COVID-2019 (Coronavirus)
The City of Brighton staff continues to be in communication with local health partners, Tri-County Health Department (TCHD), and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019).
Adams County moves to new Severe Risk Red Level
Due to rapid and widespread COVID-19 transmission, the City of Brighton will be subject to new guidelines as part of Adams County’s move to the new Red Level - Severe Risk by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Under the new guidelines, restaurants will no longer be allowed to seat patrons indoors, last call will be at 8 p.m. and bars will be closed. The new guidelines go into effect on Friday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. and ends Friday, Dec. 18. At that point, the county’s numbers will be reviewed by CDPHE to make further determinations.
For the full list of restrictions, click here.
[Background: On April 26, the Tri-County Health Department extended the Stay-at-Home order to May 8 for Adams and Arapahoe counties, citing an effort to stem the on-going high level of COVID-19 virus infection in the counties. On May 9, the City of Brighton transitioned from Stay-at-Home to the state’s Safer-at-Home guidelines. The change in order means in addition to essential services like hospitals and grocery stores, many non-critical businesses, like retail shops, are able to operate in limited capacity in accordance with the state’s Safer-at-Home order.]
Face Coverings
On July 16, Gov. Polis announced a statewide mandate requiring Coloradans 11 years and older to wear a covering over their noses and mouths when entering or moving within any public indoor space. This mandate excludes people 10 years and younger or those who can’t medically tolerate a face covering. This is in effect for 30 days and could be extended.
Where to get COVID-19 Testing
BRIGHTON:
Riverdale Regional Park (9755 Henderson Rd.), Brighton, CO | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays (through Dec. 5)
- No cost, drive-up rapid nasal swab testing for residents who reside within a Brighton zip code and/or employees of a Brighton business who are currently working within the City of Brighton (testing available for first 200 cars per testing day)
- Documentation will be required (i.e. an ID card, utility bill, etc. for residents and a paycheck stub, work badge, etc. for employees)
- If you have questions regarding the testing, please call 303-655-2180
Salud Family Health Clinic | 1860 Egbert St., Brighton, CO | 1 - 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (weather/staff permitting)
- Free testing
- For residents with or without insurance (no co-pay required)
- Requires online registration & scheduling for each person (up to 2 days in advance) https://www.saludtesting.com/
- Closed 11/26, 11/27
Advanced Urgent Care | 2801 Purcell St., Brighton, CO | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 7 days a week
- Drive-thru testing
- Requires an appointment for testing via an online visit or by phone at 303-558-0509
- Accepts most insurance for these tests or offers reduced pricing for self-pay
ADAMS COUNTY:
Water World | 8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights | 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. through September (through Dec. 31)
- Up to 1,500 tests will be administered each day
- Free to get tested; No ID card, social security number or proof of insurance required to get a test
- Registration is not required, but visitors are strongly encouraged to pre-register here
The MAC Recreation Center | 3295 W. 72nd Ave., Westminster, CO | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Aug. 13, 20, 27 (Thursdays)
- Registration is not required, no cost for the rapid test for uninsured residents
- First-come, first-served basis
- Results expected within 15 minutes of test
Former Adams County Human Services Building | 7190 Colorado Blvd., Commerce City, CO | 2 - 7 p.m. on Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28 (Fridays)
- Registration is not required, no cost for the rapid test for uninsured residents
- First-come, first-served basis
- Results expected within 15 minutes of test
Generally, if someone is experiencing symptoms and may need a COVID-19 test, they should contact their primary care provider first and get tested at a community testing site. A comprehensive list of statewide community testing sites can be found here.
For a list of TCHD testing sites and information, click here.
Closures/Reopenings
City Hall: Brighton City Hall will remain closed to the public except for by appointment only to limit contact. To make an appointment, contact the department or employee you wish to meet with or call 303-655-2000. Residents may also visit www.brightonco.gov for many online services.
To ensure the safety of our employees and visitors, anyone entering city facilities are required to wear a face covering while in public areas, take their temperature upon entering city buildings and practice social distancing measures where appropriate. Any persons registering a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius will not be allowed in. Contact tracing will be done for every employee who tests positive for COVID-19.
Additionally, the city has taken precautionary measures to safeguard residents and visitors including sneeze guards at all customer services counters, increased sanitation and disinfection practices with EPA and CDC approved disinfectants, extra towels and spray disinfectants in communal spaces, and providing face coverings for visitors to the building if needed. Many departments are offering the opportunity to make advance appointments to eliminate waiting and lines, and many services are still available online.
