New guidelines set for life-rite ceremonies such as graduation

On June 4, the State released new guidelines for Colorado places of worship and life-rite ceremonies, personal recreation, and outdoor recreation.

A variance for Phillips County has allowed local churches to meet in person for a few weeks now already, so Holyoke will see little change from State guidelines for places of worship. Life-rite ceremonies, on the other hand, include funerals, weddings, baptisms and graduations.

In general, indoor events can have a maximum of 50% capacity or up to 50 people per room. Outdoor events should have groups from different households spaced at least 6 feet apart up to capacity levels. Masks should still be worn.

When it comes to personal recreation, gyms were also already covered in the Phillips County variance. Guidelines for pools, though, are new. For indoor pools, the limit is 25% capacity or up to 50 people. It is strongly encouraged that pool activity be limited to lap swim.

For organized recreational sports, the State now allows youth or adult recreational sports leagues in groups of up to 25 players, excluding coaches and referees/umpires. Spectators are strongly discouraged from adult sports. Spectators for youth sports, such as parents, are permitted, but households should stay at least 6 feet apart.

New guidelines also allow playgrounds to be open to up to 10 people at a time. Outdoor sports facilities for individual use may be open to up to 25 people at a time per court or field. This includes such things as tennis courts and basketball courts.

For Holyoke specifically, the city council has not yet reopened the swimming pool or playground.

Though there isn’t much outdoor recreation locally, outfitters are reopening across the state, and residents may be making plans to go rafting, hiking, canoeing or the like. Participants are encouraged to avoid using grocery stores and gas stations in the communities they visit.

Despite all of these changes, residents are reminded to wash their hands often, wear masks when possible, keep 6 feet away from others, and stay home if sick.

State makes temporary changes to liquor licensing

Residents of Colorado have enjoyed the option of take-out alcoholic drinks to go along with their to-go food orders throughout the pandemic. On June 5, Polis further extended the executive order that allows restaurants to do so through Saturday, June 27.

Of course, only restaurants already licensed for on-premises alcohol consumption are allowed to offer take-out alcohol drinks. The customer must also order food and be at least 21 years old, and the beverage must be in a sealed container.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.