COVID-19

As cases of Coronavirus/COVID-19 are reported in Colorado, we are encouraging residents to follow official sources of information including San Miguel County, the Colorado Division of Public Health and Environment (CDPE) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). These organizations are sharing updates regularly. They also share actions you can take to stay healthy, what to do if you think you have been affected by Coronavirus or COVID-19 and resources to help you make informed decisions for both you and your family.

TOTAL NUMBER OF POSITIVE CASES IN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY: 88

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY COVID-19 DASHBOARD

San Miguel County is currently under public health orders in line with the State of Colorado. This order modify previous restrictions to continue to limit and contain the spread of COVID-19 while allowing for a phased re-opening of activities. For a summary of the new order, please visit the county's website, or click here to read the full public health order.

If you are feeling lonely, sad, depressed, anxious or unsafe at home during this trying time, please see our blog post for mental health and crisis resources.

COVID-19 Mayor's Minute Volume 1

COVID-19 Mayor's Minute Volume 2

COVID-19 Mayor's Minute Volume 3

Understanding the state mask order from a business perspective

We are here to answer any questions.

Please review the information and resources below to answer many of your questions. If you still do not find your answer, please reach out to us through the form below.

Updates and Resources

Below you will find updates on the current actions the Town of Mountain Village and their community partners are taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This webpage will be updated if and when new information becomes available.

San Miguel County Updates

The Town of Mountain Village is following the direction of the San Miguel County Health Department and the Colorado Department of Health in all community actions. We strongly encourage you to refer to their dedicated website for the most up-to-date information regarding the county and sign up to receive county coronavirus alerts here.

San Miguel County COVID-19 Information

Gondola & Chondola Updates

As of June 15=:

The gondola opened Monday, June 15 for the 2020 summer season with health precautions.
- No mask, no ride: per Mountain Village and Telluride ordinance, masks are required on all public transportation at this time for those over the age of 2. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a face covering, please let operators know. Operators will provide a face mask if you don’t have one.
- Cabin occupancy: one person or one associated party at a time will be loaded per cabin.
- Cabin cleanliness: Advanced cabin disinfection methods will be in constant use. Cabins will be disinfected after each passenger disembarks. Cabin windows will be kept open to ensure adequate ventilation.
- Line management: there will be no singles line, and markers will be at each station to maintain social distancing while waiting to board. Operators will maintain a six-foot distance from passengers yet continue to engage with guests.
- Hand sanitizer: hand sanitizers will be available at each station for passengers.
- Recreational equipment: Passengers will be required to load their own recreational equipment, including bicycles and strollers. Please familiarize yourself with the proper use of the exterior bike racks before loading or ask an operator for guidance.
The gondola will run daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m. with express buses running 9 p.m. to midnight for the time being. For a bus schedule, please visit our bus page.

Announced May 18:

The gondola will not open for the 2020 summer on May 21, 2020, due to public health orders and a delayed start to required maintenance work.
Gondola officials are anticipating an opening date of June 15, 2020, with new health guidelines, but that is subject to change given the constantly evolving COVID-19 situation. Stay tuned for more information.

Announced March 18:

By order of San Miguel County Colorado Government, the gondola will be closing at 9 p.m., March 18. Town of Mountain Village will operate bus service with limited passenger numbers 7 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning Thursday, March 19 until further notice. Bus schedules will be posted at all bus stops and available online.

Announced March 17:

Attention Meadows residents: The chondola will stop operating for the season at 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 17. Shuttles will begin running between the Meadows and Town Hall Weds., March 18 at 7 a.m. Schedules will be posted at bus stops and the bus will run concurrently with gondola hours. Gondola remains open at this time.

Announced March 16:

Effective Tuesday, March 17, gondola hours will be 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. through April 5 unless otherwise ordered. Dial-A-Ride hours will mirror gondola hours.
The Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving. We are committed to running the gondola and it remains open at this time. As of Monday, March 16, 12 p.m., we will be loading only one person per cabin (or associated parties) at a time.
Please note that this is a fluid situation and could change, any change will be posted immediately on social media and our website.

