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COVID-19 Information
Local Response Measures
The Montrose city manager has implemented a Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency. This is a proactive measure to slow the potential spread, impacts, and damage of COVID-19 and will assist the city in securing regional, state, and federal resources, if necessary.
Essential city services including water, sewer, trash/recycling, and law enforcement will continue.
City offices are closed to the public. Please see the listing below for specific contact and operational information for each department.
To avoid the interruption of best hygiene practices like hand washing, the city is suspending water utility shutoffs for delinquent customers while working with them to make future payment arrangements.
The City of Montrose is continuing to closely monitor direction from Montrose County Public Health and state and federal agencies and will follow their guidance for the health and safety of the Montrose community and city staff.
Please select specific departments or functions in the list below for contact information and information about changes in operations resulting from the COVID emergency.
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BLOG: CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING: Tuesday, March 31
City Councilors met online for their regular meeting Tuesday, March 31, to approve a small business relief program and take the first step in financing the construction of the new Police Department headquarters. Read on... -
BLOG: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION: Monday, March 30
City Councilors met online for a virtual work session Monday morning, March 30, to get an update on city operations. Read on... -
City Moves to Tier 4 Response, Closes Offices to Public and Moves to Virtual Services
The City of Montrose has escalated its response to the COVID-19 pandemic to Tier 4 effective immediately. This is a proactive measure to slow the potential spread, impacts, and damage of COVID-19. Read on...
- Current Updates & Information
- Governor's Update & Stay-at-Home Order
- Government Coordination
- Testing Information
- What You Can Do
- Actualizaciones en Español
Where to Get Current Information
Montrose County Public Health
For the most current information concerning cases reported in Montrose and other health-related information, please visit MontroseCounty.net/COVID19 or call the Montrose County Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 970-252-4545.
City Updates
Receive updates regarding city operations and emergency measures by:
- Following the city on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
- Subscribing to receive email and text message notifications via Notify Me
State of Colorado
Federal Government
- Visit the COVID-19 website, CoronaVirus.gov, for access to a full range of information and updates.
March 28, 2020
Quick Links to Stay Up to Date
Topline Update
The most up-to-date public health order can be found here.
While the state is not requiring it, our Department of Public Safety has added a Critical Business Self-Certification form to their website in response to requests from employees and private sector members for a document to carry that certifies that they are traveling for work for a critical business. The form is voluntary. It is not required. Link to the document can be found here.
Today, the Governor announced that he is removing restrictions on auto insurance for drivers for Restaurant Delivery. In an effort to protect these workers and their vehicles, the Colorado Department of Insurance released emergency regulations to allow for restaurant workers to deliver food with less red tape and insurance delays. Restaurant owners are encouraged to contact their insurance agents, brokers or companies to discuss additional coverage riders and other options that could offer more protection for their workers and their businesses. Such options could prove useful even after the COVID-19 emergency.
Stay at Home Order
We have been getting a lot of questions from the press and from the public about our Stay-At-Home Order. As you all know, the Governor announced a stay-at-home order that took effect yesterday at 6 a.m. and will last until April 11. We want to stress to everyone that this is not a competition to see what you can get away with. This is not a time to try to figure out how close you can get to the line. This is a time to stay as far away from the line as you possibly can.
Just stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary. And if it is absolutely necessary, keep your distance from others, wash your hands frequently, wipe down surfaces, and practice common sense. Use your best judgment and err on the side of safety for yourself and others. And the age old wisdom applies here -- if you have to ask yourself if something is smart or safe -- it’s probably not. Treat this as seriously as you would treat a tornado, or a flood, or a wildfire, or a hurricane. Because the threat is just as real. And the more noncompliance there is, the longer and more severe this crisis will be, and the longer these extraordinary measures may be in place.
