Arapahoe County 5-Star Businesses Shift To Level Blue

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO — Arapahoe County remains under Level Yellow on the state's COVID-19 dial; however, five-star certified businesses in the county are now able to open with Level Blue allowances.

Colorado reached its goal of vaccinating 70 percent of people ages 70 and older by the end of February, Gov. Jared Polis announced Tuesday. Under state regulations, the achievement allows five-star businesses that have been operating under Level Yellow to shift to Level Blue.

Businesses must prove they have enhanced public safety protocols and procedures in order to be approved for the five-star program. More than 270 businesses have been approved in Arapahoe County — view a full list here.

Under Level Blue, restrictions will ease further, with higher capacity limits on restaurants, gyms, group sports, indoor and outdoor events, manufacturing and other businesses:

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Applications for the Five-Star Recovery Partner Program have been temporarily suspended, Arapahoe County commissioners announced Friday.

The suspension was made after reviewing feedback from businesses, the Board of County Commissioners said.

"The BOCC made this decision because of the imminent move to Level Blue status, noting that Five-Star certification would have a limited effect on newly approved businesses’ capacity limits or expansions," the board said in a news release.

"The Five-Star certification still serves as a 'seal of approval' regardless of dial levels, as it demonstrates that these businesses are taking every possible measure to keep their customers and their staff as safe and healthy as possible."

Businesses that have already been certified, or that are in the application and approval process, will maintain their certification status, officials said.