Stay at Home Order || Business

Stay-At-Home Public Health Order#

Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order, further documented and detailed in an order by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) (updated March 26,2020) (Spanish version), which requires that all individuals in Colorado must stay at home whenever possible, identifies Necessary Activities for which individuals may leave their residences and travel, and sets out “social distancing requirements”. The CDPHE Order went into effect at 6:00 am on March 26, 2020 and is effective through April 11, 2020. That Order expressly provides that more restrictive provisions of orders issued by local authorities also apply. The Larimer County Public Health Director has issued a Stay-at-Home order for the County, which took effect at 5:00 pm on March 26, 2020, and continues until April 17, 2020. These orders may be amended, extended or discontinued at any time, so ongoing attention to the status of these restrictions and requirements is advised.

The intent of this order is to ensure that the maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence to the maximum extent feasible to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the greatest extent.

It applies to the entire State of Colorado, and it exempts activity and business as needed to maintain continuity of operation of critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including construction, among other essential industries.
The order requires Coloradans to stay home except for critical certain activities.
What is an critical or essential activity? - an activity that is essential to protecting your health and safety, or the health and safety of those in your family or household (including pets).
- It exempts activity and business as needed to maintain continuity of operation of essential infrastructure sectors, essential government services, and other essential activities necessary to promote health and well-being, such as getting groceries, personal care and cleaning supplies, obtaining medical supplies or medication, and/or engaging in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or running, continuing the strict observance of physical distancing practices.

Each order allows exemptions for “essential” or “critical” businesses that can continue operating with social distancing practices in place. For assistance with the interpretation of these exemptions, please reach out to the following:

The Larimer County EOC is answering questions and providing guidance on the orders. Businesses can reach them at 970-498-5500, text 970-999-1770 or submit a question here.
Larimer County has an FAQ for the order is in effect from March 26, 2020 to April 17, 2020. Information is being updated regularly with answers specific to certain industries.
State of Colorado FAQs for the order is in effect from March 26, 2020 to April 11, 2020. More information on the State of Colorado Stay at Home order can be found here.

View Larimer County's Order

Is my business a critical business? What's open?#

The Stay-at-Home order does not apply to those going to work in an essential business or essential government function, including:

Gas stations & auto repair facilities
Pharmacies (including Target, Walmart, Costco)
Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, restaurants participating in take-out and delivery services, agriculture
Essential retail: household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products)
Essential Critical Infrastructure, including construction, operation of public transportation and utilities
Critical manufacturing
Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare operations
Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food and goods directly to residences
Construction
Roles required for any essential business to "maintain basic operations," which include security, payroll and similar activities.
Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians and other service providers necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences and other essential businesses
Police & Fire services
Telecommunications
Businesses that provide necessities of life for economically disadvantaged individuals and shelter facilties
Banks
Educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning.
Laundromats/laundry services
Trash & recycling collection, processing, & disposal
Mail & shipping services
Childcare services (following requirements)
Pet supply stores & veterinary services
Liquor & marijuana stores

Read the lists in Larimer County's order and the State's public health order to determine if your business is critical. If you are unsure, err on the side of protecting public health. If you still cannot decide, you may want to consult a lawyer.

What's closed?#

Non-Essential Businesses required to close:

Dine-in restaurants
Bars & nightclubs
Malls
Museums
Arcades, bowling alleys
Campgrounds
Skate parks
Entertainment venues
Gyms & fitness studios
Public events & gatherings
Convention centers
Non-essential personal services such as hair & nail salons, massage & tattoo parlors, and spas
Business not defined as critical

Critical business guidelines#

Implement and practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible to keep your employees and customers healthy. This means keeping people 6 feet apart from each other, practicing hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, cleaning high-touch surfaces frequently, and remembering not to shake hands. Take some time to understand what this means. There are many great resources on this website, in particular, on this page.

What help is there for my business?#

Larimer County is extending the income tax payment deadlines to July 15 for all filers
Extension on estimated Federal and State taxes due July 15 without penalty
If your business is experiencing a hardship that impacts its ability to meet their City sales and use tax remittance obligations, the owner should still plan to file their monthly return forms but may contact the City Revenue Department to request consideration of a temporary waiver of fees and interest and/or a payment plan. Representatives of the Revenue Department can be reached at salestax@fcgov.com or by phone at (970) 221-6780 during normal business hours.
The City of Fort Collins is developing an Small Business Relief & Recovery Loan Fund. Details will be available soon.
Businesses can also apply for SBA Disaster loans with an interest rate of 3.75% and up to $2M.

Seeking healthcare during the Stay-at-Home order#

How can I get medical care if I need it?

If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, a nurse hotline, any telehealth hotline set up specifically for COVID-19 (check with your insurance company) or an urgent care center.If you are experiencing symptoms or are currently in isolation, you should stay at home and follow the guidelines provided by your physician. Do not go to an emergency room unless necessary. Nonessential medical care like eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed. When possible, healthcare visits should be done remotely. Contact your healthcare provider to see what tele-health services they provide.

Can I get a prescription filled or other healthcare needs?

Yes. Pharmacies and other medical services will remain open. You should request for your prescriptions to be delivered to your home if that is possible.

Can I leave home to take care of an elderly or sick family member or friend?

Yes. Please be sure to practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently. Elderly people and people with suppressed immune systems are at heightened risk for contracting COVID-19.

Outdoor Recreation#

Can I still exercise? Take my kids to the park for fresh air? Take a walk around the block?

Yes. So long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who aren’t part of your household, it is ok to go outside for exercise, a walk or fresh air. Playgrounds, tennis, volleyball, basketball courts, and gyms are closed.

Can I walk my dog? Take my pet to the vet?

You can walk your dog. You can go to the vet or pet hospital if your pet is sick. Remember to distance yourself at least six feet from other pets and owners.

Will food & shelter services for community members remain open?#

Free food services for students and other community members:

Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and take out basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services (Food Bank) under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site.

Shelters and other social services:

Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals for remain open. The Fort Collins' Northside Aztlan Community Center will serve as a day-and-night shelter for homeless people through April 10.

Transportation#

Will public transportation operate during the Stay-at-Home order?

Public transportation and ridesharing should be used for essential travel only. When possible, walk or drive yourself. People riding on public transit must comply with Social Distancing Requirements which includes maintaining at least six feet between individuals to the greatest extent possible.

Will roads in Colorado be closed?

No, the roads will not be closed in Colorado . You should only travel if it is essential to your work or health.

Can I take a flight out of state?

Planes and any other form of travel should only be used if absolutely necessary

Is childcare still open?#

Licensed child care remains open under specific guidance from public health. We are working to ensure all essential workers have access to childcare services so are licensing new centers and those that may have closed, on an emergency basis, to ensure there are enough spots for the children of essential workers. For urgent child care needs, contact 2-1-1.

Can I pick up meals being provided by my child's school?
Yes. Schools that provide free food services to students will continue on a pick-up and take-home basis.