SM County: 5-Star Certification Program Continues This Summer!

13 May SM County: 5-Star Certification Program Continues This Summer!

San Miguel County offers opportunity for increased capacity with demonstration of added protective measures for various industries.

For corona vaccine info, visit here.

For up-to-date coronavirus information, visit here.

For free coronavirus testing opportunities, visit here.

For more information regarding the updated public health order, visit the county’s COVID page: bit.ly/smccovidpage.

For all Covid blogs from San Miguel County, go here.

San Miguel County launched the state’s 5-Star Certification Program in March. 5-Star certified businesses have proven their robust COVID safety measures demonstrating adjustments like high levels of ventilation and COVID reporting capabilities to create the safest environment possible for their staff and patrons.

“We’re in a great place right now with disease containment. That said, summer is almost here and we’re expecting a significant increase in our county population which could result in COVID-related outbreaks that could change our status quickly and additional restrictions may become necessary,” said County Manager Mike Bordogna. “The 5 -Star Certification Program was created as our best insurance to allow greater numbers of in-person customers while also providing the safest possible environment for employees and guests.”

San Miguel County is one of a few counties in the state of Colorado offering the program completely free of charge to interested businesses, whereas other counties in the state charge as much as $800 per business. San Miguel County and the Towns of Telluride and Mountain Village have funded the program at least through July, encouraging businesses to implement safety measures beyond what is already required by public health orders and guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 during high season.

“With the busy time of summer approaching, we’re encouraging all industries to apply early to ensure we can provide the support and staff needed to get businesses set up for success,” said Bordogna. “The program not only benefits businesses economically but also increases consumer confidence in local bars, restaurants, spas and more with enhanced safeguards in place.”

Businesses that can apply for the program include restaurants, bars, personal services, gyms, fitness centers and events. To apply, visit the county’s COVID website and click on the “Business” tab.

Public Health has confirmed six new positive cases of COVID-19 from test results received from May 6 through 13. Of these cases, three are confirmed as residents and all actively contagious cases are currently in isolation.

88-year-old female, nonresident
44-year-old female, resident, symptomatic, community
41-year-old female, nonresident
23-year-old female, resident, symptomatic, community
9-year-old female, resident, asymptomatic, community
8-year-old male, nonresident

As of release time today, there have been 873 total COVID cases among residents to date with 3 active cases.

To learn more about the county’s current COVID-19 metrics, please visit the County COVID-19 dashboard.

Five Commitments of Containment:

Wear a mask
Maintain six feet of physical distance
Minimize group size
Wash hands frequently
Stay home when sick and get tested