Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Critical Information:

  • General questions can be directed to the La Plata County call center at (970) 382-6205. All medical testing questions need to be deferred to your primary care physician.
  • To report a violation against the stay at home order, report an incident here, or call 1-833-682-6383 
  • April 3 - The City of Durango has modified the procedure for public participation/comments for public meetings. View the news release for full details.
  • April 3 - The third Community Update: Coronvirus (COVID-19) video has been released.
  • April 1 - San Juan Basin Public Health is recommending safely covering your face with a bandana or homemade cotton face covering when leaving your home for essential travel.
  • What the mandatory stay-at-home order means for Durango residents: 
    • This is an executive order from the Governor, which means it’s the law of Colorado. 
      • It is illegal to break the law.
    • Do not leave your homes except for critical activities including: 
      • Obtaining food and other household necessities including medicine, cannabis, and liquor. 
      • Going to and from work if you are a critical employee (definitions in FAQ below).
      • Seeking medical care. 
      • Caring for dependents or pets. 
      • Caring for a vulnerable person in another location. 
    • City of Durango open space, parks and trails are NOT CLOSED.
    • Residents are encouraged to continue hiking, biking, and running, however, you must maintain the legally-mandated safe distance of six feet or more from others while participating in outdoor recreation.  
    • The skate park, playgrounds, picnic areas, and other similar public gathering areas are CLOSED. 
    • School District 9R facilities and parks are CLOSED.
    • Fort Lewis College recreational facilities including Durango Softball Complex, Smith Sports Complex and the tennis courts are CLOSED.
    • Critical business for the the City of Durango includes:  
      • Running government operations 
      • Essential travel on Durango Transit
      • Providing water, wastewater, trash, and recycling services 
      • Maintaining streets 
      • Spring Cleanup is NOT CANCELED
      • Public safety (police/fire/EMS/911) 
    • Read the full order here. Read the FAQ here. Read the public health order here. Watch the press conference here.
  • City of Durango service and meeting adjustments:
    • Public meeting procedures have been adjusted. Starting April 3rd, community members need to add their comments to an agenda item via email. Get all the details in the full news release here. 
    • All City of Durango facilities are closed to public access. For a complete list of closures and meeting adjustments, please view the full news release here.
    • The Utilities Dept needs to remind residents that options other than toilet paper should NOT be flushed down toilets. Paper towels, napkins and "flushable" wipes contribute to potential sewer backups into homes, streets. More details at the full news release here.
    • Durango Public Library is closed to public access, but is now offering La Plata County residents an Instant Digital Library Card. More details at DurangoGov.org/Library
    • Durango Transit limiting each bus and trolley to a maximum of 10 passengers. For more information please call (970) 375-4901 or visit DurangoGov.org/Transit
    • Physical visits to the Community Development office at River City Hall have been suspended until further notice. More details at DurangoGov.org/ComDev
    • The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) terminal facilities are open. Commercial airline flights to and from DRO are operating per normal schedules. More details at FlyDurango.com
    • City water, sewer, trash and recycling service will continue, and late fees will be waived on city utility bills for through April 30, 2020. For more information, please call Customer Service at (970) 375-5034.
    • Free parking at some meters downtown for curbside food pickup.

QUICK LINKS

  1. Community Resources
  2. COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 How You Can Help graphic

How social distancing works:

Covid-19-Transmission-graphic

Additional details

Please continue to scroll down this page for complete details on City of Durango updates in chronological order, starting with the most recent at the top.

April 3, 2020 8:00am

Public Meeting Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency and the Governor’s stay-at-home order, the City of Durango will adjust upcoming public meeting procedures. Starting April 7, and lasting until further notice, community members wishing to add their comments to an agenda item can submit an email with their comments no later than noon the day of the meeting. The email should contain the corresponding agenda item in the subject line, and the sender’s full name and address should be included for the record. If comment by email is not possible, comments may also be placed in the drop box located in front of City Hall (949 E. 2nd Ave) no later than noon the day of the meeting.

