In a press release on May 23, Larimer County Public Health announced that its variance had been approved by the State of Colorado, and can reopen some businesses ahead of the state's plan. This will include dine-in restaurants, gymsbowling alleys and movie theaters at limited capacity. All must complete a checklist before they can reopen.

'Larimer County residents have done a great job flattening the curve,' the press release said. 'Face coverings, social distancing, hand washing and frequent cleaning all help slow the spread of the virus in the community.'

All of those activities are necessary, and must continue, LCDHE explained, in order to move forward. If at any time hospitals in the county begin to reach capacity because of COVID-19, restrictions will be put back in place.

'We are pleased that the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has approved these requests and that our community can continue taking a measured approach to reopening,'  Larimer County Public Health Director  Tom Gonzales said in the release. 'We've appreciated the opportunity to work with local businesses to find innovative and creative ways to resume services carefully. The health department will continue to collaborate with our hospitals daily to monitor capacity triggers and are confident that we can slowly reopen business ahead of the statewide safer at home restrictions.'

Gatherings are still encouraged to be limited to up to ten people, however, gatherings of 11 to 50 people can be permitted with approval.

The variance (which can be read in full here) requested that bars and breweries be able to reopen with 30 percent occupancy, or 60 percent occupancy if outdoor space was available. However, Larimer County says that 'Child Care, Day Camps, Bars, Wineries, Tasting Rooms, Distilleries, Taprooms, Breweries, Outdoor Group and Long Term Care sections were not approved,' adding that the county 'will continue to work with the state health department on those.'

More on the variance available from Larimer County here.

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