The pandemic has brought instability to each of our lives. The unpredictability of each month coupled with the significant sacrifices everyone has made during the pandemic has had a toll on our community and our businesses. In many ways the last 9 months have perhaps been the most challenging of our lives, and we (finally) find ourselves at a turning point. Brighter days are ahead.
Vaccines
Two highly effective vaccines are now available to our front line workers and should be available to the general public in the upcoming months. While this is incredibly good news, it is also important to know that we are still many months away from achieving herd immunity. Until that time, it is incumbent upon community members to make the continued effort to keep your five commitments of containment during the next 6 months and most importantly through our winter holiday season.
With everyone playing an active role in decreasing their risk and curbing the spread of this virus, it will allow our medical providers and public health team members the time and space to vaccinate community members.
Economic Aid
Equally important to combating the virus, our community is coming together to further help combat the financial challenges many have suffered. Eagle County Government (with assistance from Vail Valley Partnership and Basalt Chamber) have launched a business grant program to bring some relief to small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Nationally, the central elements of a hard-fought and long overdue compromise are in place: more than $300 billion in aid to businesses; a $300-per-week bonus federal jobless benefit and renewal of soon-to-expire state benefits; $600 direct payments to individuals; vaccine distribution funds and money for renters, schools, the Postal Service and people needing food aid.
Quarantine
The Centers for Disease Control recently adopted some revisions to the quarantine time period. Except for people who have contact with high risk individuals (such as people who live or work in residential or congregate living facilities), most people will see reductions in their quarantine time if they are exposed to a known COVID-19 case and do not develop illness. This updated guidance is as follows:
- A 7-day quarantine period with a negative test conducted on or after day 5, or
- A 10-day quarantine period without a test, or
- A 14-day quarantine for people who have contact with high risk individuals
All of these updates could not come at a better time to offer much needed support to our community. In the coming weeks and months, our collective efforts will be focused on bringing an end to the pandemic. This will require a lot of work and continued commitment from everyone.
Although our path forward is still long, there’s much to be hopeful about and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Protecting our frontline is critical in the fight against this deadly virus and it will take months for all Coloradans to be able to access the vaccine. Please to continue to do your part by wearing your mask, only interacting with those who live in your household, and keeping six feet apart from others.
For 56 years, Vail Valley Partnership has believed in supporting our local businesses & communities and the power of all of us working together. Until we can all gather in person again, we hope that you share our sense of purpose and optimism in the future.
We are thankful for you.
You, who came to work to serve others, despite the risk to yourself.
You, who wore a mask every day, even when it was difficult.
You, who chose to spend time alone or with your family, rather than the normal social settings you know and love.
You, who kindly asked others to follow the guidelines, even when they didn’t want to hear it.
You, who dealt with your kids schedules and schooling, while still managing everything else.
You, who chose kindness and compassion in a time where others were paralyzed by fear.
You, who risk your lives every day, we are forever grateful.
From our team at Vail Valley Partnership to you, our community: thank you.
Here’s to 2021 and brighter days ahead!
Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com