Mask Protocol Implemented for Inside City Facilities; Public Meetings to be Virtual-Only Participation
Due to the high level of COVID-19 cases in neighboring Eagle and Pitkin counties and the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, Glenwood Springs City Manager Debra Figueroa issued an order for all City facilities that requires all staff and visitors to wear surgical-style masks while indoors effective immediately through January 2022. This protocol includes the indoor areas of City Hall, the Community Center, the Recycle Center and the South Canyon Landfill. Masks are available at the entrances of City Hall and the Community Center.
January Public Meetings
Additionally, all City public meetings with more than 10 people will be held via virtual conference only for the month of January. This includes City Council and all City board and commission meetings. The public can find conference call information on the agendas for each meeting, which are posted at City Hall and online at www.cogs.us. Public meetings can be attended via Zoom or by calling in with the conference information.
Municipal Court
All January Court Dates will be by phone. Defendants should call in beginning at 7:45 a.m. on their scheduled court date to 970-384-6530. If the lines are busy, please hang up and keep trying as the lines may get backed up. Defendants are still required to appear by phone, on their scheduled Court date and must call in as the Municipal Court will not call you on your Court Date. If you need to discuss your Case or Court Date, please contact the Court prior to the Court Date.
Operational Changes
According to public health officials, the Omicron variant is more contagious than any previous variant and is now the leading form of COVID-19 in the U.S.
“By requiring surgical masks indoors and shifting public meetings to a virtual format, we are aiming to create a safer environment in our civic spaces for our neighbors and employees and to help minimize further staffing crunches and gaps in services,” said Figueroa. “We are expecting that there will be some impacts to the level of City services and at times it may be difficult to keep up with snow plowing and other City business at our normal pace. We respectfully ask for patience as our community weathers the effects of this wave.”
The City facility mask protocol, virtual public meetings, and Municipal Court by phone operational changes will be evaluated in January.
The City would like to strongly recommend that businesses and other entities follow best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Masks, frequent handwashing and staying at home if sick are effective strategies to help reduce spreading illness. Testing is available at multiple locations through Roaring Fork, including: free COVID testing, state testing site in Rifle on Sundays 12 – 4 p.m. at 195 W. 14th St., at medical provider offices throughout Garfield County, and for purchase at big box stores.
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