easily accessible while staying in Pitkin County.

Q: I will be flying in and out of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, and do not live or will not be staying in Pitkin County. Do I need to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?

A: Individuals using the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and are not residing or staying in Pitkin County are not required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code. However, per CDC guidelines, it is highly recommended all travelers seek testing to reduce the spread of transmission.

The CDC advises if you are traveling, consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel.

Q: Are flight crews required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?

A: Per CDC definition of critical infrastructure, the transportation sector is one of the critical infrastructure industries. Flight crews are included in the transportation sector. Any guests that are not part of the flight crew are still required to adhere to the Traveler Responsibility Code.

Working, attending school, or recreating in Pitkin County from outside the County

Q: If I am coming in to ski but NOT staying overnight in Pitkin County, do I still need to submit the Traveler Responsibility Code?

A: Individuals not staying one or more nights in Pitkin County do not need to complete the Pitkin County Traveler Responsibility Code. However, Pitkin County highly encourages any traveler, regardless of when they are staying, to still follow the CDC guidance, including seeking testing within 72 hours of traveling and have a negative result to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Q: I commute to Pitkin County for work. What requirements do I need to follow?

A: Individuals who come to Pitkin County for the day to work and do not spend the night are not required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code.

If you are staying in Pitkin County for your work assignment and your time away between work assignments is 10 days or more you are required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code.

Q: I live outside Pitkin County and regularly go to Pitkin County to recreate, what requirements do I need to follow?

A: People who come to Pitkin County for the day and do not spend the night are not required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code.

If you are traveling, the CDC recommends to consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel.

CDC Guidance can be found here.

Q: I live outside the RFV and have an Aspen Season Pass and ski a couple of times a month and sometimes stay in Pitkin County. Do I need to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code for each visit?

A: Yes, travelers will need to complete the traveler form any time they are away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more.

What do I do with my Traveler Responsibility Code?

Q: After completing the Traveler Responsibility Code, do I need to keep a copy of my submission on-hand?

A: You should keep the Traveler Responsibility Code documentation with you. Once you complete the form you will receive a confirmation of your submission. Please keep the copy of this confirmation easily accessible while visiting Pitkin County.

Q: Will I be required to present my submitted Traveler Responsibility Code when entering Pitkin County?

A: You are not required to present your traveler form unless asked by a representative of Pitkin County Public Health that may be doing spot checks or in the case of Contact Tracing (you were identified as a contact to an individual with Covid-19).

We ask that you have the information on your personal device or a printed copy with you when you travel to Pitkin County.

Q: Do we have to submit the negative results prior or do we just carry it with us?

A: We are not asking visitors to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. Instead, we are asking visitors to complete and acknowledge to the following on the traveler form:

CDC Travel Guidelines

Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
Unless you are fully vaccinated,if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel into the United States.

Pitkin County Requirements

All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

Q: Where do I upload my test result into the Traveler Responsibility Code?

A: You do not upload any test result into the travel form. Once you complete the Traveler Responsibility Code you will receive a confirmation of your submission. Please keep the copy of this confirmation easily accessible while visiting Pitkin County.

Q: Will lodges ask to see the Traveler Responsibility Code at guest check-in?

A: Pitkin County is asking for our lodging and hospitality community (including short-term rental hosts) to partner together to “Inform” guests of the Traveler Responsibility Code requirement. To clarify, we are not asking our partners to “enforce”.

The goal is to reach the visitors before they arrive
We are asking lodging and hospitality to be partners to help push out the Traveler Responsibility Code to include messaging to:
- Integrate communication into reservation process
- Provide information to all arriving guests

Traveling with Children

Q: I am traveling with my children. Do my kids need to complete the form as well?

A: No, kids do not need to submit a separate form. Instead, parents will just be required to include all minors in their form.

Q: A minor who is not part of our immediate family will be traveling with us. Should we add his name to the travel form?

A: Yes, please list any person under 18 years traveling with you on your Traveler Responsibility Code as a dependent even though they are not part of your immediate family.

Q: We live outside RFV but our children are in weekend ski programs. What are our requirements for the Traveler Responsibility Code?

A: Your children would meet the exemption for “Persons Commuting for Work or School” so long as they are adhering to the program requirements for the ski program.