Comments directed at a legislative public hearing subject will be read into the record as part of the hearing process. All other comments will be made available to the council, board, or commission within a reasonable time. A list of emails is below:

The April 7th regular City Council meeting can be viewed live, starting at 6:30 p.m., on Durango Government Television (DGOV) on Spectrum cable channel 191 or 981, over-the-air with an antenna on channel 10.1, or streaming online at DurangoGov.org/DGOV or Facebook.com/CityofDurango. All boards and commissions meetings will continue to be audio only, and can be accessed at DurangoGov.org/meetings and then clicking the “view media” link next to the appropriate agenda.

The City appreciates your understanding as we implement mitigation efforts to increase social distancing due to COVID-19 in accordance with best practices recommended by San Juan Basin Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

April 1, 2020 3:30pm

No Library Card? No Problem

The Durango Public Library is now offering La Plata County residents an Instant Digital Library Card. Residents who haven’t had a chance to get a physical library card can still access the Library’s collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks by obtaining the digital card.

To get your instant digital card, download the Libby app to your mobile phone or tablet. Follow the short set up instructions, and you’ll soon be ready to start checking out Durango Public Library’s digital eBooks and eAudio. For more information, go to DurangoGov.org/library or email reference@durangogov.org 

March 26, 2020 5:30pm

City Reminds Residents to Flush Only Toilet Paper, Be Mindful of Water Use

With the recent "run" on toilet paper, people have been resourceful regarding personal hygiene. The City Utilities Department reminds residents that options other than toilet paper should not be flushed down toilets. Utilities staff have observed more paper products in the waste stream and have increased efforts to clean lines. That alone, however, will not prevent backups and overflows.

Paper towels, napkins and "flushable" wipes do not degrade in water like toilet paper. These types of materials contribute to potential sewer backups into homes, streets and potentially local waterways. The most likely place for a backup will be in a resident’s home, but build-up of paper can also cause problems within sewer mains and at the water reclamation facility. Backups and treatment costs related to flushed paper products, as well as grease and other items washed down drains, can be both unpleasant and costly to a resident and the community.

With increased emphasis on hand washing, residents are also asked to be aware of water use. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for hand washing is essential and can be done without wasting water. After wetting your hands, turn off the tap while you apply soap, lather and scrub for 20 seconds. Turn the tap back on to rinse. Taking these steps can save a significant amount of water and contributes to responsible management of water resources.

Don't flush wipes

March 24, 2020 4:15pm

City of Durango Issues Stay-at-Home Advisory

Interim City Manager Amber Blake, pursuant to the emergency declaration related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis, is adopting and supporting the recent stay-at-home advisory issued by San Juan Basin Public Health. This advisory will help mitigate the presence of COVID-19 in Durango as an imminent threat to public health of Durango residents and visitors. 

“The City of Durango is hopeful that the Governor of Colorado will issue a stay-at-home order so the entire state will have the same requirements,” said Blake. “This is critical for the compliance of how we need to operate to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure there is a uniform understanding of what people should be doing and should not be doing.”

“This decision was not made lightly, but we need to do everything we can to keep our community safe during this public health emergency,” said Blake.

March 23, 2020 6:00pm

Library Suspends Curbside Services

Due to the stay-at-home advisory issued by San Juan Basin Public Health, the Durango Public Library will be suspending curbside services, effective immediately. Library staff will continue to answer calls at (970) 375-3380 and emails at reference@DurangoGov.org.

As always, eMaterials are available 24/7. Visit DurangoGov.org/library and click on Online Resources to access them with a library card. Remember:

  • The Library is eliminating late fees. If you are sick, do not worry about returning your materials. Your health is of the utmost importance!
  • Patrons may continue to return materials at the outdoor materials return, either through the automated system or the manual materials return. Please keep board games and ukuleles at home until the Library re-opens.
  • The Library has suspended borrowing of Inter-Library Loan items. Many libraries across the nation have closed and borrowing materials from elsewhere is not possible at this time.
  • The Library cannot accept donations of materials until we re-open. Please do not leave boxes outside the Library doors.

