Mesa County Moves to 'Safer at Home' Level Orange, High Risk

Just another day as we are trying to navigate 2020, and more changes are being made as to how we will move forward as a community in Mesa County. We just got word from Mesa County Public Health officials that due to the rise in positive COVID-19 tests in Mesa County we are transitioning into the second most strict level on the State of Colorado's dial system.

The decision to make this step back is done by three metrics which include seeing the total number of cases in a two-week period, the percentage of positive cases within the county, and hospitalizations currently taking place.

According to KKCO, there have been nine deaths in the past week related to COVID-19, most of which have been with residence ranging from 60-80 years old.

Businesses that are certified with the 5-star rating through the Variance Protection Program are allowed to operate with less restrictive conditions. This program was launched by Mesa County Public Health with the help of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce.

School District 51 in Mesa County is still working with Mesa County Public Health to set plans that are best for administrators and students. The district wants to stay in-person as long as possible, as long as everyone can remain safe.

The stay at home level is the most strict level on the dial, but since we are in the second most strict level, what does that mean?