Persons Commuting for Work or School: People who regularly commute, at least weekly, outside of Pitkin County to a fixed place to attend school or work or any person who regularly commutes, at least weekly into Pitkin County to a fixed place to attend school or work; provided that in either case, this exception applies only to and from the person’s residence and place of work or school. Workers or students who travel to any place that is not their home residence for personal or leisure reasons cannot rely on this exemption.

Testing Recommendations and Eligibility

Q: Does Pitkin County’s Traveler Responsibility Code require one to receive a negative test result?

A: We are not asking visitors to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. Instead, we are asking visitors to complete and acknowledge to the following on the traveler form:

CDC Travel Guidelines

Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
Unless you are fully vaccinated,if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel into the United States.

Pitkin County Requirements

All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

Q: What tests are recommended by CDC?

A: A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) test (a viral test), such as a RT-PCR test, is strongly preferred. Antigen tests (Rapid Tests) have lower accuracy and antibody tests identify specific antibodies in a person’s blood and do not detect an active infection.

A LAMP test is a NAAT.

Q: Can international travelers get tested in another country before arriving?

A: On January 12, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an Order requiring all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to present the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.

Q: I am looking to obtain a negative COVID-19 test, but I am unable to get tested in my home community that I am traveling from. What can I do?

A: Travelers who do not have access to testing in their home community and would like to follow CDC’s travel guidance, they can arrange to get tested at their own expense here in Pitkin County. Guidance on how to obtain a test in Pitkin County can be found here.

Q: What is test turnaround time in Pitkin County?

A: You can make an appointment for testing at a Pitkin County location. However, their typical turnaround time is 48-72 hours, which may change depending on the lab’s capacity and the testing site you visit. For more information about testing sites in Pitkin County, visit our testing page here.

Prior COVID-19 Positive Test

Q: I previously had COVID-19, I isolated pursuant to CDC guidelines and was released from isolation. Do I need to be tested again?

A: It depends on the date of your COVID-19 positive test result.

More than 90 days

If you tested positive for COVID-19 via a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (e.g. RT-PCR) or antigen test more than 90-days prior to the date of arrival, it’s recommended that you follow CDC’s testing recommendations for travel. This is because antibody research hasn’t determined immunity, especially with different strains of COVID-19 and you are at risk for a new infection.

Ongoing research is being conducted to determine the length of time for which COVID-19 antibodies may offer protection from future COVID-19 infection. At this time, persons with detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are not considered immune.

Less than 90 days

If you tested positive for COVID-19 via a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (e.g. RT-PCR) or antigen test less than 90 days prior to the date of arrival, please ensure that you have been fever-free for 24 hours, completed the 10 day isolation period, and have had improvement of all symptoms on the date of departure for Pitkin County. Travelers will be required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code.

Q: I have a positive antibodies test result. Should I be tested again?

A: Ongoing research is being conducted to determine the length of time for which COVID-19 antibodies may offer protection from future COVID-19 infection. At this time, persons with detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are not considered immune and are recommended to follow CDC’s travel guidance, which is to get tested no more than 3 days before travel, so long as it has been more than 90 days since the patient tested positive via RT-PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.

Vaccinations and the Traveler Responsibility Code

Q: Do I need a negative test/quarantine if I’ve received the COVID-19 vaccination?

A: 1st Dose

Individuals who have received the first dose of the vaccine should still follow the CDC’s testing recommendation prior to travel. You are not protected from COVID-19 until two weeks after your 2nd dose.

2nd Dose

Most individuals who receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will likely have immunity two weeks after their second dose. Individuals who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule, do not need to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19 once two weeks have passed after the second dose.

Any person traveling that has not completed the full two-doses and two weeks waiting period after their second dose should still adhere to the CDC’s travel recommendations of receiving a viral test 1-3 days before travel. It is possible that someone who has been vaccinated against COVID-19 may still have a mild or asymptomatic infection or spread the virus to others. So it is important to continue taking precautions. Continue wearing masks and practicing physical distancing until it is clear that it is safe to stop.

I am getting the vaccine and worried I’ll receive a false positive if I get tested.

The CDC reports false-positive tests will not occur with the mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna. Read more here.

