Colorado stay-at-home order and critical businesses |
Thursday, March 26, 2020 09:40 AM |
We recognize that there has been much confusion over the governor’s latest executive order and what that means for landscape business operations. In meeting with our GreenCO partners, we have clarified the following points: As of March 26, the entire state is under a Stay-at-Home order. Based on the Public Health Order dated March 25, ALCC believes that most businesses in the green industry fall into one or more exemption categories. For horticulture growers, your business determination as ‘critical’ is pretty straightforward – you are considered agriculture. For landscape contractors, suppliers and other green industry professionals, the determination is a bit more nuanced. As you can see from the categories on the list, they are very general (see below) and while we can offer guidance, businesses that must make the determination for themselves and communicate carefully with employees and customers. Further clarification about agricultural businesses from Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. This order is in effect through April 10. From the Colorado Public Health Order: Critical Business. Any business, including any for-profit or non-profit, regardless of its corporate structure, engaged in any of the commercial, manufacturing, or service activities listed below, may continue to operate as normal. Critical Businesses must comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the CDPHE and any applicable local health department. Critical Businesses must comply with Social Distancing Requirements and all PHOs currently in effect to the greatest extent possible and will be held accountable for doing so. Critical Businesses do NOT include health clubs as defined in C.R.S. § 6-1-102(4.6), fitness and exercise gyms, and similar facilities, or any of the other businesses required to close by PHO 20-22. “Critical Business” means: 2. Critical Infrastructure, Including:
3. Critical Manufacturing, Including:
4. Critical Retail, Including:
9. Construction, Including:
11. Critical Services Necessary to Maintain the Safety, Sanitation and Critical Operations of Residences or Other Critical Businesses, Including:
Once again, while we can offer guidance, businesses must make the determination for themselves and communicate carefully with employees and customers. Additionally, ALCC recommends that you verify that each crew member arrives at the job site with the following documents:
Please visit www.alcc.com/covid for information and resources related to this very fluid situation. Follow our blog at www.alcc.com/legislation-advocacy-blog for regular updates. ALCC continues to advocate for the landscape industry and preserve its right to continue to provide what we consider essential services to our community throughout the Coronavirus crisis. Warm regards, John McMahon | Chief Executive Officer Please note: This letter is not intended as legal advice. ALCC not able to provide a legally binding interpretation of the law. Follow the latest news on our blog or at www.alcc.com/covid. Share your ideas, resources, etc. with landscape industry peers at [email protected]. |