Contact Library Director Sandy Irwin at (970) 375-3389 or Sandy.Irwin@durangogov.org with questions.

March 18, 2020 5:00pm

City of Durango to Host Community Update: COVID-19 Video Series

The City of Durango will broadcast a Community Update video series about recent changes in our region due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) starting on Friday, March 20, 2020. Interim City Manager Amber Blake will host and guests from various Southwest Colorado organizations will call in virtually to give updates.

Friday’s guests will include Durango Mayor Melissa Youssef, County Manager Chuck Stevens, County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt, and Liane Jollon, Executive Director of San Juan Basin Public Health. “This is a great opportunity for our community to get important updates from these sources,” Blake said. “Durango Government Television is a community asset, especially in critical situations, and we want to utilize it as much as possible.”

Community Update: COVID-19 will be pre-recorded on Fridays then broadcast and posted on outlets including:

March 18, 2020 11:30am

Service Adjustment Updates Related to COVID-19 Mitigation Effort

The Durango City Council met yesterday in an open virtual meeting and adopted Resolution 2020-07, which ratified the Interim City Manager’s Declaration of a Local Emergency (Declaration 2020-01, issued on March 16, 2020) and consented to continue the Declaration for so long as is necessary as determined by the Interim City Manager or the City Council in order to mitigate the presence of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Durango as an imminent threat to public health of Durango residents and visitors.  

The City of Durango will continue to make service adjustments while coordinating with San Juan Basin Public Health and La Plata County to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These efforts reduce close contact between people to reduce community transmission of the virus. All essential functions will continue to operate as usual including Administration, Public Safety (Police and 911-Dispatching), Water and Wastewater, Airport, and Trash and Recycling pickup. Effective March 18 through May 10, 2020, the following City services will be modified:

Durango Transit Service

Durango Transit will be limiting each bus and trolley to a maximum of 10 passengers in order to limit exposure between passengers and transit operators. Citizens are asked to limit Transit rides to only essential trips, such as medical needs, groceries, or work. Anyone exhibiting illness symptoms will not be allowed to ride the Transit system.

Durango Transit is taking additional measures to keep vehicles clean and passengers healthy. All Durango Transit buses are being cleaned every day with disinfectant. Staff are wiping down seats, steering wheels, handles, buckles, stop request pull cords, and other high-touch areas. For more information about Durango Transit, please call (970) 375-4901 or visit DurangoGov.org/Transit

Central Business District Parking

During the statewide closure of seated dining at restaurants, and to encourage supporting local businesses that offer curbside food pickup, the City of Durango Parking Division has placed free parking signs at some meters in the Central Business District. In addition, the commercial loading zones can be used for pickup as well, limited to 10 minutes. We ask for the community to use these free parking spaces on the honor system, and only for this intended purpose. For additional parking information, please call (970) 375-4960 or visit DurangoGov.org/Parking 

Community Development

Physical visits to the Community Development office at River City Hall (1235 Camino del Rio) have been suspended until further notice. We will continue accepting and processing applications for permits and development approvals, but all application submittals must be done digitally. If you have a project or permit currently in process, you may continue corresponding with the staff member you’ve been working with via email.

If you have a new inquiry, please use the following resources:  

Applications shall be submitted to staff digitally. If paper plans are required by the City, or to drop off mylars, etc., there is a drop-box located at the front door of River City Hall. Please call the main line at (970) 375-4850 before dropping off anything in that box. Payments for applications and permits will be accepted over the main line. Physical payments will also be accepted at City drop-box locations conveniently located at City Hall (949 E. 2nd Avenue), the Post Office (222 W. 8th Street), and Durango Public Library (1900 E. 3rd Avenue), and should be addressed to the Community Development Department and include a detailed description of the project. All approved permits will be emailed to customers. 

All building and engineering inspections are continuing as usual by appointment only.  For a building inspection, please call (970) 375-4852. For an engineering inspection, please call (970) 375-4861. 

