Colorado Churches, Playgrounds, Gyms Can Open Under New Order

Churches, gyms, playgrounds and pools can reopen in Colorado under new safety guidelines, Gov. Jared Polis announced Thursday. The re-openings are part of the state's new phase: 'Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors.'

The new phase, effective immediately, offers new guidelines for places of worship, personal recreation and outdoor recreation.

Many restrictions have been eased, but still urge social distancing, face coverings, frequent cleaning and the avoidance of large gatherings.

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• Places of Worship guidelines
• Personal Recreation guidelines (gyms, pools, playgrounds, organized sports, etc.)
• Outdoor Recreation guidelines

Colorado's new order also encourages people over 65, and those with underlying health conditions, to enjoy nature while following social distancing guidelines.

"Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to enjoy our vast, great outdoors. While we are all still safer at home, we are also able to practice greater social distancing in our great outdoors than in confined indoor spaces," Polis said in a statement released Monday.

"It may feel like we are getting back to normal, but the virus is still here, and it could surge back the moment we let our guard down. We are still far from normal," Polis said.

"Coloradans have to remain diligent, and must continue staying home or in the great outdoors away from others as much as possible, wearing masks when we leave the house, and washing our hands."