Governor Polis announces opening dates for restaurants and summer camps

Beginning on May 27, restaurants will be able to open for in-person dining at 50% capacity of the indoor posted occupancy code limit, but they cannot have more than 50 people. They are also encouraged to provide as much outdoor services as possible. Bars will remain closed. The order allows businesses such as breweries to open with food on premise like a food truck. In June, additional decisions will be made for establishments that do not serve food.

On June 1, day camps and youth sports camps will open. Overnight camps will stay close through June. Decisions about July and August will be made in mid-June.

Day camps, including mobile, youth sports camps, and outdoor camps, must operate with restrictions and strong precautionary measures, as specified in the guidance.

“I know this has been a very different school year than many students were expecting, and thanks to the success of our social distancing efforts so far, Colorado kids will be able to enjoy day camps and youth sports camps this summer in as safe a manner as possible. The risk, though less, is still very real, and it’s up to families to make the best decisions that work for them. We also appreciate the critical role that day camps, along with daycare which has already been operating in as safe a manner as reasonably possible, play in supporting working parents,” Gov. Polis said.

Private campsites are now open. If a host county would like to keep campsites closed, county commissioners should consult with their local public health agency, and then notify the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and CDPHE in writing. Campgrounds in the State Park system are already open.

The order that closed ski resorts has expired. Ski resorts may work to secure approval from their local authorities in order to open. Arapahoe Basin has already announced a plan for opening.

“We are still a long way from returning to normal, but these updates are a step in the right direction because Coloradans are doing a good job so far limiting our social interactions. If we can continue staying at home as much as possible, wearing face coverings and washing our hands when leaving the house, then we will be able to slow the spread of the virus while reigniting our economy. If not, it will cost lives, and the economic pain will also be worse,” said Governor Polis.