EAGLE COUNTY COVID-19 INFORMATION
Eagle County Public Health, Colorado state government and other trusted sources have shared information for Vail Valley Partnership to put together a resource page to help you learn more about precautions you and your family can take, what to do if you get sick, and what you can do if you are an employer.
We want to remind everyone that Vail Valley Partnership is not a health official or government organization. Our goal is to share business relief and county health information that is accurate and unbiased in a timely manner.
PLEASE rely on the official, trusted sources for information and not secondhand knowledge. Rumors and bad information spread faster than any disease out there, which only causes distress.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Please click to review below:
- Federal, State & County Updates: Regulations, Protocols & Notifications
- Vaccination Updates
- Business Reopening Updates, Tools & Resources
- COVID-19 Updates, Resources & Info: Eagle County & Colorado
- Open for Business and Jobs in Eagle County
- UPDATED PPP Loan information for 2021
- Family & Medical Leave Act: Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs Employers Guide
- Small Business Recovery Resources, Guidance & Consulting
- Business Resources & Best Practices
- Unemployment Resources
- Public Health: Prevention Guides, Plans & Info
- COVID-19 Testing in Eagle County (VIDEO EN ESPANOL)
- COVID-19 Testing FAQ and Information
Regulations, Protocols & News Updates
- December 22, 2021 – Eagle County Board of Health reinstates countywide mask mandate indoors regardless of vaccination status in response to COVID-19 spike
- December 17 – Public Health Advisory, COVID-19 Surge in Eagle County
- November 17 – What to Know about the Federal Employer Vaccine and Testing Mandate
- February 18 – Eagle County moves to state’s Level Yellow on COVID-19 dial
- January 8 – SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening; Issue New Guidance
- December 21 – Bennet Statement on Bipartisan Package for COVID-19 Relief, Government Funding Bill
- December 16 – Vail Health Administers First Covid-19 Vaccine
- December 14 – Eagle County to commit $3 million to aid small businesses suffering from pandemic
- December 9 – Governor Polis, State Officials Discusses COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution, Provide Update on Response to the Pandemic
- December 3 –Colorado Special Session: COVID Business Relief
- November 16 – Eagle County updates public health order in response to increased disease spread. Moves to Level Orange as of 5 pm on 11/16/20
- November 4 – County launches new comprehensive COVID-19 website, adopts updated state public health order
- October 23 – Colorado Executive Order to Combat Sharp Rise in COVID
- October 9 – Eagle County issues updated public health order to adopt statewide order
- July 27 – Governor Polis’ letter to business leaders – encourages all who can to work from home and wear face masks
- July 17 – Amended and Restated Standing Public Health Order Phase 3 of the Eagle County Plan For Sustaining Social Distance
- July 16 – Governor Polis Announces Statewide Mask Order for Colorado
- July 3 – County’s COVID-19 public health order update requires face masks in public spaces— Eagle County enters into black diamond phase
- June 22 – Eagle County amends Blue Square public health order
- May 15 – Eagle County preparing for next iteration of public health order
- April 27 – Colorado Gov. Polis Executive “Safer at Home”
- April 25 – Eagle County issues updated public health order loosening restrictions beginning on April 27
- April 24 – CARES Act 3.5 – Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
- April 24 – Standing Public Health Order Phase 1 Of Eagle County Plan For Sustaining Social Distance effective April 27
- April 18 – Governor Issues Order Requiring Hotel Employees to Wear Masks at Work
- April 6 – Eagle Co. Public Health Order Update: Essential services & businesses must provide “social distancing protocol” by April 9 | Full Public Health Order
- March 27 – U.S. federal government approves CARES Act: Review Guidelines for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
- March 25 – Governor Polis’ Executive & Public Health Orders: Coloradans to Stay at Home Due to the Presence of COVID-19 in the State | Executive Order | Public Health Order | FAQ
- March 25 – USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
- March 22 – State of Colorado Executive Order: Polis Requires Employers to Reduce In-Person Workforce by 50%
- March 21 – Gov. Polis Announces State’s Economic Response to COVID-19
- March 19 – Consumer Advisory: Colorado Division of Insurance Establishes Special Enrollment Period | Uninsured can enroll in individual health coverage from March 20 – April 3
- March 19 – SBA Disaster Loan Program: Gov. Polis Secures Federal Loan Assistance for Colorado’s Small Businesses | Approval Unlocks Billions in Economic Recovery Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by
- March 19 – Town of Vail extends due date for sales tax collection; Vail Transit suspends operations March 18
- March 18 – Families First Act Signed Into Law | The act provides for paid sick time, protected paid family leave, and insurance coverage for private employers with fewer than 500 employees, and public sector employers of one or more employees.