COVID-19 Exposure and Symptoms while in Pitkin County

Q: I received a call that I should go into quarantine because I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. My test came back negative 3 days ago. Do I still need to quarantine?

A: Yes. If you were exposed to someone known to be COVID-19 positive, then you are at increased risk of becoming positive and will need to quarantine for 10 days in your home residence or lodging.

Q: What happens if I develop COVID-19 symptoms while in Pitkin County?

A: The 72-hour test is a diagnostic test that is a point in time clinical measurement. If you develop symptoms, you may need to be tested again and may need medical attention. Information on testing in Pitkin County and Covid-19 symptoms can be found here.

Q: What happens if I am visiting Pitkin County and receive a positive COVID-19 result?

A: Regardless of your place of residence, you are required per the Public Health Order to isolate for 10 days in Pitkin County at the location you are staying and notify all of your close contacts. Failure to comply is subject to a violation of the Public Health Order and may result in up to a $5,000 fine. Pitkin County Public Health will also require information on how you traveled to Pitkin County. If you traveled by aircraft, Public Health may be required to report to the CDC for contact tracing depending on the number of days between your arrival and your exposure.

Q: If I develop symptoms but had a negative test, what should I do?

A: The 72-hour test is a diagnostic test that is a point in time clinical measurement. If you develop symptoms, you may need to be tested again and may need medical attention. Isolate and seek testing. Information on testing in Pitkin County and Covid-19 symptoms can be found here.

How to Quarantine

The requirements for quarantining are as follows:

Travelers, along with their travel party, must separate from all other people for 10 days.
Travelers must not be in public or otherwise leave the identified quarters.
The living quarters must have a separate bathroom facility for each individual or family group. Access to a sink with soap, water, and paper towels is necessary. Cleaning supplies (e.g. household cleaning wipes, bleach) must be available in the bathroom.
Travelers must have a way to self-quarantine from other household members if a fever or other symptoms develop, in a separate room(s) with a door.
During the quarantine period, no one else should be in the living quarters other than those in the Travel Party, including hotel staff or delivery persons, as applicable.
Food must be delivered to the living quarters.
Travelers must have a sufficient supply of face masks or face coverings to wear and must be compliant with local masking orders.

Mask Requirements

Travelers are not to leave their living quarters except to receive urgent medical care.
Travelers should engage in proper hygiene including washing hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used.
Travelers should remain aware of potential COVID like symptoms including: fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees); cough; difficulty breathing; shortness of breath; chills; muscle or body aches; runny nose or nasal congestion; new loss of taste or smell; headache; nausea; vomiting or diarrhea. Travelers with any of these symptoms should immediately contact a healthcare provider.
If no one in the Travel Party develops symptoms, then the travel party may continue with their normal activities after 10 days.
Any additional costs associated with these requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.

Enforcement and Non-Compliance

Q: How will completing the Traveler Responsibility Code be enforced?

A: We are not asking visitors to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. Airline staff, lodging facilities, or other businesses will not be requesting this information. The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful winter and spring season.

5 Star Certification Program

5 Star Variance Program

Q: What is the State of Colorado’s 5 Star Certified Business Variance Program?

A: The State of Colorado’s 5 Star Certified Business Variance Program is a way for businesses to operate with less restrictive capacity limits by implementing safety measures beyond what is already required by public health orders and guidelines in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This program is for responsible businesses that are following public health guidance, and going above and beyond to prioritize the health and safety of employees and customers.

Q: Which Pitkin County businesses can apply for the 5 Star Certified Business Variance Program?

A: Currently, Pitkin County is implementing a 5 Star certification process for restaurants, gyms/fitness centers, personal services, and indoor event venues, as they face restrictive capacity limits in each dial level. Bars that operate like restaurants are also eligible. In order to be considered, your business must have a Business Safety Plan on file with the Pitkin County Public Health Team. If you submitted a Business Safety Plan prior to 11/24/2020, you must submit a new plan. If you submitted a new plan after 11/24/2020, you do not need to resubmit your Business Safety Plan.

Q: Will indoor events be able to apply and operate as a 5 Star sector?

A: At this time, the Administrative Committee is focusing on implementing the 5 Star program among restaurants, gyms/fitness centers, personal services, and indoor event venues.

Q: What are the benefits of certification?

A: As of March 2, CDPHE reported that Colorado vaccinated 70% of individuals ages 70 and older. Additionally, CDPHE announced that counties with populations under 30,000 (like Pitkin County) can use a one-week comparable case count in lieu of incidence rate. Therefore, contingent on CDPHE’s report card for Pitkin County, 5 Star certified businesses may be able to operate in one level less restrictive.

So why should your business still apply and get 5 Star certified?
Dial 3.0 is designed to swiftly move counties into more restrictive levels when their numbers go up and more quickly into recovery when those numbers go down. While increased capacity limits may not apply to all businesses when in lower levels on the dial (e.g. Level Yellow and Level Blue allowances), being 5 Star certified means that the business has gone the extra mile to ensure employees and patrons are in a safer environment. Additionally, if Pitkin County ever moves into a more restrictive level and has passing metrics on the report card, 5-Star businesses may start operating one level lower.

Metrics and Operating Capacities

One week comparable case count (in lieu of incidence rate)	5-Star Certified Business	Non-5 Star Certified Business
151+	Orange Level Capacities *Restaurants must allow for 10 ft between parties & only people from the same household may sit together	Red Level Capacities
91-150	Yellow Level Capacities	Orange Level Capacities
31-90	Blue Level Capacities	Yellow Level Capacities
5-30	Restaurants: 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing between parties Gyms: 100% capacity with 6 feet of distancing between parties Indoor events: 50% capacity or 500 people	Blue Level Capacities

5 Star Businesses may not operate in Protect Our Neighbors unless the county is formally in Protect Our Neighbors.
For additional information regarding a county’s ability to open 5 Star Certification Program businesses at a less restrictive level, please view the Pitkin County Report Card on the 5 Star Certification Program webpage.

Violations

Q: Can my business apply if I was previously cited for a public health violation?

A: Yes, Pitkin County’s 5 Star Administrative Committee has agreed to allow businesses with previous public health citations to apply to this program.

Q: Could the County lose its 5 Star program variance?

A: Yes, if Pitkin County sees a significant rise in COVID-19 cases or hospitalizations, then the state may suspend the program. This automatically occurs if the region reaches more than 90 percent of the county’s ICU hospital capacity. The county 5 Star variance may also be taken if businesses do not follow protocols and there is no enforcement by the jurisdiction. Thus, it is vitally important that case numbers and hospitalizations continue on the downward trend made possible by the community’s previous hard work, and that business owners and workers make smart decisions by avoiding group gatherings, limiting any in-person celebrations to one other household, and follow the 5 Star protocols.

Q: Can a business lose its 5 Star certification?

A: Yes, a business may only receive one warning if the business violates the Public Health Orders or the terms of the 5 Star permit. If non-compliance continues after a warning, the certification must be revoked.

Q: What is a citation for non-compliance?

A: A citation of non-compliance is either a state or local citation for a business that, despite warnings and educational efforts, violated the public health order or conditions of the 5 Star Permit.

Q: Can a business reapply if it was revoked of its 5 Star certification?

A: Yes, businesses may be able to reapply to the 5 Star Program 30 days after the certification was revoked. However, businesses can only reapply once and if there’s another revocation of the certification, the business is not permitted to reapply for a second time.

Capacity Restriction Changes

Q: What happens if Pitkin County moves to a different level on the State’s COVID-19 dial?

A: Depending on where the county falls on the State COVID-19 dial metrics, certified businesses may be eligible for less restrictive capacity caps. For example, if Pitkin County case and hospitalization metrics all move to Orange for at least 7 days, certified businesses would be eligible for Level Yellow restrictions.

5 Star Business Requirements

Q: What is sufficient quality ventilation?

A: If there is an HVAC system it should be:

● Equipped with the highest-rated filter available for the system.

● Set to run continuously when people are present (DCV disabled).

● Operated at the highest optimized settings for the space.

● Serviced by an HVAC technician at least twice per year.

If there is no commercial HVAC system, or an HVAC system that does not meet above requirements, then ventilation must be improved by:

● Incorporating portable air purifiers (preferably with HEPA filters) appropriate for space size, and/or

● Increasing natural ventilation through opening doors and windows to allow cross-ventilation and installing fans that operate to increase airflow in a unidirectional (non-recirculating) manner.

