Department of Public Health and Environment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Urgent Message to County Businesses
CONTACT: Susan Lilly, Public Information Officer, San Miguel County
970-729-2028 susanl@sanmiguelsheriff.org
(March 14, 2020) -- San Miguel County, CO -- San Miguel County Department of Public Health and Environment officials sent an urgent message to business owners and operators late today to remind and implore them to use best practices when it comes to limiting crowd size and allowing for social distancing in their establishments to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus).
County Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Grundy said many business operators, staff and patrons voiced concern over recent news of school closings and event closings, and how some businesses seemed to not heed the warning. “We want to empower businesses to do their part and also remind patrons to stay home if they are sick,” Dr. Grundy said.
Here is the letter that was sent to county businesses:
We are writing to you today with a sense of urgency to the importance of some specific guidelines for your businesses, employees, and patrons. As you may know, we recently issued voluntary recommendations to cancel large events and gatherings (inside with more than 75 people; outside with more than 250 people), and for people to practice “social-distancing” staying at least six feet away from each other. Many of you heard us, complied and we thank you.
However, we are aware that because restaurants and bars are still in operation, these best practices are being over-looked, even ignored in many cases.
Out of credible concern for our public health, we implore you to do the following immediately:
- Cancel events with more than 75 people
- Do not allow more than 75 people (including staff) in your restaurant or bar at any one time
- Reconfigure tables and seating to allow for safe social-distancing (permitting people to be 6 feet from one and another)
- Refuse service and ask patrons to leave if they exhibit symptoms such as coughing.
- Encourage your employees to wash their hands with soap and water, even more frequently than usual, for at least 20 seconds at a time.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces well and frequently.
- Encourage your employees to stay home if they are sick with any cold, cough, fever or flu-like symptoms
We are sensitive to the economic impact this virus is having and will have on your businesses and your employees. And at the same time, we need your understanding and full cooperation to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus).
Because of the fluid nature of this situation, these and other guidelines are subject to change.
Meantime, the message hasn’t changed. This is not a time to panic, but rather be judicious in best preventive practices. We need you to “Do Your Part.”
###