Announced March 15:

The gondola and chondola remain open at this time with smaller passenger loads and frequent disinfecting of cabins. We will post any updates if this changes to our social media pages, associated Facebook groups and website.

Announced March 12:

No more than four unrelated passengers will be allowed to board gondola cabins at the same time. Related parties of four or more may still load at the same time. Passengers requesting to ride alone will be accommodated based on traffic levels but may have an extended wait if lines are long.
Teams are disinfecting cabins consistently throughout the day as a precautionary measure, and hand sanitizer is available at all stations.
To address public health concerns regarding concerns around COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking the following steps on the gondola to help prevent the spread of germs.

Announced March 3:

Effective immediately, we’re removing blankets from all gondola and chondola stations for the remainder of the winter season. We will be putting out hand sanitizer for public use and our operators will be wiping down cabin seats and doors multiple times daily with disinfecting wipes.
Please note there are no known cases in Colorado, and these are precautionary measures to help keep the community healthy.

Town Facilities Updates

ONGOING THROUGH AT LEAST JUNE 30:

Town Hall and other town facilities remain closed to the public at this time. Please help us limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community by practicing social distancing and limiting in-person contact and meetings as much as possible. For a full staff directory, please visit our website. The Town is continuing to work with the San Miguel County Public Health Office and is continuously evaluating our operations in order to keep our residents, employees and guests safe.

Mountain Village Police Department Updates

ONGOING THROUGH AT LEAST JUNE 30:

If the incident is non-emergent, not in progress, and poses no physical threat to any person, WestCO Communications Center will ask for the reporting party's phone number so that an officer can call prior to responding. It will be law enforcement's discretion (or agency policy) to determine if a physical response is warranted or if the report can be taken via phone.

Village Court Apartments Updates

Announced April 20, via Colorado Department of Local Affairs:

Emergency funding is now available for rent and mortgage assistance to low-income families facing financial hardship due to economic disruption associated with COVID-19. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Colorado Division of Housing (DOH) awarded funding from Colorado’s Disaster Emergency Fund allocated through Governor Polis’ Executive Order D 2020 012 to 18 partner agencies. Two agencies will provide assistance to eligible Coloradans in all 64 counties: Salvation Army and Brothers Redevelopment. Learn more here.

Announced April 15:

The Town of Mountain Village continues to assist families during this difficult time in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in May, VCA residents have an opportunity to enter into a payment plan for rent. Visit https://bit.ly/VCAHardshipApp to apply today.

Announced March 26:

Due to the sudden financial stress that the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic may be presenting to you and your family, the Town of Mountain Village has decided to waive the entire rent payment due for the month of April for all VCA residents. We know that many of you are facing financial hardship and uncertainty, and we hope that this provides some relief for you and your family. Read the entire letter from Mayor Laila Benitez.

Announced March 23 by Colorado Department of Local Affairs:

By Executive Order, the State of Colorado is temporarily limiting evictions, foreclosures, and public utility disconnections and providing support to unemployed Coloradans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Executive Order will help protect the economic well-being of Colorado’s communities and businesses during the coming weeks and months.

Announced March 17:

The Town will also be suspending late charges on utility, Mountain Munchkin, and Village Court Apartment late accounts, starting with the upcoming billing cycle.

Announced March 16:

The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving. We want to continue to communicate with our community members in this fluid situation.
- The VCA offices will be closed to in-person contact. We have posted a list of contact numbers for VCA staff outside the office so that you can call, and we can address your concern or needs by phone call or email. We will continue to do everything we can to address resident needs and concerns. Rent payments by credit card can be made by calling Cecilia Curry or Luke Adamson on their cell numbers.
- Maintenance staff will continue to prioritize cleaning and sanitizing of common areas, rails, doorknobs, laundry rooms, outdoor maintenance and snow removal. Unit repairs will be delayed or deferred if it is not an emergency.
- The Mountain Village Housing Authority will work with you regarding challenges in rent payments or utility payments caused by:
  - Lost wages due to decrease in work
  - Lost wages due to sickness
  - Lost wages due to need for self-isolation
  - Lost wages due to mandatory quarantines
- We are thinking through other community needs and solutions. Please feel free to share what your challenges may be through the VCA Contact Us form.