Brighton Recreation Center: The Brighton Recreation Center is open to the public under Level 3:Safer at Home guidelines. This means the Rec Center may operate at 25% capacity, not to exceed 25 patrons, whichever is less, per room indoors or per activity or area outdoors. Temperature taking and masks (per the state mandate) is required of employees, staff, and visitors who come into the facility. Those who register results of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will have to re-test or return on a later date and test again. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 12 - 4 p.m. Sundays. The Rec Center is closed twice daily for cleanings. For more information, call 303-655-2200.
Parks and playgrounds: City parks and playgrounds and their amenities are now open to the public. According to state guidelines, playgrounds are permitted to have up to 10 people at a time. The City posted new signage at playgrounds to remind individuals of COVID-19-related health and safety measures. More here
Outdoor sport facilities for individual use (i.e. fields and tennis, basketball, and pickle ball courts): May be open to 25 people at a time per court or field. More here
City-owned parks and trails: Open, but visitors must follow social distancing guidelines of six feet between individuals and are restricted to groups of 10 or less.
Dog parks: Open, but pet owners are encouraged to wear face coverings and practice social distancing in those spaces.
Restaurants: Per state guidelines, restaurants may operate at 25-percent of the posted occupancy limit indoors not to exceed 50 people excluding staff (whichever is less) per room Outdoor dine-in service is encouraged. Restaurants must limit party size to six people or less from no more than two households. Restaurants are encouraged to place a time limit on diners in order to maximize table turnover during hours of operation. To help maximize the number of patrons possible at each establishment, the City of Brighton is dedicated to working with restaurants, providing specific guidelines for those looking to temporarily expand operations safely and timely into adjacent areas including parking lots - details here.
Youth sporting events: Per state guidelines, spectators are prohibited at all sporting events including Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) sanctioned sporting events.
Facilities that remain closed until further guidance due to state public health orders include the Eagle View Adult Center (1150 Prairie Center Pkwy.) and The Armory Performing Arts Center (300 Strong St.).
The Brighton Police Department remains open. Essential public safety services will continue and measures are in place to continue non-emergency operations.
Data: Case counts, mapping, and more
Case reporting by Municipality: https://data.tchd.org/covid19/municipality/
To view case data for Adams County, visit Tri-County Health Department’s website.
To view statewide data, visit the state’s website.
To view COVID-19 cases by neighborhood and testing: https://tchdgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bcf71927e04c43dcaa4d52b445ada60e
To see COVID-19 levels by county:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid-19-dial/covid-19-dial-dashboard?fbclid=IwAR27UwTyCOp_-exuJBLp0U7fuWIQH6q0xN2dLSJqMOIB1vm7XtasdRsnZNM
To learn about TCHD's "Practice Safe Six" campaign, go to www.tchd.org/practicesafesix, https://www.tchd.org/834/Partner-Communication-Resources
Questions?
Please call us at 303-655-2000.
Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public
To help answer questions about COVID-2019, the CDPHE has set up a Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (CO HELP) at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. Interpretation is available in many languages including Spanish, Mandarin, and more.
COVID-19 and Water/Wastewater Treatment
Regarding COVID-19 and the city’s water and wastewater operations, coronavirus has no impact on the quality or supply of your tap water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low and Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual.
As required for all municipal water systems, the treatment processes used at the Water Treatment Facility removes or destroys 99.99% of all viruses.
For more information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s COVID-19 and drinking water web page.
News Releases
To view current news releases, go here.
COVID-19 Assistance Programs
For all current COVID-19 grants and resources, go to www.brightonco.gov/covid-19assistance.
For Residents: Household Rent and Mortgage Grant, Testing Reimbursement Grant, Child Care Assistance, etc.
For Businesses: City of Brighton Business Water and Sewer Grant, Grants for Businesses With Under 50 Employees, etc.
For Nonprofits and Community Groups: Colorado Assistance Fund
If you have any questions about these assistance programs, City Staff are ready to help, free of cost. Contact Cindy Steele at csteele@brightonco.gov or 303-655-2276.
Additional Resources
Below is reliable and up-to-date information to help you stay informed about the virus:
Safety Tips
Residents are strongly advised to continue staying at home, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (this includes people with underlying medical issues and those 65 and older). People who go out in public are urged to continue to take the following preventative measures:
Wear a face covering
Maintain six feet of distance from others
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate yourself and contact your doctor
If you are sick, stay home
Limit non-essential travel
Here are more preventative actions recommended by the CDC - Protect yourself and others.