COSSA has heard from multiple members asking what the Governor’s “Stay At Home” Public Health Orders means for their business.
First, please assess your own employees’ and customers’ health needs. The biggest priority is keeping everyone safe and healthy. Follow all health guidance from local, state and national experts.
On March 25, 2020, Governor Polis issued a state-wide “stay-at-home” public health order. All companies are subject to social distancing requirements and are still encouraged to implement telework options and staggered schedules when possible.
We encourage you to closely review the public health order, discuss it among your team, and review it with your legal counsel. During the last week, we have been in close contact with the Governor’s office as they made these decisions in an effort to clarify what they intend and if solar installations and development can continue.
The following are some guidelines that we have received, which are informal only and not intended to be relied upon or serve as a substitute for your own legal review and interpretation of the order. The state order has exempted (1) power generation, (2) construction, and (3) skilled trades and (4) those necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.
Generally that means:
- Companies should follow social-distancing best practices, and ensure that their workers and customers are not put at risk.
- Remote sales, O&M, solar installation, and construction are allowed at this time.
- Companies should not conduct door to door sales at this time.
Counties also have the authority to issue public health orders. When the county acts, their order applies to the entire county – including within municipal boundaries. Counties with public health orders in place amend their orders regularly to include everything the state does. However, the state’s action is a ‘floor’ and several counties have issued more restrictive orders. It is possible a county to have a more restrictive health order than the state’s requirement. If so, you must follow the local order. The Colorado Counties Inc website has a current list of Public Health Orders by county.
COSSA will continue to work with our state and local officials to understand the impact of COVID-19 on our state and our industry. We will communicate any developments as soon as we can.