What does this mean for the average person in Colorado?

You must stay home as much as possible. You can leave your home to do a limited number of specific things.

When you go out, you must follow Social Distancing Requirements, which are below in a separate question.

People at high-risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to stay in their residence at all times, except when they need to get necessary medical care. Necessary medical care does not include most “elective,” procedures, which currently are prohibited.

People who have COVID-19 symptoms must self-isolate or have a negative test result. Testing is still limited at this time, so self-isolating when you are ill is the best course of action. Please read how to isolate , which includes symptoms.

, which includes symptoms. Only essential travel is allowed.

Sick people must not go to work.



How long does it last ?

Stay-at-Home (20-24) started March 26, 2020 and lasts through April 26, 2020. Closing Certain Businesses (20-22) went into effect March 16, 2020 and ends April 30, 2020. These orders may be extended, changed, ended or replaced, so it is important to follow local sources of good information, like the website covid19.colorado.gov.



What are necessary activities?



Activities, tasks and errands you must do to keep yourself, your family, and your household members safe and healthy. Necessary activities include:

Getting essential medical care, medical supplies and equipment, and medicine.

Getting food and supplies for yourself, your animals, your family, and your household members. That means the supplies you need to live a healthy life, keep a safe and healthy home, and get supplies you need to work or learn at home.

Caring for a family member, vulnerable person, or animals that are in a different location than your home.

Walking your dog or feeding animals.

Outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, running, etc. Group sports or activities that would break Social Distancing Requirements are prohibited.

Going to work or providing essential products and services for a critical business or critical government function. It can be hard to figure out what is considered essential or critical. We encourage people to understand what’s in the order and follow it closely. Third Updated Public Health Order 20-24 Implementing Stay at Home Requirements.



What are Social Distancing Requirements?

Keeping 6 feet of physical distance between all people at all times. The 6-foot rule does not apply to people who live in the same house as you -- in other words, your roommates and family. But if you, your family, or your roomates get sick, you or they must self-isolate.

Washing hands as often as you can. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Covering coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Use your sleeve or inner elbow if a tissue is not available.

Can I have my home and lawn taken care of?

Yes, people can maintain their home to retain its value. That means you can take care of minimum basic things like sewage sanitation, landscaping, and maintenance and repair services.

Can I go to a real estate open house or walk-through? Can I close on a newly bought or sold home?

Real estate marketing services such as in-person showings and open houses are prohibited

Real estate appraisals and closings are considered critical services and are allowed.

Home inspections and final walkthroughs after a buyer has signed a purchase contract are considered essential services and are allowed.

Read more from the Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Should I wear a mask?

Colorado is asking everyone to wear a non-medical cloth face covering while out in public for necessary activities like grocery shopping. Please make or buy a cloth covering that will cover your mouth and nose and use it whenever you are outside your own house or yard. Scarves and bandanas will work as coverings. Wash your face covering frequently.

Executive Order D 2020 039 orders workers at critical businesses to wear medical or non-medical face coverings that will cover your mouth and nose while at work, except where doing so would inhibit your health, and wear gloves (if gloves are provided by an employer) when in contact with customers or goods.

What does “home” mean?



It means the place where you live, whether that is a house, apartment, hotel, motel, or other place that you rent.



What if my home is not a safe environment?



If it is not safe for you to remain home, you are able and urged to find another safe place to stay during this order. Call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or contact your local law enforcement agency.



What about people who are experiencing homelessness?



We encourage people experiencing homelessness to obtain shelter, and we urge government and other entities to make as much shelter as they can available as soon as possible. People experiencing homelessness must also follow Social Distancing Requirements.