Some of the most frequent questions we are getting are:
Enforcement: This is an executive order, that means it is the law. The rule of law is the foundation of our society; it must be followed. Residents who suspect that a person or an establishment is violating the order should first contact their local public health agency to report any concerns. Residents may also file a report with the Attorney General’s Office at covid19@coag.gov if local law enforcement or a local public health agency is unresponsive.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation: If you absolutely need to recreate, please do it in your own communities close to your home. This should not be treated as a “vacation.” This is not the time to drive two or three or four hours from Denver to a mountain community -- many of which are already reeling from this crisis -- and potentially contribute to the spread in our mountain communities. We’ve all seen the videos on social media of people packed onto trails at state parks -- that can be just as dangerous as being packed into a bar or at a crowded theater.
The trails are often quite narrow, so when you pass someone else, you’re most likely within six feet, and folks shouldn’t be going off-trail anyway -- we should all be practicing the ‘leave no trace’ guidelines. The mountains and canyons have been there for thousands of years. They will be there after this all blows over. Just have patience and stop putting yourself and others at risk.
Houses of Worship: We know faith is important to so many Coloradans, and more than that, houses of worship often function as community centers -- a place to come together. We know how difficult this is on so many Coloradans.
The order states that houses of worship may remain open for essential activities, but must practice social distancing, which means that at least six feet apart for each party and limit to 10 or less. We want to stress the importance of using electronic platforms to broadcast worship. Essential church staff including religious leaders can conduct services from the house of worship and broadcast it to members as long as all of the support staff are practicing proper social distancing. As with everything -- please don’t go out unless you have to, and please take steps to have church or synagogue or mosque or temple services by electronic means.
Additional Allowances: A few more additional allowances for going out include:
- Parents transporting children to comply with parenting plans.
- Fulfilling online orders.
- Administering elections and participating in elections are critical government functions.
- We want to stress that even if your business qualifies as a critical business, we urge you to comply with social distancing requirements and allow employees to work from home as much as you can.
Additionally, we have attached both English and Spanish versions of an FAQ document that we hope can help answer other questions that you may have.
If you still need additional clarification on what is considered essential. You are able to reach out to StayAtHomeCO@state.co.us with your questions.
The data behind the decisions
Today, the Governor gave a slide presentation during his press conference to discuss some of the predictive modeling that is guiding the public health decisions that he is making.
Thank you to Dr. Jon Samet, Dean of the Colorado School of Public Health and his team who have been working hard to put together the modeling data in partnership with the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
A copy of the presentation is here. This data explains why the Governor issued the Stay-At-Home order. It is a blunt force instrument to knock down this curve as quickly and as hard as we can to spread it out. The more we can do to increase social distancing, the more time we have to build additional capacity, secure medical equipment, build ventilators etc. The goal is to do a Stay-At-Home order once, make it as quick as possible so we can save our healthcare system and save lives. IF we are successful, we will be able to resume normal economic activity.
Grant application for our COVID Relief Fund is open!
Community based organizations can start applying for relief funds. The link can be found on www.helpcoloradonow.org or go here. Community-based organizations that meet the following three criteria areas are eligible to apply: Organization type, populations served, and alignment with one of the Fund’s three funding priority areas of Prevention, Impact and Recovery. For more information on requirements, visit the website to review eligibility and to apply!
City Coordination with Community Partners
Montrose County Public Health is the lead agency in addressing the public health response to COVID-19 in Montrose. Daily updates along with important information can be found at MontroseCounty.net/COVID19. Montrose County has set up an information hotline at 970.252.4545.
The City of Montrose is in constant contact with local and state health agencies to receive up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.The city is also actively working with our community partners in health care, government, and education to monitor the status of COVID-19 in Colorado and the Montrose area. The public welfare of all residents in the city and the greater Montrose area continues to be our utmost priority.
The city is implementing and adjusting its action plan to make sure that city services continue uninterrupted while taking reasonable precautions to protect city employees.
Don’t panic
Carefully follow suggested preventative measures and instructions from government agencies and stay informed with the latest information about the virus from reliable sources. Individuals who are worried about this or any respiratory virus, like the flu, can protect themselves by practicing thorough hygiene, staying home whenever possible, and practicing social distancing.
