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Program Resources & FAQs
Additional Resources for Businesses
- Tri-County Health Department
- COVID-19 Information and Updates
- The Business Re-Opening Task Force was created to assist businesses in navigating changing public health guidelines, as well as to answer questions about compliance. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. by calling 720-713-6030 or by email at covidbusinessrecovery@tchd.org. Spanish translation available. The department also hosts weekly webinars that focus on public health order requirements and best practices.
- Colorado State
- Additional Forms and Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are you prioritizing certain businesses?
A: Level Red severely restricts the operations of certain industries within Arapahoe County. Initially prioritizing application review for these businesses recognizes the disproportionate impact of restrictions.
Q: I submitted my application – can I start operating at the higher capacity limits?
A: No, there is no provision for self-certification. An inspection must be completed prior to receiving your certificate.
Q: I submitted my application! What’s next?
A: Depending on where your business is located, your application will be sent to either city or county staff for review and a live inspection will be scheduled. Once a business passes inspection and additional information is received, you’ll be certified for program participation.
Q: Why was I rejected from submitting an application?
A: If a business isn’t complying with the stated requirements, the application will redirect you to resources and additional information to ensure future compliance. We encourage you to read the guidelines, implement appropriate measures and reapply.
Q: Will this application cover all locations of my business?
A: No. You must submit an application for each individual location.
Q: How long will it take to be certified?
A: We expect this program will generate a lot of interest and are unable to commit to a set deadline at this time. Please know we’re processing applications as quickly as possible, recognizing how critical increased capacity is to business sustainability. We appreciate your patience.
Q: With the County’s move to the Orange Level, can my certified business operate at the Yellow Level requirements?
A: No, certified businesses will need to operate at Orange Level capacities until Arapahoe County sustains a seven-day trend in Orange metrics. Once the county achieves that trend, businesses can move to Yellow.
Q: How will I know when I can operate in Yellow?
A: The County will notify certified businesses once the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) informs us that we’ve met the requirements.
Q: Is there any protection against potentially retaliatory employees or customers who may report a false compliance issue in order to have a business decertified?
A: Not from a legal standpoint. That’s why we do education on the first call and require visual verification prior to issuing a written warning. More information on the program’s compliance process is available on the Non-Compliance & Complaints tab of the FAQs.
Q: Can a business chose to decertify themselves?
A: Yes. The Five-Star Recovery Partner Program is voluntary. If decertification is desired, the applicant point of contact should email 5star@arapahoegov.com requesting to do so.
Q: As a certified business, do I follow the state’s five-star certification requirements (i.e. 10’ table separation, six people per table) or the Orange Level requirements?
A: Certified businesses are allowed to operate in Orange Level requirements (i.e. parties may be seated 6 feet apart and are allowed to have more than one household at a table). As part of the five-star certification application process, businesses will need to affirm they could meet the 10’ and single household limitations if the county returns to the Red level. During inspection, businesses will be asked to show how they implement spacing at the 6’ and 10’ levels. Table distancing must allow for at least 10 feet between parties seated at different tables if the county is in Red and only people from the same household may sit together at the same table.
Q: What does it mean to have sufficient quality ventilation?
A: If there is an HVAC system it should be:
- Equipped with the highest-rated filter available for the system.
- Set to run continuously when people are present (DCV disabled).
- Operated at the highest optimized settings for the space.
- Serviced by an HVAC technician at least twice per year.
If there is no commercial HVAC system, or an HVAC system that does not meet above requirements, then ventilation must be improved by:
- Incorporating portable air purifiers (preferably with HEPA filters) appropriate for space size, and/or
- Increasing natural ventilation through opening doors and windows to allow cross-ventilation and installing fans that operate to increase airflow in a unidirectional (non-recirculating) manner.
All businesses are encouraged to consult the Ventilation and COVID-19 Guide for a more thorough reference of tips and suggestions for ensuring sufficient ventilation.
Q: What is required for a customer symptom and exposure check?
A: The best practice for a symptom and screening check is to use the CDPHE screening form to ask if a patron has any symptoms, or was recently exposed to somebody known to have COVID-19. It is recommended that a temperature is taken as part of this process, but it is acceptable to verbally ask if the person has a temperature if necessary. Temperature checks are required for employee symptom and exposure checks.
Q: How can I promote Exposure Notifications to my customers and employees?
A: CO Exposure Notifications is a free and voluntary service developed in partnership with Google and Apple that can notify users of possible exposure to COVID-19. Learn more at https://www.addyourphone.com/
Q: How will complaints be resolved?
A: If a complaint is received against a business certified within the program, they can expect TCHD to follow their standard process:
- First complaint: Business receives phone call from TCHD within 72 hours to evaluate and address the concern and give the opportunity to correct.
- Second complaint: Upon visual verification of non-compliance, business receives formal written warning from TCHD/specific jurisdiction within 72 hours.
- Third complaint: May risk certification revocation. For all business with a third complaint, the Program’s Administrative Committee will review and decide if and what formal action may be taken within 72 hours. If necessary, TCHD or municipal partner to remove certificate with agreement of the committee.
Q: What is a citation for non-compliance?
A: A citation of non-compliance is either a state or local citation for a business that despite warnings and educational efforts, willfully violated the public health order. For the Arapahoe County program, any business that received a citation from the Tri County Health Department or State of Colorado after December 18, 2020, is ineligible to apply.
Q: Where should I send complaints about my (or others) businesses?
A: While we recommend first resolving any issues on-site, patrons can submit complaints to the Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) and/or the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE). Certified businesses will have this information readily available on their certification poster; you can also contact:
- TCHD’s Call Center 303-220-9200 or submit an online complaint form.
- CDPHE's online complaint form.