What “Level Orange” Means To Northern Colorado

Larimer and Weld Counties will be shifting from "Level Red" to "Level Orange" COVID-19 restrictions on Monday (Jan. 4) afternoon.

Ok, so what does that actually mean? That's the question that many people (including myself) are asking and I'm here to help clear things up a little bit.

This much is for certain...moving to level orange is a positive sign and a really nice way to start the new year especially since many counties have been in level red for quite some time with several even moving to the dreaded purple stage as recently as November.

Colorado governor Jared Polis announced last week that he was going to roll back the restrictions starting on Monday and according to the State of Colorado, THIS is what level orange is and what you need to know.

• • Strongly advised to stay at home
  • High Risk Populations:
    • Eligible for worker benefits and mandatory prioritization for remote work
  • Variances
    • Not eligible
  • Personal Gathering Size
    • Up to 10 from no more than 2 households
  • Childcare
    • Open
  • P-12 Schools
    • In-person suggested
  • Higher Education
    • In person, hybrid or remote as appropriate
  • Restaurants- Indoors
    • 25% capacity or 50 people
  • Restaurants- Outdoors
    • 6 feet between parties, per local zoning
  • Last Call
    • 10 p.m. on premises
  • Non-critical manufacturing
    • 25% capacity or 50 people
  • Offices
    • 25% capacity, remote work is strongly encouraged
  • Bars
    • Closed
  • Gyms/Fitness
    • 25% capacity, 25 people indoors, or outdoors in groups less than 10
  • Group Sports/Camps
    • Virtual or outdoors in groups of less than 10
  • Critical and Non-Critical Retail
    • 50% capacity with increased curbside pickup and deliver.
    • Dedicated senior and at-risk hours encouraged
  • Personal Services
    • 25% capacity or 25 people
  • Limited Health Care Settings
    • 25% capacity or 25 people
  • Indoors unseated events and entertainment
    • 25% capacity or 50 person capacity with calculator
  • Indoors seated events and entertainment
    • 25% capacity or 50 people
  • Outdoors unseated events and entertainment
    • 25% capacity or 75 people
  • Outdoors seated events and entertainment
    • 25% capacity or 75 people
  • Outdoor guided services
    • 25% capacity or 10 people

If Larimer County can keep Level Orange COVID statistics, the Larimer County businesses certified part of the Level Up program will be able to operate under the Level Yellow restrictions.