Wash your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay informed
For the most current information concerning the status of local response efforts and governmental instructions and orders, please see the "Current Updates and Information" tab on this page.
Otros recursos locales en español
Enlaces para mantenerse actualizado:
Actualización Principal
Usted puede encontrar la orden de salud pública más actualizada aquí.
Aun cuando el estado no lo exige, nuestro Departamento de Seguridad Pública ha agregado un formulario de auto-certificación de negocios críticos a su sitio web en respuesta a las solicitudes de empleados y miembros del sector privado para contar con un documento que certifique que viajan por trabajo a un negocio considerado crítico. El formulario es voluntario. No es requerido. Usted puede encontrar el enlace al documento aquí.
El día de hoy, el Gobernador anunció que eliminará las restricciones sobre el seguro de automóviles para los conductores de entrega en restaurantes. En un esfuerzo por proteger a estos trabajadores y a sus vehículos, el Departamento de Seguros de Colorado publicó regulaciones de emergencia para permitir que los trabajadores de restaurantes entreguen alimentos con menos trámites burocráticos y demoras en los seguros. Se alienta a los propietarios de restaurantes a contactar a sus agentes de seguros, corredores o compañías para hablar sobre cláusulas adicionales de cobertura y otras opciones que podrían ofrecer más protección para sus trabajadores y sus negocios. Dichas opciones podrían resultar útiles incluso después de la emergencia de COVID-19.
Orden de Permanecer en Casa
Hemos recibido muchas preguntas de la prensa y del público sobre nuestra orden de Permanecer en Casa. Como todos saben, el Gobernador anunció una orden de Permanecer en Casa que entró en vigencia ayer a las 6 a.m. y durará hasta el 11 de abril. Queremos enfatizar a todos que esto no es una competencia para ver quién puede salirse con la suya. Este no es el momento para tratar de averiguar qué tan cerca pueden llegar al límite. Este es un momento para mantenerse lo más lejos posible de dicho límite.
Quédese en casa y no salga a menos que sea absolutamente necesario. Y si es absolutamente necesario salir, manténgase alejado de los demás, lávese las manos con frecuencia, limpie las superficies y practique el sentido común. Use su mejor criterio y exceda por el lado de la seguridad para usted y para los demás. Y la sensatez aplica aquí, si te preguntas acerca de la inteligencia o seguridad de una acción, probablemente es que no lo sea. Trátelo tan en serio como lo haría con un tornado, una inundación, un incendio forestal o un huracán. Porque la amenaza es igual de real. Y cuanto más incumplimiento exista, más prolongada y grave será esta crisis, y más tiempo podrán estar en vigencia estas medidas extraordinarias.
Algunas de las preguntas más frecuentes que estamos recibiendo son:
Cumplimiento: Esta es una orden ejecutiva, eso significa que es una ley. Los reglamentos de ley son el fundamento de nuestra sociedad; Deben ser seguidos. Los residentes que sospechan que una persona o un establecimiento están violando una orden deben comunicarse primero con su agencia local de salud pública para informar cualquier inquietud. Los residentes también pueden presentar un informe ante la Oficina del Fiscal General en covid19@coag.gov si la policía local o una agencia local de salud pública no responde.
Parques y recreación al aire libre: si realmente necesita recrearse, hágalo en sus las comunidades cercanas a su hogar. Esto no debe ser tratado como una "vacación". Este no es el momento de conducir dos o tres o cuatro horas desde Denver a una comunidad de montaña, muchas de las cuales están ya en estado de recuperación de esta crisis, y potencialmente contribuyen a la propagación en nuestras comunidades de montaña. Todos hemos visto los videos en las redes sociales de personas en los senderos de los parques estatales, que pueden ser tan peligrosos como estar en un bar o en un teatro lleno de gente.