- March 18 – US Small Business Administration (SBA): How you can prepare for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- March 18 – EAGLE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH: Updated public health order implements more aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19
- March 18 – VAIL HEALTH: We need to take this seriously, NOW
- March 18 – Gov. Polis, Coloradans Launch COVID Relief Fund– Nearly $3 million raised for relief efforts
- March 16 – State health department issues public health order closing Colorado bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters, and casinos– still allowing takeout and delivery
- March 15 – CDC recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S. More Information on Mass Gatherings
- March 13 – Vail Health NOTICE Regarding COVID-19 Testing in Eagle County
- March 13 – Eagle County Schools announces a three-week closure beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, through Wednesday, April 8, 2020
- March 13 – Eagle County issues public health order limiting events to 50 people or less
- March 12 – COVID-19 Employer Sick Pay Rule for Colorado
- March 11 – State of Colorado COVID-19 Planning for Schools & Child Care Closure
- March 5 – How to ensure a healthy work environment
Vaccination Updates
Getting vaccinated is our best way forward. Vaccinations are available for anyone 5 and older. Booster shots are available for people 16 and older and have shown to increase protection against infection with the omicron variant.
For a list of vaccine clinic locations, times, and appointments visit eaglecountycovid.org.
Business Updates, Tools & Resources
Limiting the transmission of COVID-19 is a top priority. Our success has been due to the community’s commitment to social distancing and the use of face coverings. Now we are asking for your help, too, in respecting those ongoing efforts. We are asking all businesses and visitors to join our residents in adhering to the…
Five Commitments of Containment
- I will maintain 6 feet of physical distance.
- I will cover my face in public.
- I will wash my hands often.
- I will stay home when I am sick.
- I will get tested immediately if I have symptoms.
- Eagle County COVID-19 Business Toolkit: These resources were created for ALL Eagle County businesses to use as signage and to have a unified message. You will find marketing and communication assets for each phase of reopening: green circle (Phase 1), blue square (Phase 2), and black diamond (Phase 3). View the creative assets for each phase and communication here.
- Welcoming Visitors: Vail Valley is Strong and Ready
Video Credits: Capture the Action, Steep Motion, Vail Local Marketing District, Beaver Creek Resort CompanyUse the YouTube link above and share the video for your website and social media to attract potential visitors. -
Sector Specific & Small Business Guidance for Reopening Business
- Winter Outdoor Grant Program for Restaurants
- Face Covering Guidance for Eagle County (English/Spanish)
- The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide For Event Professionals
- Back-to-Business Media Tools: Customer engagement ideas, online presence & exposure, posters & signage
- Best Practices Guide for Businesses
- Business Re-Opening Q & A: Phase 1 Guidance
- Eagle County Business Social Distancing Protocol | (Spanish)
- Frequently Asked Questions for Business and COVID-19 Response and Recovery (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
- US Chamber of Commerce Foundation easy-to-use, customizable workplace flyer
- Resources & Tools: Many local organizations offer tools and services to help your business reopen safely for both customers and employees. See the listings for more information here.
COVID-19 Updates, Resources & Info: Eagle County & Colorado
Line set up specific to COVID-19 Response: 303-860-5881 (bilingual options) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov | oedit_sbnavigator@state.co.us
The Small Business Navigator contact information above is the first point of contact for new and existing business owners with questions around information for business support during the COVID-19 pandemic at the federal, state and local level. The navigator also provides referrals to a variety of state and federal assistance programs and local small business training. In addition, the navigator maintains a comprehensive database of federal, state and local regulatory and permitting requirements. (OPEN MONDAY- FRIDAY 8AM-5PM)
- Small Business Resources with Northwest SBDC
- Eagle County’s COVID Webpage
- Frequently Asked Questions for Business and COVID-19 Response and Recovery (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
- Colorado COVID-19 Dial Dashboard by County
- Colorado COVID-19 Resource Page
- Colorado COVID-19 Fast Facts: Monitoring & Reporting
- Colorado OEDIT COVID-19 resource page
- Colorado Mask Guidance
Open for Business and Jobs
Let’s all work together to assure that businesses and our customers adhere to all health recommendations while we work on a measured approach to rebuilding our economy.