All businesses are encouraged to consult the Ventilation and COVID-19 Guide for a more thorough reference of tips and suggestions for ensuring sufficient ventilation. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to view the Ventilation and Filtration White Paper for more information.

Q: What is required for a customer symptom and exposure check?

A: The best practice for a symptom screening and exposure check is to use the CDPHE screening form to ask if a patron has any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell), or was recently exposed to an individual known to have COVID-19. If the customer says yes, politely ask them to reschedule. We recommend that a temperature is taken as part of this process, but it is acceptable to verbally ask if the person has a fever. Temperature checks are required for employee symptom and exposure checks but may be conducted by the staff person on or off-site.

Q: What is required to “record customer names and contact info to support tracing?”

A: Having convenient access to contact names and numbers for patrons visiting a 5 Star facility can greatly increase our ability to intervene and stop transmission of further cases. We are asking you to collect the name of each patron, contact phone number for each patron, date and time of visit; however, you do not need to collect email addresses and phone numbers from children that are accompanied by an adult. We would also like to see which table they ate at as this can be critical as we assess proximity to a positive case. This information should be kept for 28 days understanding this is the extent of the COVID incubation period.

Q: What are the table and household distancing requirements for certified restaurants?

A: Table distancing must allow for at least 10 feet between parties seated at different tables if the county is in Red. In levels Blue through Orange, parties may be seated 6 feet apart. In Red, only people from the same household may sit together at the same table.

Pitkin County Vaccination

Location and Transportation

Q: Where is the clinic?

A: The clinic is located at the Benedict Music Tent Parking Lot (960 N. 3rd Street)

Q: Can I walk up or do I have to have a car?

A: It makes things run smoother if you drive into the clinic, however we can accommodate those who do not have a vehicle. (Note: an appointment is required for anybody coming to the clinic)

Q: Is there a public transportation option?

A: RFTA has a bus that will take you within walking distance of the clinic. That stop is Hallam and 8th Street. (RTFA route info HERE)

Preparing for Your Arrival

Q: Do you need to bring an ID?

A: Having a state issued ID is NOT required to get the vaccine. No proof of residency or employment will be required.

Q: Is there a cost associated or do I need insurance?

A: The vaccine clinics that Pitkin County has been putting on are completely free, regardless of insurance. This may not be the case at other locations you can receive the vaccine.

Q: Are there Spanish speaking capabilities at the clinic?

A: Yes, there are multiple people who can speak Spanish.

Q: I don’t have email or internet access. How do I get a vaccination appointment?

A: You can register for the vaccine as well as schedule an appointment (when you are eligible) over the phone by calling the Pitkin County Vaccine InfoLine at 970-429-3363.

Receiving the Vaccine

Q: Do I get to choose which vaccine I receive?

A: Pitkin County has received three COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. You will know which vaccine you are getting when you schedule your appointment. The best way to get the vaccine you want is to wait until you can register for that dose, and do so. We cannot change the vaccine you will get after it has been scheduled. Note: You may have to wait up to a month to get a specific vaccine, by ‘shopping for a vaccine’ you will not be guaranteed a spot like you would if you just scheduled an appointment.

Q: If I got my first dose elsewhere can I receive my second dose in Pitkin County (and the opposite, can I get my first dose here on my vacation and get the second back at home)? How do I schedule my second dose?

A: The best way to get your second dose is to go to where you received your first dose. Unfortunately, Pitkin County cannot guarantee that anybody who is looking to get only a single dose will be able to get one. If we have extra doses at the end of our clinics, we may be able to give a second-only dose. There is no way we will be able to know if this is possible before the end of the clinic.

Q: How does the standby list work?

A: If all appointments are already taken for the week’s clinic, registration will let people sign up for the standby list if they will be available on short notice during the clinic. On the day of the clinic, as appointments are canceled and doses become available, Pitkin County will send out a text to those who are on the standby list with a scheduling link. You will be able to schedule an appointment through the link sent to you. If you click the link and there are no available times, check back in 30 minutes, as we may have added more appointments due to more cancellations. Please note that being on the standby list does not guarantee that you will have an appointment, rather it gives you the opportunity to schedule an appointment last minute if there is a cancellation.

