State approves El Paso County's request to open restaurant dining rooms

Colorado officials approved a request from El Paso County to open restaurant dining rooms late Saturday night.

El Paso County's request was approved but the state included an exception:

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“Our agency is grateful for our partnerships with the Chamber & EDC and the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, whose expertise helped expedite the development and quality of this variance request,” said Susan Wheelan, El Paso County Public Health Director. “We are also thankful for the efforts of the El Paso County Board of Commissioners in advocating for this proposal, and the support of local hospitals in their diligent review of the request.”

This variance request is effective immediately. For restaurants who are looking for technical assistance or guidance, call (719) 578-3167, or visit El Paso County Public Health’s website by

Other key takeaways from the variance request include:

All seating shall be structured so as to ensure a minimum of six feet between occupied seats at different tables. Groups seated together shall be limited to 10 people and must be from the same household or

consistent social group.

·Facilities are required to take reservations. Walk-in reservations are also accepted. Restaurants are encouraged to record and maintain the following information for each table seated for twenty-one (21) days:

·Name and phone number of one adult in the party

· Table assignment

·Seating and departure times

If maintained, such information shall be provided to Public Health only upon request if Public Health needs to notify others of a new COVID-19 outbreak.

Seating at bar areas is not permitted unless a minimum of six-foot distancing between staff and customers can be maintained.

·Multiple-use condiment containers are prohibited. Only single-use items may be provided.

Buffets may not be self-serve by customers; only plated or carry-out delivery meals provided to customers by staff are allowed. Buffets must be at least six feet from any dining tables.

Doorknobs, counter tops, bathrooms, handles, railings, and other high-touch areas shall be cleaned and disinfected every 2 hours.

Employees who routinely or consistently come within six feet of other employees or customers must wear a cloth face covering over their noses and mouths, unless doing so would inhibit the employee’s health.

·Facilities must make every effort to provide employees with cloth face coverings.

Per CDPHE, this variance approval is granted based on the facts and circumstances Saturday as described in the request. If the county were to have more than 715 cases in a two-week period (two-week incidence of 100 per 100,000), the variance is automatically rescinded. Additionally, CDPHE reserves the right to modify or rescind this variance approval as El Paso County Variance May 23, 2020 circumstances warrant. This approval is in effect until the final expiration of Public Health Order 20-28, which will be extended in some capacity beyond the current expiration date next week.