Los senderos a menudo son bastante estrechos, por lo que cuando pasas a alguien más, lo más probable es que te encuentres a menos de seis pies, y la gente no debe salirse del camino de todas maneras; todos debemos practicar las pautas de "no dejar rastro". Las montañas y los cañones han estado allí por miles de años. Y permanecerán ahí después de que todo esto termine. Sólo practica paciencia y no te pongas a ti y a los demás en riesgo.
Casas de Oración/Templos: Sabemos que la fe es importante para muchos
habitantes de Colorado, y más que eso, las casas de Oración/Templos a menudo funcionan como centros comunitarios, un lugar para reunirse. Sabemos lo difícil que es para muchos habitantes de Colorado.
La orden establece que las casas de Oración/Templos pueden permanecer abiertas para actividades esenciales, pero deben practicar el distanciamiento social, lo que significa que al menos a seis pies de distancia para cada parte y limitar a 10 o menos. Queremos enfatizar la importancia de usar plataformas electrónicas para transmitir las ceremonias religiosas. El personal esencial de la iglesia, incluidos los líderes religiosos, puede llevar a cabo servicios desde el lugar de Oración/Templo y transmitirlo a los miembros siempre que todo el personal de apoyo practique el distanciamiento social adecuado. Como con todo, no salga a menos que tenga que hacerlo y tome medidas para que los servicios de la iglesia, sinagoga, mezquita o templo se realicen por medios electrónicos.
Asignaciones adicionales: algunas asignaciones adicionales para salir incluyen:
Padres que transportan sus hijos(as) para cumplir con un plan parental.
Cumplimiento de pedidos en línea.
Administrar elecciones y participar en elecciones como funciones críticas del gobierno.
Queremos enfatizar que incluso si su empresa califica como una empresa crítica, le instamos a cumplir con los requisitos de distanciamiento social y permitir que los empleados trabajen desde su hogar tanto como sea posible.
Además, hemos adjuntado las versiones en inglés y español de un documento de preguntas frecuentes que esperamos pueda ayudar a responder otras preguntas que pueda tener.
Si aún necesita aclaraciones adicionales sobre lo que se considera esencial. Puede comunicarse con StayAtHomeCO@state.co.us con sus preguntas.
Los datos detrás de las decisiones.
Hoy, el Gobernador hizo una presentación de diapositivas durante su conferencia de prensa para discutir algunos de los modelos predictivos que están guiando las decisiones de salud pública que está tomando.
Gracias al Dr. Jon Samet, Decano de la Escuela de Salud Pública de Colorado y su equipo, que han estado trabajando arduamente para reunir los datos de modelado en asociación con la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Colorado y el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado.
Aquí está una copia de esta presentación. Estos datos explican por qué el Gobernador emitió la orden de Permanecer en casa “Stay-At-Home”. Es un vehículo fuerte y contundente para aminorar la expansión de esta curva tan rápido y tan fuerte como podamos. Cuanto más podamos hacer para aumentar el distanciamiento social, más tiempo tendremos para desarrollar capacidades adicionales, asegurar equipos médicos, construir respiradores, etc. El objetivo respetar la orden de permanecer en casa de una vez, hacerlo lo más rápido posible, para así poder salvar nuestro sistema de salud y salvaguardar vidas. Si tenemos éxito, podremos reanudar las actividades económicas normales.
¡La solicitud de subvención para nuestro Fondo de ayuda COVID ya está disponible!
Las organizaciones comunitarias pueden comenzar a solicitar fondos de ayuda. El enlace se puede encontrar en www.helpcoloradonow.org o aquí. Las organizaciones comunitarias que cumplen con los siguientes tres criterios son elegibles para solicitar la ayuda: Tipo de Organización, Poblaciones Atendidas y Alineación con una de las tres áreas prioritarias de financiamiento del Fondo: Prevención, Impacto y Recuperación de COVID19. Para obtener más información acerca de los requisitos, visite el sitio de web para revisar los detalles de elegibilidad y presentar una solicitud.