The City appreciates your understanding as we implement mitigation efforts to increase social distancing due to the Coronavirus in accordance with best practices recommended by San Juan Basin Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Everyone plays a role in staying healthy and protecting others. Follow San Juan Basin Public Health’s recommendations about proper hygiene and preventing the spread of illnesses, including COVID-19:

  • Don’t shake hands or hug. Instead, bump fists or elbows.
  • Increase distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread.
  • Consider whether you want to take a trip or attend public gatherings.
  • Follow CDC guidelines on travel.
  • If there is ongoing spread in your community, consider reducing the number of large group gatherings or activities. (As of 3/13/20, Governor Polis has ordered cancellation of any events of over 250 people in the state of Colorado.)
  • Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places if school is closed.
  • If you are sick, stay home or get treatment from your doctor (call ahead), and stay away from others.
  • If you are well, stay away from others who are sick.

If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed, SJBPH is recommending self-quarantine or isolation, to reduce spread of the virus. If your symptoms are severe, call your doctor, or call ahead to Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department at (970) 247-4311, to let them know you are coming.

Other helpful resources include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the CDC and the COHelp line at 877-462-2911.

March 16, 2020 4:30pm

Additional City Facility Closures and Service Adjustments

As a proactive mitigation effort, the City of Durango is coordinating with San Juan Basin Public Health and La Plata County to ensure our staff and community members are protected against the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The measures specified below align with social distancing guidelines from SJBPH and they are the most effective strategy against the spread of COVID-19. These efforts reduce close contact between people to reduce community transmission of the virus. All essential functions will continue to operate as usual including Administration, Public Safety (Police and 911-Dispatching), Water and Wastewater, Airport, Trash and Recycling pickup, and Transit Services. Effective March 17 through May 10, 2020, the following City facilities will be closed to public access and services will be modified:

City Hall - 949 East Second Avenue 

  • Closed to public access
  • Online Payments for the following: Business License Renewals, Utility Bills, Accounts receivable, Records Request, Municipal Courts, Parking Tickets, K-9 Donations are available at DurangoGov.org/Payments
  • Payments in person will not be accepted, however, drop-box locations are conveniently located at City Hall (949 E. 2nd Avenue), Post Office (222 W. 8th Street), and Durango Public Library (1900 E. 3rd Avenue)

Carnegie Building – 1188 East Second Avenue 

  • Closed to public access

Transit Center – 250 West 8th Street 

  • Transit Center lobby closed to public access
  • Transit routes will operate regularly
  • Parking Tickets can be paid online at DurangoGov.org/Payments or at drop-box locations conveniently located at City Hall (949 E. 2nd Avenue), Post Office (222 W. 8th Street), and Durango Public Library (1900 E. 3rd Avenue)
  • Road Runner Transit and Bustang service information can be found at RoadRunnerStagelines.com

Police - 990 East Second Avenue 

  • Police Department lobby closed to public access 
  • Any person requesting services at the Police Department will be screened through Central Dispatch or a list of phone numbers and services will be posted on the door
  • Online reporting and phone reports will be encouraged for certain Police reports, more information is available at DurangoGov.org/Police
  • Finger printing services will be canceled except for very limited emergency mandates
  • The 23rd session of the Citizens Police Academy is postponed
  • All Ride-alongs are canceled
  • All building and facility tours are canceled
  • Any property releases need to be scheduled ahead of time, please call (970) 375-4748

City Operations – 105 Sawyer Drive 

  • Service Center in Bodo closed to public access
  • Trash and Recycling will be collected as regularly scheduled
  • Spring Cleanup will be conducted as scheduled
  • Recycle Center (710 Tech Center Drive) drop off is closed to the public. All tours have been canceled. The glass drop-off is open to the public

Utilities – 105 Sawyer Drive

  • College Mesa Water Treatment Plant – Restricted public access, no tours or other elective access will be provided.
  • Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility – Restricted public access, no tours or other elective access will be provided
  • Water meter sales will continue as usual
  • Utility bill payments will be accepted by phone at (844) 329-9562 or online DurangoGov.org/Payments
  • With the recent increased demands on toilet paper, people may become resourceful where it comes to wiping and flushing. City of Durango Utilities reminds everyone that the only materials that should be flushed are toilet paper and human waste. Contrary to the notion of “flushable wipes” these items do not disintegrate in the waste stream, are a large contributor to clogs both in service lines and sewer mains and are required to be removed and be disposed of as solid waste.