Post Open Positions– Current Hiring Needs- Northwest Colorado
During the current COVID-19 outbreak, the Northwest Colorado Workforce Area is working to identify organizations that have immediate needs for temporary or permanent work as well as identify openings that are not impacted by the current state of emergency. This effort will work to align job seekers with current opportunities in the community. The Colorado Workforce Center can provide hiring assistance such as initial screening, virtually hosted interviews, job posting assistance, and more.
Payment Protection Program (PPP) – Round 2 UPDATED FOR 2021
Key PPP updates include:
- PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
- PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
- The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
- The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
- Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
- Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
- Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
- Has no more than 300 employees; and
- Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
- The new guidance released includes:
- PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women-owned Business Concerns;
- Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act; and
- Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP Loans.
For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.
*Borrower applicants must apply with a lender. Please check with your local bank to find out if they are participating in the Paycheck Protection Program to be your local lender. To learn more about PPP loans, visit uschamber.com/sbloans.
Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit – CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19.
Who is ELIGIBLE?
Private employers, including non-profits, carrying on a trade or business in 2020 that:
- Have operations partially or fully suspended as a result of orders from a governmental authority due to COVID-19, or
- Experience a decline in gross receipts by more than 50% in a quarter compared to the same quarter in 2019 (eligibility ends when gross receipts in a quarter exceed 80% compared to the same 2019 quarter)
With respect to tax-exempt organizations under 501(c) of the tax code, the requirement to be partially or fully suspended applies to all operations of the organization.
Employers who receive a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan are not eligible for a tax credit.
Family & Medical Leave Act: Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act created new temporary paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) programs that are 100% reimbursable by the federal government. The effective date of both programs is April 1 and they expire on December 31, 2020.
The key numbers to remember with these paid leave programs are 500 and 50.
- If you have fewer than 500 employees, your business is required to provide paid leave under both programs
- If you have under 50 employees, though, you may be exempted from the requirement to provide leave under both programs (see below)
View program information for the Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs & Employers Guide. The Department of Labor has issued clarifying guidance (available at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic) and will continue to publish more information.
Small Business Recovery Resources, Guidance & Consulting
Northwest Colorado SBDC Resources & Consulting
- COVID-19 Small Business Response Resources – This document serves as a directory and guide for small businesses with information and links to insurance, state, and federal funding options.
- To request an appointment: https://northwestsbdc.org/what-we-do/consulting/
- For more resources for your small business, go to northwestsbdc.org/covid-19/.
Colorado Mountain College: Consulting & Tuition
Complimentary Business Consulting
Colorado Mountain College is offering no-cost business coaching and consulting services to local businesses in this time of need. Get help and support, from general business principles to website design.
In partnership with local chambers and business incubators, our team is organizing to aid the hundreds of small businesses courageously seeking to reopen or rebuild. Sign Up For Business Consulting & Support
Go to College Now – We’re Waiving Summer Tuition, Fees and Books
For the summer 2020 semester, the college is waiving tuition, books and fees for new or returning students who qualify as in-district, in-state students who took credit courses in spring 2020, and displaced workers due to COVID-19 public health orders who live in the CMC district.
ESL and GED courses are included, as well as classes for local high school students hoping to earn college credits after a disruptive spring semester. Learn More: Summer Tuition Eligibility & Details
University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business: Business Consulting
Our mission is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. We’re creating ways to support businesses through mentors, insights from our faculty, and eventually through student support on projects. Armed with quality guidance and education, entrepreneurs can move their business forward, and come out the other side stronger as both individuals and members of our collective community. We are here to support you – get started by clicking on the link below. Lear More: COventure Forward
Business Resources & Best Practices
-
A Guide to COVID-19 and Your Finances: What You Need to Know
- COVID-19 Prevention for Lower Risk Jobs – This training provides personnel with information regarding COVID-19 preparedness and response. This includes information on COVID-19, COVID-19 worker exposure risks, infection prevention and control measures. Follow these COVID-19 prevention and control measures in addition to your other existing safety and health policies and procedures at your workplace.
