Colorado Seeks Feedback On Proposed 'Dial 3.0:' What To Know

Colorado's state public health agency is proposing changes to the COVID-19 Dial framework that would make it easier for counties to shift into the least restrictive level. Coloradans have until Monday at noon to submit feedback on the draft.

The proposed update would make it easier for counties to move into Level Green: Protect Our Neighbors, the least restrictive level on the dial. The changes would also remove many of the restrictions that currently apply at that level.

The update would also ease restrictions for counties in Level Blue: Caution. Bars, stores, offices and non-critical manufacturing facilities in those counties would be able to operate under loosened rules.

“Because of the commitment of all Coloradans, we are where we are now, able to be less restrictive and provide local communities and their public health agencies more control while still protecting the public’s health,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“It’s all about a balance. We’ve enacted the restrictions we need to slow the disease while attempting to limit the ramifications of closing down parts of the state and the impacts that come with that.”

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State public health officials are proposing the changes because nearly 80 percent of people ages 70 and older have been vaccinated in Colorado, the latest data shows. That age category has accounted for 38 percent of all hospitalizations over the course of the pandemic in Colorado.

The state issued the following list of proposed changes to the Dial 3.0 draft:

• The metrics for Level Green: Protect Our Neighbors have changed, making it easier for counties to achieve Protect Our Neighbors status. Now, counties can apply for Protect Our Neighbors if they have up to 35 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people — up from 15 cases.
• The metrics range for Level Blue is now 36 - 100 cases per 100,000 people.
• Most restrictions in Level Green: Protect Our Neighbors are now removed. Bars, gyms, and indoor events must still adhere to a 50 percent capacity limit or a 500-person cap, whichever is fewer.
• Bars can now open under Level Blue. The capacity limit is 25 percent capacity or 75 people, whichever is fewer.
• Outdoor events in Levels Green and Blue no longer have capacity restrictions under the dial. Counties may choose to implement capacity restrictions on outdoor events at the local level.
• Retail, offices, and non-critical manufacturing in Level Blue may now open to 75 percent capacity, up from 50 percent.
• There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes. The state will follow CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings. The CDC still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• 5 Star Businesses in Level Blue can operate up to 60 percent capacity, not to exceed 50 people above the caps for restaurants and indoor events and 25 people above the cap for gyms.

By mid-April, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment aims to move to a more local model that allows local public health agencies to assume more control over capacity restrictions that are currently determined by the dial, public health officials said.

>> Coloradans can review the proposed changes to Dial 3.0 and submit feedback with this form.