River City Hall -1235 Camino del Rio

  • Closed to public access
  • For general questions Community Development questions call (970) 375-4850 or email City staff you have been working with
  • Payments for Land Use Applications will be accepted over the phone. Physical payments will be accepted at the drop-box locations conveniently located at City Hall (949 E. 2nd Avenue), Post Office (222 W. 8th Street), and Durango Public Library (1900 E. 3rd Avenue)
  • All permits will be emailed to customers

Parks and Recreation – 2700 Main Avenue

  • Durango Community Recreation Center closed to public access
  • All Recreation Center meeting reservations are canceled through May 10, 2020.
  • Recreation staff will be contacting all meeting room reservations about a refund or a credit for future use
  • Chapman Hill closed to public access
  • Durango Gymnastics closed to public access
  • Moore Parks Shop at Greenmount Cemetery closed to public access
  • Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area closed to public access
  • All recreation programs canceled through May 10
  • All Park Permits canceled through May 10
  • Greenmount Cemetery, City parks and trails will operate as normal
  • Funeral services must be coordinated in advance with Greenmount Cemetery, call (970) 375-7380
  • Call the Administrative Office at (970) 375-7321 or by email at rec@durangogov.org for additional information

Durango-La Plata County Airport – 1000 Airport Road

  • The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) terminal facilities are open. Commercial airline flights to and from DRO are operating per normal schedules. Passengers affected by any international travel restrictions or who are contemplating adjusting their travel plans should contact their airline for the latest information about their flights. The airport encourages all travelers to review the Centers for Disease Control website to learn more about travel recommendations.
  • Airport Administration office closed to public access. Any person requesting services at the airport can choose from a list of phone numbers and services posted on the door or on the website.
  • The Airport Fire Station closed to public access.  Any person requesting services at the airport can choose from a list of phone numbers and services posted on the door.
  • For more information about the airport, please visit FlyDurango.com

Durango Public Library - 1900 E 3rd Ave - (970) 375-3380

  • Closed to public access
  • All public programs are canceled, including the Literary Festival with Lisa See and all associated events. The Literary Festival will be rescheduled for a later date. Once the Library re-opens, people can obtain refunds from the Friends of the Library for the Local Author Showcase.
  • All meeting room reservations are canceled through May 10, 2020. Library staff will be contacting all meeting room reservations about a refund or a credit for future use.
  • Durango Public Library will offer limited services to the public during the closure. Visit our website at DurangoGov.org/Library for more information.
    • Library staff will continue to take calls and answer questions. Staff will answer phones Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Patrons who have items on hold that arrive during the closure can call to arrange curbside pick-up.
    • Need more materials? Call (970) 375-3380 or mail reference@DurangoGov.org
    • for curbside service. Staff will select up to 10 items and deliver them at the front of the Library in a reusable shopping bag donated by Friends of the Durango Public Library.
    • As always, eMaterials are available 24/7. Visit DurangoGov.org/Library and click on Online Resources to access them with a library card.
    • The Library is eliminating all late fees. Individuals who are sick do not need worry about returning materials.
    • Patrons may continue to return materials at the outdoor materials return, either through the automated system or the manual materials return. Please keep board games and ukuleles at home until the Library re-opens.
    • The Library must suspend borrowing Inter-Library Loan items. Many libraries across the nation are closing and borrowing materials from elsewhere is not possible.
    • The Library cannot accept donations of materials until we re-open. Please do not leave boxes outside Library doors.

