Denver Releases Requirements for Businesses to Reopen Starting Saturday
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced that businesses can reopen Saturday, but with some detailed requirements to continue social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19. The rules are in addition to requiring people to wear facemasks in public, an order that went into effect yesterday.
The following types of businesses in Denver will be allowed to reopen:
- Non-critical retail such as clothing, home goods and cell phone stores
- With 50% employees and 6-foot social distancing
- Personal services such as hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors, pet groomers and personal trainers
- With 10 or fewer people in a single location or maximum 50% occupancy, whichever is less
- By appointment only, no walk-ins
- Strict requirements about personal protective equipment and distancing
- Non-critical offices
- With 50% employees
- Field services such as in-person real-estate showings
- Limited health care
- With 10 or fewer people in a single location or maximum 50% occupancy, whichever is less
- By appointment only, no walk-ins
- Post-secondary education
Many businesses, such as sit-down restaurants, concert and sports venues and rec centers, are required to remain closed.
Read a full list of requirements and suggestions for businesses on the City of Denver’s website.
Other Counties Prepare for Stay-at-Home Orders to Expire
Other Denver metro area counties are following Denver’s lead and letting their stay-at-home orders expire Friday. Tri-County Health Department, which serves Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, released online “Safer-at-Home Guidance for Businesses” that includes a checklist to help businesses develop a COVID-19 plan. Boulder, Broomfield and Jefferson counties continue to say their stay-at-home orders last through May 8.
Denver Creates Economic Relief and Recovery Council
Mayor Michael Hancock has created the Denver Economic Relief and Recovery Council to assist businesses, nonprofits, employers and workers affected by COVID-19. Members include:
- Chair Lori Davis, managing partner for Grant Thornton, LLP’s Denver Office
- Construction and Development Subcommittee Co-Chairs Amy Cara, managing partner, East West Partners, and Mowa Haile, president and CEO, Sky Blue Builders
- Hospitality, Entertainment and Cultural Subcommittee Co-Chairs Janice Sinden, president and CEO, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Walter Isenberg, co-founder, president and CEO, Sage Hospitality
- Small and Medium Business Subcommittee Co-Chairs Denise Burgess, president and CEO, Burgess Services, Inc., and Andy Feinstein, CEO and managing partner, EXDO Development
- Large Employers and Anchor Institutions Subcommittee Co-Chairs Raju Patel, market president, Bank of America, and Trini Rodriguez, managing director, public finance, D.A. Davidson & CO.
Read a list of the council’s responsibilities.
U.S. Chamber Releases State-by-State Reopening Guidance Tool
State and local officials nationwide are approaching how the reopen their economies very differently. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce created an online tool to help businesses understand the requirements and guidance for each state. Learn more.
More than a Quarter of Small Businesses Nationwide Have Shortened Hours, According to Poll
The U.S. Chamber and MetLife released their monthly Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll. The recent poll found that:
- 27% of small businesses have shortened their hours.
- 26% of small businesses have asked customers for support or started crowdfunding campaigns.
- 19% of small businesses have adjusted employee salaries or hours.
- 19% of small businesses have applied for a working capital loan, an almost five-fold increase since last month.
Denver Metro Chamber to Offer Emergency Preparedness Webinar with American Red Cross
Many know that the American Red Cross provides care and comfort during emergencies, but it’s also part of their mission to help businesses prepare. Join us for a special Red Cross Ready Rating session, which will help you assess your organization’s readiness for disasters and other emergencies and ensure you’re ready to weather a crisis safely.
Tuesday, May 12 – 11 a.m. to Noon
REGISTER
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.