The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has approved a variance for El Paso County that allows for more people in indoor and outdoor businesses.
As the COVID-19 infection rate in Colorado has stayed steady for most of the past month, the state's "safer-at-home" model has opened up restaurants, gyms and other businesses, with limitations. The county's newly-approved variance expands occupancy of these places, effective immediately.
Indoor spaces can now have up to 175 people or 50 percent of occupancy. This includes gyms, theatres, restaurants and museums.
The variance also increases the capacity limits of outdoor spaces like the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and private events like receptions to 250 people or 50 percent of occupancy. The county health department is still encouraging people to practice health guidelines like physical distancing and wearing masks.