Announced March 13:

The Town of Mountain Village Housing Authority is committed to providing all Village Court Apartment (VCA) residents with a safe, healthy and clean living environment. To protect our residents from the potential spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), effective immediately, VCA is prioritizing its resources to focus on enhanced cleaning and sterilization of public spaces and frequently touched items such as laundry rooms, door handles, trash receptacles, stairwells, etc.
We ask that VCA residents also do their part in protecting themselves and their community from the potential spread of the virus, by implementing these best practices:
- Submit any work orders and/or general questions by telephone or online (https://townofmountainvillage.com/community/housing/village-court-apartment-residents/). If maintenance needs to repair something in your unit, please make us aware of whether you are sick so that we can be prepared appropriately and/or if the repair can be deferred until you are well.
- We encourage you to practice social distancing. We have created a social distancing area in the VCA office to better protect VCA administrative staff.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- There may be delays in the completion of non-essential interior work orders.
- We will communicate with you in the event of office closures and alternative communication routes.
- We will communicate with you regarding any delays in the completion of non-essential interior work orders

March 26, 2020 Rent Letter from Mayor Laila Benitez Download PDF

Building and Planning Updates

The purpose of this form is to provide San Miguel County Public Health and Building Department staff with information needed to make a determination if you qualify to commence or resume activities that are allowed under the current Public Health Orders.

For projects within the Town of Mountain Village, complete the TMV form.
Job Site Check-In Form Template (XLSX)

**Note: San Miguel County has amended its current public health order. Employees and patrons of Non-Critical Businesses and employees of Field Services are no longer limited to San Miguel County residents but expanded to the following counties: San Miguel, Montrose, Ouray, Dolores, Delta, Mesa, San Juan, Montezuma, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Archuleta, Pitkin, Garfield and La Plata.

Announced March 20 from San Miguel County Public Health:

The San Miguel County Public Health Director issued a new order halting active residential and commercial construction in the county effective midnight, March 20 through May 1, 2020.

Announced March 16

Until further notice building plan submittals (online) and inspections are uninterrupted during this time. All building business, however, will be via telephone and email, no in-person meetings. We will perform inspections when requested; however, ask that we are notified in advance if anyone on the job site is sick and if so those individuals are not present during inspections.
For planning matters, you may reach Michelle or John via phone or email. There will be a delay in applications if they need to be reviewed by the DRB or the Town Council.

Road and Bridge Updates

No operational changes at this time.

Broadband and IT Services Updates

No operational changes at this time.

Parks and Recreation Updates

Announced May 18:

Mountain Village hiking and biking trails are open.
The Pryor Paddle Tennis Courts in Mountain Village are open and free to use. We would like to thank former Mayor John Pryor for this generous gift to our community.
Telluride Ski and Golf is planning to open the golf course for TSG members on June 12 and restart the Telluride Bike Park, with lift-service, on June 25. Both of these activities will have new safer distancing procedures; please be sure you are aware of them before beginning an outing.

Utilities and Trash Updates

Announced April 3:

The Telluride Regional Wastewater Plant is experiencing challenges because folks are flushing wipes and rags down the toilet. PLEASE flush ONLY toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Even if wipes say they are “flushable” they are not! Place all disinfecting wipes, sanitary wipes and rags in the trash.

Announced March 20 from Black Hills Energy:

Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is our customers, employees and communities. We are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and have measures in place to ensure we continue to serve our customers in a way that is safe for both customers and our employees. We have the privilege and responsibility of providing an essential service that our communities rely on. We are ready and committed to serving the needs of our customers today and every day.
To support our customers who may be impacted by the nation’s response to COVID-19, Black Hills Energy is temporarily suspending nonpayment disconnections for our customers. We realize that due to possible extended periods of isolation, customers may face financial hardships effecting their ability to timely pay their energy bills. We offer various assistance options to our customers such as, payment arrangements, budget billing and medical extensions. Visit www.blackhillsenergy.com for more information about these programs. Additionally, 211 is a service that connects millions of people to help with essential needs. Customers can also call our customer care specialists anytime at 1-888-890-5554.

