Douglas County today revealed a framework for reopening the County’s economy, developed in collaboration with the Tri-County Health Department, who applauded the approach for accentuating the need to pair the plan with an effective public health strategy.
The plan, first presented to Tri-County Health Department Director, John Douglas, M.D., was accompanied by a letter, signed by the Board of County Commissioners, five municipal mayors, Executive Director of Douglas County Libraries, the Highlands Ranch Community Association CEO, and the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District general manager, asking the Director to support the County plan. The letter also asks the Director to advocate to the Governor and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) that a statewide plan for reducing social distancing public health orders include the option for individual Counties and regions to select approaches that are suited to the context of their locations as long as core public health parameters can be assured.
The Douglas County framework includes five key principles that inform the three-phased plan:
- Access to effective and efficient antibody testing methods
- Recommended individual use of non-medical face-coverings in public settings
- Close and constant collaboration with hospitals
- Support for personal responsibility (social distancing and other preventive actions) including supports for high risk populations to remain in safe environments; and
- Review of business conditions, return to work, and other community influences
With each phase of the plan, the framework requires attention to improving measures of the epidemic and maintenance of core public health efforts, as well as substantial compliance with the principle factors in order to move to the next phase.
“This collaborative approach to local governance is a great model for the road to recovery and I look forward to continued partnership with Douglas County officials on this solution which promotes economic recovery while assuring appropriate public health measures and progress,” said Dr. Douglas.
“There has never been a more important moment in our state’s history for counties, municipalities and local health departments to engage in a consistent, unified approach, working in consultation with the Governor and CDPHE, on the framework for Colorado’s recovery from this pandemic,” said Roger Partridge, County Commissioner and Board Chair, on behalf of the Board.
| Media Contacts: Wendy M. Holmes, APR Douglas County Government 303-880-7785 phone/text wholmes@douglas.co.us |
Becky O’Guin Tri-County Health Department 720-200-1554 boguin@tchd.org |
Be among the first to receive news as it happens. Sign up here and select your specific news focus and delivery preferences.