I understand Durangoans’ frustration about safer-at-home orders and the apparent contradictions with Colorado’s varying response to lifting restrictions.
There is a wide disparity between what is allowed in one area of the state with the same activity banned in another. There doesn’t seem to be a statewide standard for whether businesses can reopen.
Considering variances is taking way too long, creating confusion and needless delays. If indoor restaurant dining is now allowed with social distancing, how is that safer than sitting outdoors in a (currently closed) hot springs with social distancing? Are rafting trips on the Animas River more risky than rafting trips on the (now open) Arkansas? When I posed these questions to San Juan Basin Public Health, it fell back on state guidelines and said “not allowed.” No explanation.
If there truly are risks in reopening certain businesses, please tell them promptly what they are so they can address them or remain closed. When you don’t provide up-to-date information, or a rationale for decision-making, misinformation rushes in to fill the gaps.
Jeff GreerPagosa Springs