Announced March 17

The Town will be suspending late charges on utility, Mountain Munchkin, and Village Court Apartment late accounts, starting with the upcoming billing cycle.
Staff is disinfecting trash receptacles and elevator buttons, and other frequently touched surfaces daily.

Mountain Village Business Community Updates

Announced April 20:

Remittance of sales tax owed for February through April has been suspended until the May 20, 2020 filing deadline, at which time all these back taxes are due; however interest and penalties during the deferral period will not be charged. Sales tax reports must still be filed on time.

Announced March 17:

As our community works together through the impacts of COVID-19 and this rapidly evolving situation, the Town of Mountain Village wants to remind you that we remain a resource. As pertinent information is shared, we will continue to provide you with real-time updates and materials.
Beginning Friday, March 20 the Town of Mountain Village will be forgoing penalties for any late payments on February Mountain Village sales tax owed. This will continue until further notice.
The Town will also be suspending late charges on utility, Mountain Munchkin, and Village Court Apartment late accounts, starting with the upcoming billing cycle.

Announced March 17 from Region 10:

Region 10 is working with our communities, businesses and senior services to assist with the impact of COVID 19 in our region.
FOR BUSINESS: Region 10’s Small Business Resource Center provides assistance to businesses experiencing economic distress and/or disruption with SBDC business consulting, technical assistance services, and loan fund assistance. View the information sheet regarding these and additional programs.
- Additionally, Region 10's loan program is designed specifically to assist impacted businesses with loans up to $10,000 per business with flexible terms and a 90-day initial payment deferral. This program can deploy capital to businesses for working capital or gap financing of other SBA Disaster Loan Programs that are available. For existing loan fund clients, Region 10 will offer a Loan Extension and Modification that will allow deferral of payments for up to 90 days. Businesses interested in these programs should contact Dan Scinto or 970-765-3126.
- Businesses seeking technical assistance or consulting regarding how to prepare and/or recover during an economic disruption should contact Nancy Murphy, 970-765-3130, and/or register for SBDC consulting here. Further assistance can be found in The Disaster Recovery and Continuity Guide for Colorado Businesses. Download the guide here.
- Region 10 is also working with other local and state partners for business assistance and will send more information as it becomes available.
  - Small Business Administration
    - SBA Disaster Assistance in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19):
    - The SBA Guidance for businesses and employers, including access to capital, workforce capacity, inventory and supply chain shortfalls, and export assistance.
  - Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
    - Emergency Paid Leave Rule - This rule is meant to limit the spread of highly contagious disease and enables workers in at-risk occupations to access testing.
    - Unemployment Insurance - During layoffs, all employees are encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance. Those who are job-attached (meaning workers will be expected to return after a separation of up to 16 weeks) should file as "job-attached."
    - Work-Share Program may allow certain employees who have had reduced hours to claim partial unemployment benefits.
    - Layoff/Separations
  - Other Resources

Announced March 16 from The San Miguel County Public Health Department:

The San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners today declared a state of emergency, specifically “local disaster emergency” and approved two Public Health Orders because of the impact of coronavirus is having on our county. A Local Disaster Emergency is declared when a disaster, or in this case public health crisis, has occurred or may be imminent that is severe enough to require aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship or suffering. “In making this declaration, we help free up resources, staff and have access to essential funds at the federal and state level to deal with this public health challenge, a challenge we have never faced before,” County Commissioner and Chair, Board of Health Hilary Cooper said. Public health “orders” differ from recommendations or guidelines in that they are mandated and enforceable by law. In today’s declaration, two new public health orders were issued and approved by BOCC:
- Effective immediately public gatherings are restricted to no more than 50 persons.
- Effective 3 p.m. today all businesses serving food and/or beverages (restaurants, bars) are ordered temporarily closed for 48 hours to implement issued guidelines (to safely operate). Some may choose to remain closed longer.
County Public Health Director said this is a necessary step to meet the public health needs of our community. “We certainly don’t want to overly alarm anyone with the declaration, or public health orders but rather assure people that it is in our best interests to take this next step.” Multiple local agencies have been meeting regularly and working together to strategically activate emergency response plans. “We are confident we are doing everything we can for the best containment strategies and are counting on our community, businesses, and individuals to do their part,” Dr. Sharon Grundy, County Medical Officer said.
Health officials remind everyone to practice good hygiene and:
- Dramatically limit visiting public places.
- Work from home to the extent possible.
- Only go to public places when necessary (for food or medication)
- Continue healthy, non-group activities such as walking, hiking, jogging, cycling and other activities that maintain the recommended distance from other people.
- Stay home if sick with any cough, cold or fever symptoms
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces and objects such as cell phones
- Practice social distancing staying at least 6 feet from other people
- Avoid gatherings of more than 50 people.
- If you must travel, use a private vehicle instead of transportation that puts you in contact with others.
For more information and to sign Up for Coronavirus Alerts, go to https://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov

Announced March 15 from The San Miguel County Public Health Department:

We are writing to you today with a sense of urgency to the importance of some specific guidelines for your businesses, employees and patrons. As you may know, the San Miguel County Public Health Department recently issued voluntary recommendations to cancel large events and gatherings (inside with more than 75 people; outside with more than 250 people), and for people to practice “social-distancing” staying at least six feet away from each other. Many of you heard us, complied and we thank you. However, we are aware that because restaurants and bars are still in operation, these best practices are being overlooked, even ignored in many cases. Out of credible concern for our public health, we implore you to do the following immediately:
- Cancel events with more than 75 people.
- Do not allow more than 75 people (including staff) in your restaurant or bar at any one time.
- Reconfigure tables and seating to allow for safe social-distancing (permitting people to be 6 feet from one and another).
- Refuse service and ask patrons to leave if they exhibit symptoms such as coughing.
- Encourage your employees to wash their hands with soap and water, even more frequently than usual, for at least 20 seconds at a time.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces well and frequently.
- Encourage your employees to stay home if they are sick with any cold, cough, fever or flu-like symptoms.
We are sensitive to the economic impact this virus is having and will have on your businesses and your employees. And at the same time, we need your understanding and full cooperation to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Because of the fluid nature of this situation, these and other guidelines are subject to change.
The San Miguel County Public Health Department will be hosting a review of guidance and Q & A, Monday (March 16) at 12:30 p.m. via video conferencing. Given the short notice, we will record the meeting for those who cannot attend.
- Please use the link and meeting ID below to join. To join the Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/507508050 Meeting ID: 507 508 050

Announced March 12 from The San Miguel County Public Health Department:

Based on federal and state COVID-19 (coronavirus) related guidance for all businesses, I am issuing the following recommendations for you and your employees. Effective immediately and for the next 30 days, we strongly recommend that all large events be canceled (such as concerts, plays, etc.) and that you avoid attending large-gatherings (greater than 75 people), especially if you are over 60 years of age. The Governor’s recommendation was for large groups over 100 people, but due to the confined nature of our towns and the number of visitors from outside areas, we have recommended a smaller number of 75 people max.
Also, everyone should be practicing “social-distancing,” staying at least 6 feet away from other people in social settings.
Due to forecasted coronavirus spread, you should be prepared to be without 20-25% of your staff over the next two months (whether they are sick, isolated, or quarantined).
All employers (large and small) should immediately review and update your emergency response plans and draft one if one does not exist.
- Consider initiating these steps (if not already in place) to help preserve health and maintain essential operations: a) strategically stagger shifts of essential personnel minimize unessential contact in the event one member of the team gets sick requiring the others to self-isolate, and b) train duplicate staff and/or teams in the event you lose essential staff (due to illness, self-isolation or quarantine) to continue operations.
- Review your policies for EIB and paid time off and understand that your employees may be required by law to be in self-isolation for 14 days if they meet public health criteria.
- Be aware of (changing) travel policies that could impact your employees. Employees returning from areas deemed geographically affected and therefore high risk will be subject to 14 days of self-isolation before returning to work. See this CDC link for most up to date info.
- NOTE: your local health care providers or health department will NOT be able to test your employees rapidly and clear them to return to work.
- Consider alternative work configurations to allow employees to work from home.
- Change in-person meetings to teleconferences.
- Clean all work surfaces regularly and post signs encouraging your employees to wash their hands.
- Strongly encourage and allow your employees to stay home if sick, especially with a fever or cough.
This is not time to panic, but rather I encourage you to be reasonable, diligent, and prepared.