Post Vaccination Guidance

Q: What guidelines should I follow since I am fully vaccinated?

A: CDPHE has released guidance for fully vaccinated people in private settings. You can review that guidance here. Pitkin County does endorse CDPHE’s guidance but this guidance is for private settings only and does not apply to public indoor spaces or workplaces.

Q: Are social distancing and mask guidelines still required in public if I am fully vaccinated?

A: A statewide executive order requiring Coloradans to wear masks in public indoor spaces remains in effect. Additionally, Pitkin County’s Public Health Order still requires the use of face coverings in public settings and the City of Aspen and Town of Snowmass Village still have mask zones in effect.

Once you are fully vaccinated…

Once at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, you may now:

Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing in small groups.
Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.
Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

Guidance ONLY applies to private settings (not congregate settings or healthcare facilities, workplaces, or public indoor spaces). All should still avoid medium and large gatherings with people from different households.

In order to limit the spread of variant cases, it is critical to continue to practice physical distancing, mask-wearing, and handwashing until the entire community receives vaccinations.

See our post vaccination PDF for more information.

Public Transport after Vaccination

Q: Are there capacity limits on transportation once people are vaccinated?

A: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) limits public transportation to 50% of posted seating capacity and all individuals must continue to wear well-fitting masks and practice physical distancing while riding. This guidance also applies to any shuttles, taxis, and hired transportation.

Myth Busting

Pre-Vaccine Safety

Q: Can I get the vaccine if I have COVID-19 and am showing symptoms right now?

A: If you currently have COVID-19 you should not get the vaccine, you should wait.

Q: Who shouldn’t get the vaccine?

A: It’s a very small (number) of people. Only if you have a certain allergy, allergic reaction to some of the ingredients.

Q: Can I not get the vaccine if I’m pregnant?

A: You should get vaccinated if you’re pregnant, but obviously talk to your doctor first.

Q: How do we know if the vaccines are safe since they were developed so quickly?

A: All three vaccines have gone through the three phases of research and approval. There was no vaccine in the history of humankind that had caused side effects where they caused someone to die years later after getting the vaccine. If you get any type of reaction it is immediate, that’s why they have you wait (at the clinic) for 15 minutes. It would never be in the long run.

Aftereffects of COVID-19 Vaccine

Q: Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

A: It is not possible to get COVID-19 from a vaccine, but it is possible to have side effects that are consistent with COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines use inactivated virus, part of the virus (e.g., the spike protein), or a gene from the virus. None of these can cause COVID-19.

Q: Will the vaccine work immediately?

A: Protection from the vaccine is not immediate, it will take time after the vaccination for the body to respond and make enough antibodies to protect you.

Q: What are possible vaccine side effects and why do they happen?

A: The most commonly reported side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are mild fever, chills, body aches, pain and redness at the injection site, nausea, headache, and fatigue for 1-2 days after receiving the vaccine. The process of building immunity can cause symptoms. These symptoms are normal and show that your body’s immune system is responding to a vaccine. Other routine vaccines, like the flu vaccine, have similar side effects.

Side effects can be more pronounced after the second dose of the vaccine. If you experience discomfort after the first dose of the vaccine, it is very important that you still receive the second dose on your scheduled date for full protection.

Please maintain your scheduled appointment date, as cancellations may not guarantee a second dose (Pfizer and Moderna) appointment at a later date. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first one, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you NOT to get a second shot.

Please report any side effects using V-SAFE.

If you are experiencing side effects do the following:

Moving your arm, holding still may actually cause it to hurt more
Apply a cold compress to the injection site
Take a nap. Try a warm bath or hot shower.

Call your PCP if redness and swelling increase in size or does not decrease after a few days, or if you’re considering taking a medication to counteract a vaccine side effect.

Sources for reporting symptoms:

V-Safe: vsafe.cdc.gov/

FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System: vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent

Roaring Fork Valley nonprofit provides more information on vaccine myths below. Visit the Aspen Times to read more.

Q: How long will I be immune after getting vaccinated?

A: We still don’t know, it could be like the flu where we have to get it every year, but there could be a chance it could be longer immunity.

Q: After I’m vaccinated do I have to wear a mask?

A: You should continue to wear a mask if you’ve gotten the vaccine.