Governor Announces Statewide Stay-at-Home Order

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Governor Announces Statewide Stay-at-Home Order
Gov. Jared Polis announced a statewide stay-at-home order Wednesday afternoon. Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, Larimer and Jefferson counties have announced their own orders, joining the City and County of Denver.

The state’s order begins at 6 a.m., Thursday, and lasts through April 11. The stay-at-home orders for Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas and Jefferson counties last through April 17. Under the orders, residents are allowed to leave their homes to shop for essential needs, such as groceries and medications, exercise and go to work if their job qualifies for an exemption, although they are encouraged to practice social distancing under all circumstances.

Read the orders for the state and each county:

Denver Launches COVID-19 Business Relief Program 
Denver released more details of its business relief program, including $7,500 grants, on Wednesday. The Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), in partnership with Mile High United Way, is making available one-time grants up to $7,500 for eligible small businesses with a focus on the following industries:

  • Retail (storefront)
  • Restaurant/food industry
  • Personal care (barber shop, nail salon)
  • Health care and social assistance services (childcare & home health care providers)
  • Logistics
  • Small manufacturing

The program is intended to be available for four months and rolled out in monthly phases with the first applications due Tuesday, March 31.

The grants cannot exceed more than 60% of a business’ revenue loss and must meet certain criteria including the following:

  • Operate within the City and County of Denver
  • Generate $2 million in annual revenue or less
  • Have 25 employees or fewer
  • Have experienced a 25% decline in revenue this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

The city will prioritize applications based on several factors including percentage of revenue decline, number of employees and proposed use of financial assistance. Grants can be used to fund payroll, fixed costs like rent and mortgages, marketing strategies, operating costs, implementing delivery services, installing better ventilation and other engineering controls, and sourcing alternative suppliers.

Interested businesses can complete an online questionnaire and DEDO will screen responses to filter to the correct grant program. Then, businesses will be asked to complete an online application.

Denver is also promoting its Microloan Program as a solution for businesses affected by COVID.19. Learn more about the program and apply.

Visit the City of Denver’s website to see resources available to businesses.

People Filing for Unemployment Asked to Do So on Designated Days 
To support the significant number of individuals seeking to file unemployment claims online, the State of Colorado has asked people to file on certain days based on their last names.

  • If your last name begins with A through M, you may file on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or after noon on Saturday.
  • If your last name begins with N through Z, you may file on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or before noon on Saturday.

You will need your Social Security number, valid ID and employer information, including hours worked and rate of pay.

File online at www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/file-claim.

Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.