- Resources for Workers Impacted by Coronavirus Layoffs and Lost Wages
- Save Small Business Fund – Eligible for businesses in Minturn and Avon, Colorado
- COVID Loan Support Summary: Advantages, disadvantages & requirements
- SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- Small Business Resource Hub
- Coronavirus Digital Toolkit
- Coronavirus Guidance for Employers
- Workplace Tips for employees
- Creating an internal communications plan
- SBDC Remote Work Checklist
- Colorado COVID-19 restaurant protocols and information
- For travelers and travel related industries (CDC)
- 9 Options If Your Business Can’t Pay Its Bills Due to Coronavirus
- Workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities
- COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention (OSHA) – An overview of information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak. Includes links to OSHA standards, control and prevention, by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- Fair Labor Standards Act and job protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act – The Wage and Hour Division provides information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to influenza, pandemics, or other public health emergencies, and their effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Unemployment Resources
- Frequently asked questions for PPP & Unemployment for employers – Several businesses have growing concerns and more questions about employees taking unemployment and how it affects the employers, especially if they have received funding from the Paycheck Protection program. View the Q&A from the Colorado Workforce Center and Colorado Dept. of Labor & Employment.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits Available Chart (PDF)
For those who are self-employed, independent contractors, nonprofit employees, and gig-economy workers, or are requesting an extension of benefits, please check back with this page for the latest information. We will update this site and notify news outlets when we are ready to accept claims.
For those who were previously eligible for regular unemployment and have already filed a claim, please continue to request payment every two weeks, even if you ran out of benefits already.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Because of the high volume of claims, we are asking that you help us help you and our greater community.
If you need to file an unemployment claim and your last name begins with the letter A – M, file a claim on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or after 12 noon on Saturday.
If you need to file an unemployment claim and your last name begins with the letter N – Z, file a claim on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or before 12 noon on Saturday.
Other tips:
- While filing the claim, click the Save & Finish Later button often, and click File a Claim to return to the last page you saved.
- File during non-peak hours (evenings after 8 p.m., late nights, early mornings). It may improve your experience.
- You must provide information about the reason you are no longer working for all employers from the last 18 months. If you have a lot of information to include, it is best if you type up this information before you start, then copy/paste at the appropriate time.
- Once finished, click Submit one time. When the claim is successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation page and number.
We are working to improve the experience and appreciate your patience. The application to file a claim will be unavailable daily from 6 to 8 p.m. for maintenance.
Unemployment Insurance – During layoffs, all employees are encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance. Those who are job-attached (meaning workers will be expected to return after a separation of up to 16 weeks) should file as “job-attached.” Before filing, please look over the following document: HELPFUL FACTS ABOUT UI 2019
Work-Share Program may allow certain employees who have had reduced hours to claim partial unemployment benefits and is an alternative to laying people off.
Layoff/Separations –
Businesses considering layoffs should encourage employees to contact the Division of Unemployment Insurance at 1-800-388-5515, in Espańol 1-866-422-0402. Because of the anticipated backlog, it could take up to six weeks for claims to get approved. Employers who are concerned about employee well-being might consider reducing hours immediately to let folks become eligible for UI while not losing all income entirely. Those who work fewer than 32 hours a week and earn less than the weekly amount of unemployment benefits (approximately 55% of the employees average wage) are eligible for unemployment benefits.
- Job Attached Unemployment: click here.
- Basic guide to unemployment: click here.
- File for unemployment: click here.
- Colorado online application for food stamps and other various sources of assistance programs such as help with child care, cash assistance, and access to health care coverage: click here.
Public Health: Prevention Guides, Plans & Info
Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection
-
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
- CDC resources on COVID-19
- Prevention Guidance & Response Plan: For Businesses and Employers – CDC recommended guidance for employers, including advice for developing a response plan and steps that all employers can implement now. Based on what is currently known about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Feb 2020)
- Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
- Preventing COVID-19 Spread In Communities: Schools workplaces & community locations
- Pandemic Guidance – A brief outline of how to prepare before and respond during a pandemic by Ready.gov, official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
- A Guide to Home-Proofing for Flu, Coronavirus and Other Illnesses
- Reducing Stigma
- For travelers and travel related industries
- Teletherapy resource
Notice Regarding COVID-19 Testing in Eagle County
What should I do if I show symptoms?
With community-level transmission of COVID-19 now confirmed in Eagle County, testing is not necessary for all patients and is being reserved for the most critical cases. Please be aware that the Vail Hospital Emergency Department is available for life-threatening emergencies only.
Test or self report symptoms
- Individuals classified as high-risk (over 60 or with underlying medical conditions) that are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or shortness of breath.
- Those who are experiencing symptoms but are not getting tested are asked to self report symptoms.
For official COVID-19 Eagle County resources, please visit: ecemergency.org or call the Colorado Health Emergency Line (CO-Help) at 1-877-462-2911. Language interpretation is available.
COVID-19 VIDEO EN ESPANOL