Colorado Moves To Dial 3.0: What To Know

Colorado's state public health agency released Wednesday its latest update to the COVID-19 dial framework.

The state shifted from Dial 2.0 to Dial 3.0, which will likely remain in effect until mid-April when the state plans to retire the entire dial system and replace it with a new public health order that gives more control to local public health agencies, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Dial 3.0 makes it easier for counties to move into Level Green: Protect Our Neighbors, the least restrictive level on the dial. The new dial also removes many of the restrictions that applied to Level Green under Dial 2.0, and loosens restrictions under Level Blue.

Here's what changed in the shift to Dial 3.0:

• The metrics for Level Green have changed to make it easier for counties to achieve the level. Now, counties qualify for Level Green if they have up to 35 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people — up from 15 cases.
• There is no longer a certification process for Level Green. Counties will be moved to the level once they maintain the required metrics for at least one week.

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• Most restrictions in Level Green are now removed; however, bars and indoor events must still adhere to a 50 percent capacity limit or a 500-person cap, whichever is fewer.
• The metrics range for Level Blue is now 36 - 100 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people.
• Bars can now open under Level Blue. The capacity limit is 25 percent or 75 people, whichever is fewer.
• Outdoor events in Levels Green and Blue no longer have state-level capacity restrictions under the dial, but counties can choose to implement capacity restrictions on outdoor events.
• Retail, offices, and non-critical manufacturing in Level Blue can 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 restaurants and gyms in Levels Blue and Yellow can operate at 100 percent capacity with 6 feet of distance between parties as a way to provide businesses with increased flexibility, while still limiting indoor mass gatherings. The state expects that maintaining a 6 foot distancing requirement will be a limiting factor for most indoor spaces.
• 5 Star certified seated and unseated indoor events can operate at 50 percent capacity with a 500-person limit in Level Blue. 5 Star seated indoor events in Level Yellow can operate at 50 percent capacity with a 225 person limit and unseated indoor events in Level Yellow may operate at 50 percent capacity with a 175 person limit.

“Coloradans have made great sacrifices to protect ourselves and our communities from COVID-19 over the past year,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“While this is still a time for caution, these changes to the Dial better reflect where we are in the pandemic today, and the balance we are trying to strike between disease suppression and economic hardship.”

The state health agency gathered public feedback earlier this week on the proposed Dial 3.0 before it was implemented.