How is the Coronavirus affecting attractions in Colorado Springs

**Colorado has issued a mandatory mask order for all indoor public spaces for everyone over 10 years old.  Some attractions require masks for visitors as young as 2, and many require them in outdoor areas as well.  See below for details.**

Coronavirus in Colorado Springs and What to Expect

2020 has definitely changed the way a lot of people are doing business, but change is part of the natural order for humans.  We adapt and we keep on keepin’ on!  Here at Pikes Peak Region Attractions Association, we want to be sure you know what to expect.  Surprises aren’t always fun, especially when you’re on vacation.

Let me start by saying this, all the new regulations that have been put in place were done so to 1. keep our visitors and employees healthy and safe. 2. they were required for our attractions to reopen.  We know there are a lot of people who don’t agree with the safety guidelines put in place for 2020.  And we know there are plenty of others who think the guidelines should be a lot more strict.  We don’t get in the middle of that stuff.  Period.  All of the guidelines enacted by our attractions were done so by order of our governor and the local health department.  We HAVE to follow these guidelines in order to open our doors.  Please play along.  Consider the PEOPLE behind each one of these locally owned businesses.  Consider the PEOPLE behind the counter who are trying to earn a living.  And consider the other PEOPLE who are visiting and may be nervous about the virus.

Okay, lecture over.  Now let’s give you the skinny on what to expect and where.

Masks and Facial Coverings

Our governor has issued a statewide mandate that masks be worn in all indoor public spaces by everyone over 10.  It is common practice, (and common courtesy) to wear them outdoors when you’re not able to keep distance from other visitors as well.  This includes parking lots, hiking trails, or even city sidewalks where you’re passing others.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: some of our attractions require masks at a younger age.  Please see the table below for each attraction’s requirements.

Other safety precautions to keep in mind:

Exposure Notifications

One of the easiest ways you can help slow the spread of COVID-19 is right in your pocket!  CO Exposure Notifications is a free and voluntary service available on both Google and Apple devices that can notify you of possible exposure.  Go to the State’s website for more info.  Exposure Notifications.

Social Distancing

Expect to keep some distance between your group and others nearby.  A minimum of 6 feet is required between social groups (families or small groups of people who regularly socialize with each other.) All of our attractions are at a limited capacity this year to help with social distancing.  Please help them out with a little patience and some space between you and your fellow travelers.

Check-in

Some of our attractions will be gathering contact info from a designated person for each group.  This is a safety precaution in case there are any virus concerns that they need to let you know about.  That contact info will be saved for up to 15 days.

Many attractions are encouraging people to buy tickets ahead of time so there’s less interaction at the front gate.  You can find tickets for many of them here: Online Tickets.

You can also expect to see plexiglass between you and the folks behind the counter at a number of places.  Physical barriers are another requirement of our local health departments.

A few are even taking temperatures before you’re allowed to participate.  Expect this on some activities where you’ll be near other visitors for an extended period of time.

Wash Your Hands!

Expect to see hand sanitizer and even portable hand washing stations all over the place.  Wash them early, wash them often.  It’s the simplest thing you can do to keep us all happy and healthy.

Those are the basics of what to expect in the Pikes Peak region this summer.  You can also check out which attractions are currently open, places to order take out, or our virtual itinerary if you’re just not ready to head out into the big wide world yet.  

Recommendations for keeping you and your family healthy:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• PLEASE stay home if you are sick
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly 
• Masks are required in all indoor public spaces in the state of Colorado and many outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible.
• Practice social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet between you and other people.

Many of our attractions have been around for multiple generations.  We’ve survived fires, floods and recessions and we’ll get through this too with your help! Thank you for your patience and grace at this time.  We’re all in this together!

Other helpful links for more information about COVID-19:

• City of Colorado Springs Office of Emergency Management
• Visit Colorado’s Statement on COVID-19
• CDC’s Statement on the Novel Coronavirus