Denver Begins Accepting Applications For 5-Star Program

DENVER, CO — Two weeks after Denver received authorization from the state to begin its 5-Star Certification Program, the city is set to open applications at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The program will allow higher capacity limits and more leniency for local businesses that can prove they have strict COVID-19 protocols.

"It is important to note that Denver County must maintain seven days of stable or declining Orange Level metrics as defined by CDPHE before the program can be fully implemented," Denver officials state on the city's program website. "If you are pre-certified by Denver, you will be notified when the program can take effect, and will be issued your certification at that time."

Dozens of Colorado counties, including Denver, shifted Jan. 4 from 'Level Red' on the state's COVID-19 dial to 'Level Orange'— a move that allowed Denver restaurants to reopen indoor dining in a limited capacity. Under the 5-Star Certification Program, approved Denver businesses will be able to operate under the less-strict Level Yellow on the dial:

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General businesses, personal services, indoor events, gyms and restaurants are invited to apply for the program, officials said.

The city is implementing the program in phases to assess any equity gaps and monitor public health metrics, officials said. The first application round will include 500 businesses to allow the city and the Denver 5 Star Administrative Committee to evaluate which businesses and industries are applying and obtaining certification, the city said.

The city is hosting several town halls Tuesday to offer businesses an overview of the process. Information about the meetings can be found here.

>> More information about Denver's 5-Star Certification Program can be found here.