SAN LUIS VALLEY – On May 26, nineteen (19) new COVID-19 cases have been identified since Friday, May 22, bringing the total cumulative positive case count to 133 for the San Luis Valley. Sixty-two (62) of those cases are currently “active” while 68 have completed isolation. There have been three SLV deaths from COVID-19.

Local public health agencies continue to collaborate with CDPHE and local partners on testing and follow up. The virus continues to show elevated levels in the San Luis Valley, with possible community transmission throughout the Region. Community leaders in the Center area are being proactive in sharing information with local residents and taking other steps to help slow down the spread of COVID-19. Center residents are required to wear a mask when they go out and are strongly encouraged to stay home as much as possible until further notice to prevent further infections.

On Monday, May 25, news came from the Governor’s office announcing changes to the “Safer at Home” order which loosens restrictions for restaurants as well as ski areas and day camps. Wednesday, May 27, restaurants can open for in-person dining at 50 percent capacity of the indoor posted occupancy code limit, as long as there are no more than 50 people dining at once, and restaurants are encouraged to provide outdoor dining services as much as possible. Bars will remain closed. Full restaurant COVID-19 guidance available is available at: https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home/restaurants-food-services.

Effective May 25, 2020, private campsites are open. If a host county would like to keep campsites closed, county commissioners should consult with their local public health agency, and then notify the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and CDPHE in writing. Campgrounds in the State Park system are already open. “Our outdoors are part of who we are as Coloradans, and our campgrounds provide more people with the opportunity to safely enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty at a safe distance from others,” said Governor Polis.

Children’s day camps and youth sports camps will open Monday, June 1, 2020. Residential overnight camps will be closed in June. Decisions for July and August overnight camps will be made in mid-June. Children’s residential camps that choose to operate as day camps must work with the Colorado Department of Human Services and their local public health agency (LPHA) for approval. Day camps, including mobile, youth sports camps and outdoor camps, must operate with restrictions and strong precautionary measures, as specified in the guidance.

Executive Order D 2020-049, which closed ski resorts has expired. Ski resorts may work to secure approval from their local authorities in order to open.

May 26, Governor Polis announced the current “Safer at Home” Order is extended until June 1 when a new phase is expected to be announced. Depending upon current state data trends, guidance concerning gathering size for summer activities, church services, swimming pools, short-term lodging, and other sectors may be updated June 1.