Several of Colorado’s mountain towns are shutting down to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, including the closure of restaurants and bars. All ski resorts are closed until March 22 by the order of Gov. Jared Polis.

Summit County officials issued a public health order Monday afternoon, locking down any type of retail restaurant, bar, and lodging facility in the community. Gas stations, grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, liquor stores, marijuana dispensaries (exempt from the order) are expected to remain open.

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Effective 10:00 PM, Monday, March 16, the order will prohibit “dine-in activity” in all restaurants, bars, and cafeterias in Summit County. The virus is also impacting mountain travel, with lodging businesses, including hotels, motels, timeshares, and short term rentals (such as Airbnb and VRBO) required to close by 12:00 PM, Thursday, March 19.

Also closed due to COVID-19 are Denver restaurants and bars. This closure will last through May 11, with the exception of delivery and takeout as well. Polis has also ordered restaurants to shut down statewide for 30-days.

Amid the spread, Gunnison County released a public health order Monday prohibiting groups of 10 or more including attendees and employees from gathering in public spaces including bars, restaurants, fundraisers, concerts, festivals, child care centers, and other similar events and activities.

In an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus, “social distancing” is strongly being encouraged statewide by public health officials.

Among the latest, Clear Creek County declared a local disaster emergency, enabling the county to activate response plans and be eligible for funds and resources that may become available in support of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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