Last week Governor Jared Polis announced that the state will adjust its COVID-19 dial framework starting today, Monday, January 4th. This means that Denver will move from Level Red to Level Orange today, following a steady decline of COVID-19 cases. The move comes with increased capacity limits at many local businesses, including a return to indoor dining at Denver restaurants at 25% capacity. You can view the Level Orange restrictions, as well as all the levels, in this PDF.
Our office has a few additional pandemic-related updates to share:
Denver has applied to take part in the State’s 5 Star Certification Program for additional capacity. This program allows businesses to operate at additional capacity if they implement safety measures beyond what is already required by public health orders to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Should State officials approve Denver for this program, businesses will not be able to be certified until Denver has met the Level Orange level metrics for at least two weeks.
Governor Polis did not extend the State's eviction moratorium which expired on Jan 1. However, he did sign an order prohibiting late fees for residential and commercial tenants through Jan 31. Additionally, evictions are still under Federal moratorium until Jan 31.
All Denver Motor Vehicle locations will reopen for in-person transactions on Tue, Jan 5, for the regular hours of 7:00am to 3:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 7:30am to 3:30pm on Wednesday. Visit the DMV website for more information.
Our office will host a Vaccine Town Hall on Thursday January 14 at 6:00pm. Denver Department of Public Health and Environment Executive Director Bob McDonald will present on the Vaccine rollout. Register for the Vaccine Town Hall here, or watch on Facebook live @DenverCouncil5.
We have also included links to City and State support and resources below. Our office will continue to update you as we learn more. Wishing you and your loved ones health and safety during this time.
To locate local businesses that are open and operating during this time, head to www.WeAreOpenDenver.com.
City Council has added funds and changed qualification requirements to our Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program to better serve the community. Find out more here.
City Council has worked in partnership with the Mayor's Office and several community service providers to create and fund the Left Behind Workers Fund, for those who do not qualify for Federal support. Find out more here.
The City of Denver has also created a temporary Mortgage Assistance Fund, to support those who would qualify for the TRUA program but need assistance with their mortgages. Find out more here.
The City of Denver has created the Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund to help assist nonprofit organizations that are struggling during this time through mini-grants. The program is temporarily on hold due to administrative issues but you can find out more here.
The State of Colorado has created its own Rental Assistance Program to assist landlords with supporting their residents who need help paying rent. Find out more here.
COVID-19 Support Information for Residents
For the most up-to-date information on support services offered by the City of Denver, please go to our COVID-19 response page or call 3-1-1. Here are some links that may also be helpful during this time:
Much of the economic recovery response for businesses is coming from a coordinated effort between the State and Federal governments, with additional support from the City. For the most up-to-date information on support services offered by the City of Denver, please go to our COVID-19 response page or call 3-1-1. Here are some additional links that may also be helpful during this time:
Most of the volunteer coordination for the COVID-19 relief effort in Colorado is being run by Mile High United Way. Please go to our COVID-19 response page or call 3-1-1 for additional information. Here are some links that may also be helpful during this time:
This is an extraordinary situation and you may be feeling like you need additional support. Please know that you’re not alone. If you need immediate assistance call 911, otherwise, here are additional resources to support your mental and emotional health:
