Denver will start accepting applications Tuesday morning for its 5 Star Certification Program, allowing businesses to expand operations by increasing COVID-19 safety measures.

Applications are for pre-certification only until Denver County maintains seven days of stable or declining COVID-19 rates, placing it in Level Orange. This includes maintaining less than 350 average cases per 100,000 people.

Denver’s two-week cumulative COVID-19 case rate dipped below 350 on Wednesday for the first time since October. It was at 315.3 as of Sunday.

Pre-certified businesses will be notified and issued official certification immediately when the program is able to be implemented.

Denver opens applications for 5 Star Program, but coronavirus numbers need to stay steady

Businesses eligible for the program include all that have been limited because of public health orders, including indoor events, restaurants, gyms, personal services and general businesses.

These businesses will be able to increase in-person services with the program if they implement safety measures beyond what is required such as improving ventilation, checking employees for symptoms and increasing social distancing.

The first application round will pre-certify 500 businesses on a first-come, first-serve basis. After that, the 5 Star Administrative Committee will evaluate which industries are receiving certification and work to address any access gaps.

When and how many businesses will be included in the second round of applications has yet to be determined.

Adams County applies for 5-Star Certification Program

To help businesses prepare for the certification process, Denver will hold virtual town halls at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Businesses needing additional interpretation services or accommodations are asked to contact the city at [email protected] or [email protected].

In addition to English and Spanish, certification materials will also be provided in Vietnamese and additional languages will be provided by the city upon request.

Businesses can apply for pre-certification beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday at denver5star.org.