Colorado will further relax the Covid-19 restrictions managed through the state’s color-coded dial this week, with plans to ease the statewide mask order in two weeks, then turn over control of most public health orders to local governments in mid-April.   

The proposed changes to the dial include reopening bars in most parts of the state for the first time since last summer and lifting all statewide limits on the size of personal gatherings.  

The Colorado Department of Public Health released the draft plan for what it calls “Dial 3.0” and asked for public feedback on the proposed changes, which will take effect—with possible modifications—this Wednesday.  

The main thrust of the new plan: Making it easier for counties to reach Level Green, the lowest end of the dial, and removing most virus-related restrictions in counties at that stage of the dial, including limits on dining capacity at restaurants.  

The plan released Friday night also calls for a modified statewide mask order to be issued April 4. That directive would lift mask requirements in Level Green counties for everyone except students 11 to 18 years of age through the end of the school year.  

Private businesses and local governments still could issue their own mask mandates. 

The announcement of changes to the state’s Covid-19 dial came on the same day the state opened up vaccination eligibility to 2.5 million more people.  

Colorado has moved to Phase 1B.4 on the Covid-19 vaccinations. 

Phase 1B.4 includes individuals 50 and older, frontline workers in higher education, food service, manufacturing, U.S. Postal Service, public transport, public health, human services, faith leaders, those providing direct care to the homeless, journalists, local and state government, and people 16-49 with designated high-risk conditions.  

To schedule a vaccine, go to chaffeecounty.rsvpify.com.  

All Coloradans should be eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine by mid-April.  

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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