GOV. POLIS: May 1 Is A Milestone

While Colorado officially began Safer At Home on Monday, the practical effect hit on Friday, May 1 when many retail stores opened to the public.

"Today is another milestone," Gov. Jared Polis said Friday. "Retail and personal services like salons and dog groomers and person training can begin to open their doors as long as they follow the very clear and specific hygiene and social distancing guidelines."

Starting this past Monday, Colorado retailers could start offering curbside delivery. Now, many of the non-essential businesses that had been closed are open.

In addition, hair salons, dog groomers, personal trainers and other personal services could again start operating on Friday.

Monday, businesses can have up to 50 percent of their work forces on site.

Not only counties in Colorado are operating on the same timetable.

"There are some jurisdictions in the Denver Metro area that are beginning in one week instead of May 1st," the governor said.

Denver, Jefferson, Adams and Arapahoe counties are among those that are lifting stay-at-home orders on Friday, May 8.

Gov. Polis says Safer At Home is the first step in getting back to the way of life everyone is used to.

"The goal is dealing with life in a sustainable way. How can we live with the virus without causing the spikes that led to the emergency situation almost two months ago here and internationally and nationally.

He also urged people to recreate within 10 miles of their homes this weekend.

"Our mountain communities are not yet ready to receive the visitors," he said. "It's really about honoring those in our mountain communities and other affected areas. It's those other activities that come along. You're not just going somewhere and camping. You are visiting gas stations and stores in that community. Those communities need to be ready. Some of them may have been hard hit. When they're ready, of course our Front Range visitors will return. Many of those mountain communities are already welcoming of second homeowners. Please check with those mountain communities if they're ready and updated in regard to your visitation."

The governor's full remarks are below.