What to Know About COVID-19 and Colorado Travel

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Visit Vail Valley understands travelers may be concerned about COVID-19 and how it may affect them. We will be sharing the latest information on this page as we receive it.

Eagle County Visitors

The Vail Valley is welcoming visitors now. Our valley is strong and ready for you!


Our community and businesses have all been working together to keep residents and visitors safe by following the protocols and guidelines provided by the CDC, state and county. Please follow our “5 Commitments of Containment” during your time in the valley.

Resources for your travels to the Vail Valley

Community COVID Resources

Public Health Order & Community Websites

Restaurants: Many restaurants are serving food and alcohol for takeout or home delivery. In addition, they are allowed to provide dine-in service with social distancing. We recommend contacting restaurants directly to make a reservation and inquire about their services in advance, especially because seating may be limited.

Exposure to COVID: If you are exposed to someone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 during your travel the county asks that you self-quarantine for 14 days. Should you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 develop during the quarantine period, please contact a local healthcare provider for guidance and to schedule COVID-19 testing as quickly as possible.

Vail Resorts & the Winter Ski Season: Both Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains are open for the 2020-2021 Ski Season, with some changes in place to help protect our guests, employees and the mountain communities. Reservations are required for the 2020-2021 Ski Season. Learn more here.

 

Colorado Visitors

We know many people are planning to jump in the family car to vacation this year. If that’s your plan, too, be aware that guidance for travelers will vary depending on what part of Colorado you are visiting. Click here to see the Colorado COVID dial and what level the county is at that you plan on visiting. Please be aware that some communities may require the wearing of facial coverings, both indoors and outdoors. 

Decisions about reopening are being made every day, so we recommend checking county websites for the latest information. As of now, be aware that many tourism attractions remain closed, including arts and cultural facilities, entertainment venues and sports arenas. 

Colorado State Park campgrounds reopened on May 12, 2020. Please refer to cpw.state.co.us for park-specific information. The National Park Service is increasing access and services in a phased approach. Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its operating status. 

As Colorado continues to take positive steps toward reactivating our economy, the health and safety of both visitors and residents remain the highest priority. As you visit Colorado, we encourage you to embrace our new interpretation of responsible tourism — showing care not only for our destinations but for the people who call Colorado home.

 

Precautions for Travelers

Our priority is keeping all Coloradans and visitors to our state safe. The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) 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.

*Travelers should stay informed and take simple preventive actions.

  • 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 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.

With the situation evolving rapidly, we encourage the traveling public to follow any guidance offered by the CDC and local and state public health authorities.

 

Traveling Domestically

CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in many states, including Colorado, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19, if there are other travelers with COVID-19.*

Domestic, and most international travelers, should not be discouraged from continuing to plan and take vacations in the state.

*Denver International Airport (DEN) and Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) are currently not on the list of airports considered high risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Federal public health officials have issued NO warnings or restrictions on travel anywhere in the U.S.

  • U.S. officials have restricted travel FROM certain countries with pronounced COVID-19 outbreaks and is screening arrivals to the U.S. who may have traveled in affected areas in the last 14 days. Entry of foreign nationals from China and Iran has been suspended at this time.
  • The U.S. Department of State has posted advisories about traveling TO specific countries and regions and recently upgraded their warnings for Italy, South Korea and Iran to level 3—avoid nonessential travel, which also still applies to mainland China.
  • For the latest travel alerts and warnings, visit the CDC webpage, Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel.