Governor Polis announced phase 3 of the COVID-19 response, “Protect Our Neighbors”, on June 30th. This phase allows communities who meet a series of health metrics to have greater local control of their COVID-19 restrictions and permit all activities at 50% capacity with physical distancing rules in place and a maximum of 500 people. Unlike previous phases, communities have to qualify and apply before they are able to move from “Safer at Home” rules to “Protect Your Neighbors” and increases in COVID-19 cases can require rolling back to the previous phase rules. Neither Larimer nor Weld Counties have formally qualified yet. The Governor’s office will be announcing more details and providing more specific guidance next week.


Businesses are invited to join a Q&A Forum with Larimer County, which will focus on any new information related to the upcoming "Protect Our Neighbors" phase and to answer questions from all business types.

This afternoon, Thursday, July 2, at 2:00 pm via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94104999954

On June 30th, Governor Polis rescinded the order that allowed bars, brew pubs, distillery pubs, wineries, tasting rooms and clubs that serve alcoholic beverages to allow the public inside their establishments citing a recent rise in COVID-19 cases. Establishments that are servicing food from a retail food establishment can continue to operate but must continue to follow all dine-in restaurant restrictions and requirements. The order will last 30 days and is intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, which has been on the rise in recent weeks.

Is your business a bar with retail food service and you have concerns about remaining open with potential rising cases? Larimer County’s Health Department encourages businesses to request a voluntary site visit or inspection to review the COVID-19 safety measures and precautions you have in place.

The U.S. House and Senate have passed an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to August 8, 2020. Still haven’t applied? There is $130 billion in allocated funds that remain unused. The online Lender Match can help businesses locate a lender who can process your PPP loan. The SBA also has a PPP tool to review requirements to apply.

The Larimer Small Business Development Center is hosting a low cost, virtual training on Best Practices for COVID-19 Safety Management in the Workplace including how to address potential outbreaks. This interactive workshop is designed for all industries including specific instruction relevant to construction, food, oil and gas, and healthcare. The event is Wednesday, July 22, 1:00 - 3:00 pm and is $20 to register. 

The Larimer Small Business Development Center hosts a series of low-cost trainings and webinars, including 'QuickBooks Online', 'HR 101', 'Instagram for Small Business', and many more.

Sign up for weekly updates from the City of Fort Collins Emergency Preparedness and Security COVID-19 newsletter at fcgov.com/eps/coronavirus

Check out ForFortCollins.com for tools and resources created to help your business reopen safely and strongly while gaining support from loyal customers and community members.