Denver restricts gather sizes, strengthens its mask requirements; Don’t forget to vote; Redistricting committees looking for applications
COVID-19 cases are rising across Colorado and in Denver, leading Denver Mayor Michael Hancock last Friday to issue two new public health orders addressing face mask requirements and public and private gathering size limitations.
In Denver, face coverings are now required for all indoor and outdoor activities and meetings with limited exceptions like organized athletic events. Denver’s new mask rules are in place indefinitely and are available for review by clicking here.
Denver also limited the number of unrelated people allowed to gather to five, down from 10. This limitation applies to both public and private gatherings, including workplace settings such as meetings. This new limitation is in effect through November 16. The construction industry remains a “critical business” and may continue to operate—but must comply with distancing requirements. Denver’s updated health order is available by clicking here.
To ensure safety and compliance with state and local regulations, please continue to use the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Multi-Industry Construction Guidance. That document, available by clicking here, remains the overall guidance document for our industry.
In addition, the CDC has developed guidance on quarantines, available by clicking here. This document outlines various scenarios and timelines for proper quarantining. Please review and utilize the CDC and CDPHE guidance, as well as all state and local health orders, in order to prevent outbreaks and maintain the viability of our offices and jobsites.
Colorado not changing COVID restrictions, at this time
Governor Polis updated the media on Tuesday about the rise in COVID-19 cases across Colorado, warning of a third wave. He asked Coloradans to step up to stem the spread of the virus. The state’s seven-day average for positivity has risen above 6 percent; however, health officials want to keep that number below 5 percent to control the spread of the virus. Despite the increasing numbers, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing disease spread at the county level and not with new statewide restrictions like the stay-at-home order.
Governor Polis also announced that the State is working with CDPHE to launch a new, statewide media campaign called “Step Up, Colorado” in English and Spanish. This campaign will emphasize the importance of Coloradans wearing masks and social distancing.
Turn in your ballot by November 3, and please use the 2020 CAHB Voting Guide
Despite record ballot turn in numbers, up to 70 percent of Coloradans have not yet voted in the 2020 election. If your ballot is still sitting on your kitchen table, please use CAHB’s 2020 Voting Guide, available by clicking here.
The guide was developed through the work of CAHB’s Executive Committee, Government Affairs Committee and Political Funding Committee, as well as collaboration with NAHB on federal candidates. The recommendations were created by reviewing candidates and ballot issues and engaging on statewide politics to provide insight and direction for our industry. The Voting Guide summarizes that work and provides the CAHB’s official position on three statewide ballot questions and endorsements in U.S. Senate and House races, as well as General Assembly races in the state Senate and House.
Redistricting commissions looking for applications
In 2018, CAHB supported the passage of statewide amendments Y and Z. The measures sought to create balanced commissions to handle the drawing of maps for both Congressional districts and state General Assembly districts for the House and Senate. The voter-approved amendments will now convene independent commissions to work on redistricting (for the state General Assembly) and reapportionment (for Congressional seats). Each commission will have four Democrats, four Republicans and four unaffiliated voters in an effort to have balanced and fair-minded members to prevent gerrymandering and other efforts to create unfair and unbalanced districts. This may be Colorado’s most important redistricting effort in our lifetimes and we need good people to serve on the redistricting commission that will respect the intentions of amendments Y and Z.
Both commissions are seeking applications from Colorado citizens to serve in 2021. As supporters of this effort, please consider applying for one or both commissions and forwarding this information to coworkers, friends and family. More information about the commissions, and how to apply, can be found at https://www.coloradoneighborhoodcoalition.org/. The deadline for applications is November 10.