This week, Governor Polis and state public health officials unveiled Dial 3.0, the latest iteration of the state’s dial dashboard system. This version of the dial will be in place until mid-April. Under the ninth amended Public Health Order 20-36, all Arapahoe County businesses may operate at Level Blue capacities and restrictions.

After mid-April, the state is planning to do away with the dial system because COVID vaccinations are scheduled to be available to the general population by then. However, it’s important to note that these plans could change should Colorado or any of its counties experience an increase in COVID rates or hospitalizations. As such, the state is urging people to remain cautious and to continue to use all best practices to prevent the spread of the illness.

The Dial 3.0 update includes specific guidelines for certain categories, including:

• Bars can now open under Level Blue. The capacity limit is 25% capacity or 75 people, whichever is fewer.
• Outdoor events in Levels Green and Blue no longer have state-level capacity restrictions under the dial.
• Retail, offices, and non-critical manufacturing in Level Blue may now open to 75% capacity, up from 50%. 
• There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes. The state will follow CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings.

Five-Star Certified businesses should follow the new Level Blue restrictions, which also specify that:

• Certified Restaurants and Recreation may now operate at 100% capacity as long as they can maintain 6 feet of distancing between parties.
• Certified Seated and Unseated Indoor Events may operate at 50% capacity, up to 500 people.
• All other certified Five-Star businesses may operate with an additional 50 people.

For more information about the Arapahoe County Five-Star Recovery Partner Program, visit our website. The full text of the amended public health order is available at the link cited above.