COVID-19 IN OUR COMMUNITY
Last Updated March 31rd, 2020 at 8:45 AM
Visit Aurora is closely monitoring updates and advice from state, federal, and international organizations that are actively monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19. Please find up-to-date information on public health conditions and travel information for Colorado. This page will be updated daily Monday-Friday as more information becomes available.
Colorado Travel: What We Know
- On March 25, Tri-County Health covering Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas Counties, enacted a Stay at Home order that goes into effect March 26th at 8:00 a.m. and remains in place through 11:59 p.m. on April 17th. The order requires that all residents stay at home other than to obtain or perform vital services and that business not defined as vital services close. Hotels are defined as a vital service, which means hotels can remain open and your employees will be allowed to go to and from work.
- On March 13, at 1:05 p.m., the city of Aurora declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19. This declaration allows the city to expedite additional emergency resources to support the city’s Office of Emergency Management and gives the city flexibility to procure additional essential resources if needed.
- On March, 17th, the Centers for Disease Control, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommended for the next 15 days, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 10 people or more throughout the United States.
- On March 16th, Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order closing all on-site restaurants, theaters, gymnasiums, and casinos for the next 30 days. The order defines Restaurant as: "an establishment, which is not a hotel as defined in subsection (21) of this section, provided with special space, sanitary kitchen and dining room equipment, and persons to prepare, cook, and serve meals, where, in consideration of Public Health Order 20-22 payment, meals, drinks, tobaccos, and candies are furnished to guests and in which nothing is sold excepting food, drinks, tobaccos, candies, and items of souvenir merchandise depicting the theme of the restaurant or the geographical or historic subjects of the nearby area. C.R.S. Section 44-3-103(47)."
- On March 13th, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. The declaration will allow the administration to utilize the Stafford Act, the federal law that governs disaster-relief efforts, to provide emergency funding to state and local governments.
- On March 13th, the city of Aurora declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19. This declaration allows the city to expedite additional emergency resources to support the city's Office of Emergency Management and gives the city flexibility to procure additional essential resources if needed.
- On March 10th, Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency to protect public health and our vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Governor Polis released official guidance that all gatherings of more than 250 people be canceled unless the participants remain more than 6’ apart. This is “guidance" and not a mandate. The official guidance reads: “The Department of Public Health and Environment is recommending all mass gatherings and community events scheduled for over 250 people be canceled or postponed. CDC recommends that canceling large gatherings can have a significant impact on reducing community-wide spread and the number of people who become ill.
- While there are no restrictions on travel to or from Colorado, the State encourages residents and visitors to take precautions to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
- Denver International Airport (DEN) is currently not on the list of airports considered high risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The travel industry’s guiding principle is to seek and heed the most up-to-date expert guidance, and we urge the traveling public to do the same. Travelers should stay informed and take simple preventive actions.
- The best resource with the most up to date information is the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Website.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are there any significant closures or bans in place for visitors to Aurora, such as attractions, hotels, restaurants, or meeting venues?
On March 22nd, The State has issued a Public health order that requires in-person work, that takes place outside of a private residence, to be reduced by 50% effective Tuesday, March 24th. Several industries are defined "Critical Businesses" and are exempted from the order - this includes hotels and restaurants for to-go/delivery.
On March 16th, Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order closing all on-site restaurants, theaters, gymnasiums, and casinos for the next 30 days. The order defines Restaurant as: "an establishment, which is not a hotel as defined in subsection (21) of this section, provided with special space, sanitary kitchen and dining room equipment, and persons to prepare, cook, and serve meals, where, in consideration of Public Health Order 20-22 payment, meals, drinks, tobaccos, and candies are furnished to guests and in which nothing is sold excepting food, drinks, tobaccos, candies, and items of souvenir merchandise depicting the theme of the restaurant or the geographical or historic subjects of the nearby area. C.R.S. Section 44-3-103(47)."
On March 15th, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, recommends that event organizers (groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more.
On March 13th, Gov. Jared Polis spoke at a news conference, stating there will be "more definitive guidance" later Friday for venues when it comes to large gatherings. City municipalities will also give guidance to recreation centers and libraries. Polis in the news conference said he issued guidance to prohibit gatherings of more than 250 people.
Friday, March 13th, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and the Exploration of Flight campus located at Centennial Airport are temporarily closed to the public.
*** NOTE WE STRIVE TO POST THE MOST ACCURATE AND CURRENT EVENT INFORMATION, BUT CHANGES AND CANCELATIONS DO OCCUR, SO PLEASE CHECK THE OFFICIAL EVENT WEBSITE TO CONFIRM ALL DETAILS BEFORE ATTENDING.***
Are there any projections on the timeline or impact on the tourism industry?
No, at this time, there are no projections as the situation is rapidly evolving and being closely monitored.
What are the best resources for travelers who want to monitor this developing situation?
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
World Health Organization Website
U.S. Travel Emergency Preparedness and Response: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
What are the best industry resources?
Meetings Mean Business Coronavirus Resources
Precautions For Travelers
Our priority is keeping all Coloradans and visitors to our state safe. Colorado is starting to see cases of COVID-19, and we are preparing for the possibility the virus may spread. The Colorado Tourism Office is in contact with the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. With this evolving situation, we encourage the traveling public to follow any guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and these public health authorities. When it comes to the American public, the CDC is consistent in its precaution to practice everyday preventative measures to help stop the spread of germs, as is typical in the current flu and respiratory disease season.
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
- Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.
If You Have Been Exposed or Become Ill
If you are visiting Colorado and believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and start showing symptoms (fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath), follow the steps below:
- Stay inside your lodging/residence: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 may be able to isolate at their lodging/residence during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your lodging/residence, except for getting medical care.
- Avoid public areas: Avoid public areas as much as possible.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
- Separate yourself from other people. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Call ahead before visiting a doctor. Call your medical provider or a nurse line first and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
- At-risk groups are older individuals and those with serious chronic medical conditions, who should take extra precautions.
Stay Up to Date with Real-Time Information
- One of the best places to get the most up-to-date "real-time" information on COVID-19 in Colorado is by calling The Colorado Health Emergency Hotline: 1-877-462-2911 or by visiting CDPHE's COVID-19 recommendations page.
- People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, for answers in many languages, or email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.
- Individuals who are symptomatic can call CDPHE's general epidemiologist at 303-692-2700 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. seven days a week.
- If you have upcoming travel plans, visit the CDC's Website for the latest travel information.