Telluride Ski Resort Updates

Mountain Village Municipal Court

In consideration of the Coronavirus and the shelter-in-place order throughout San Miguel County and the State of Colorado, the Mountain Village Municipal Court is ordering a continuance for all court appearances scheduled for April 1, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. The new court date is set for Mat 6, 2020.

Personal Financial Resources

Business Resources

ASAP Accounting and Payroll has created a Return to Work Resource Library to help businesses comply with reopening regulations, as well as address employee concerns and needs. To get started, check out the Back-to-Work Checklist.
Join the Southwest Colorado Business Recovery Group on Facebook for resources for small businesses and information on weekly calls for our regional businesses.

Request COVID-19 Business Assistance - Navigate the Assistance Programs and Your Next Steps

If you would like direct assistance in one or more of the following areas — EIDL, PPP, unemployment, tax credits, cash flow, business modeling and/or marketing during a crisis — please complete this form and a member of the Telluride Regional Relaunch team will contact you within 24 to 48 hours to schedule a call. The Telluride Foundation created the Telluride Regional Relaunch Project to help assist businesses as they navigate programs created in responses to COVID-19.

PPE Resources for Businesses

Get PPE and other supplies for your business

Masks, Gloves and Hand Sanitizers

As businesses have begun to reopen for the summer, generous locals with connections to medical distribution manufacturing have generously offered masks and other PPE to San Miguel County for businesses to take advantage of. The supply of masks are intended to meet the demands of opening; business owners still need to be prepared to order their own PPE supplies to cover the rest of the summer. To arrange your pick up, please email Zoe or Hollie.

Mask signage available for businesses:

Please feel free to download the following posters to hang in your business reminding customers and employees of our new face covering order and the five commitments of COVID-19 containment.

Mountain Village Mask Poster Blue Download PDF Mountain Village Mask Poster White Download PDF Mountain Village Five Commitments Poster Download PDF

Stay Informed

San Miguel County Public Health Department Updates
- San Miguel County Coronavirus webpage. Find up to date info and updates
- NotifyMe. Receive County Coronavirus alerts.
- Sign up for CodeRED
Town of Mountain Village Updates
- Ready Op Notifications Text messages and/or emails sent out in cases of outages, emergencies etc
- Email Subscription Receive our newsletters, Mayor’s Minute and other news from Mountain Village
- Facebook Please follow and/or like us on the following pages where we post updates regularly:
  - Town of Mountain Village
  - Mountain Village Police Department
- Twitter
  - twitter.com/MountainVillage
  - twitter.com/TMVPolice

COVID-19

We are here to answer any questions.

Please review the information and resources below to answer many of your questions. If you still do not find your answer, please reach out to us through the form below.

Stay Informed

Other Important Resources

Informational Resources:

Financial & Food Assistance:

Important Resources for Businesses

Informational

Financial Assistance

COVID-19

We are here to answer any questions.

Please review the information and resources below to answer many of your questions. If you still do not find your answer, please reach out to us through the form below.

Stay Informed

Other Important Resources

Informational Resources:

Financial & Food Assistance:

Important Resources for Businesses

Informational

Financial Assistance

Newsletter Sign Up