Meeting Cancelations 

The following public meetings and events are canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date:

  • 3/17: Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • 3/18: LUDC Board of Adjustments meeting at 4:00 p.m.
  • 3/19: Airport Commission meeting at 3:00 p.m.
  • 3/23: Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • 3/24: City Council Study Session and Boards and Commissions Interviews at 4:00 p.m.
  • 3/24: Durango Local Licensing Authority at 2:00 p.m.
  • 3/25: Multimodal Advisory Board meeting at 4:00 p.m.
  • 3/25: Historic Preservation Board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
  • 3/30: Mason Center Park Community Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
  • 3/31: Creative Economy Commission meeting at 8:30 a.m.
  • 4/1: Joint Advisory Board Meeting on Strategic Plan at 5:00 p.m.
  • 4/2: Needham Connect Construction Kick-Off Neighborhood Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
  • 4/6: Strategy and Long Term Finance Advisory Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m.
  • 4/6: Infrastructure Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m.
  • 4/15: LUDC Board of Adjustments meeting at 4:00 p.m.
  • 4/21: Durango Local Licensing Authority at 2:00 p.m.
  • 4/23: Camino Crossing Study Public Meeting
  • 4/30: Safe Routes to School Walk ‘n Roll-a-thon at Park Elementary

Virtual Meetings

The following meetings will be hosted virtually and specific details will be available on the City website at DurangoGov.org/meetings:

  • 3/24: AMI Infrastructure Project Pre-bid at 9:30 a.m. (specific information will be given to participants)
  • 4/7: Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • 4/8: Design Review Board meeting at 4:00 p.m.
  • 4/8: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at 5:00 p.m.
  • 4/13: Natural Lands Preservation Advisory Board at 6:00 p.m.
  • 4/15: Multimodal Advisory Board at 4:00 p.m.
  • 4/16: Airport Commission meeting at 3:00 p.m.
  • 4/21: Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • 4/22: Historic Preservation Board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
  • 4/27: Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
  • 5/4: Infrastructure Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m.
  • 5/4: Strategy and Long Term Finance Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m.

City utility bill late fees to be waived

The City of Durango is instituting moratorium on service disconnection for Water and Sewer during the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration. City water, sewer, trash and recycling service will continue, and late fees will be waived on city utility bills for through April 30, 2020. The City will work with customers on payment plan options for those who may find themselves unable to pay their bills in full during this time of difficulty. To discuss payment options, please call Customer Service at 970-375-5034.

The City appreciates your understanding as we implement mitigation efforts to increase social distancing due to the Coronavirus in accordance with best practices recommended by San Juan Basin Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Everyone plays a role in preparing and staying healthy. The City encourages citizens to protect themselves as they would against any respiratory virus:

  • Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
  • Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Get a flu shot if you haven’t yet gotten one
  • Don’t shake hands or hug - bump elbows instead
  • Increase distance between people to six feet apart
  • Follow CDC guidelines on travel 
  • Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places if school is closed.
  • If you are sick, stay home or get treatment from your doctor (call ahead), and stay away from others
  • If you are well, stay away from others who are sick

People who are ill or concerned they may have been exposed to the virus should call their primary care physician, or Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department at 970-764-2100 to receive further instruction. The most up to date information about the virus is available on San Juan Basin Public Health’s website.

Other helpful resources include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the CDC and the COHelp line at 877-462-2911.

March 16, 2020 9:30am

San Juan Basin Public Health, La Plata County, City of Durango Declare Local Public Health Emergency

San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) has declared a Local Public Health Emergency to protect the health of community members most at risk of severe illness due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This proclamation will allow SJBPH to put additional protective social distancing measures in place, such as canceling large public events, since these measures are the most effective strategy against the spread of COVID-19.

La Plata County has also made a local emergency declaration, in order to access assistance in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 disruption to the La Plata County community. This prepares La Plata County to support public health partners in mitigating the spread of the novel coronavirus as well as the interruption the pandemic has caused to the community in terms of work and school attendance, community and public events, community services and local economic activity.

The City of Durango has also issued a local emergency declaration to assist with this disruption, and is taking proactive mitigation efforts to ensure staff and community members are not exposed to or contributing to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), as recommended by San Juan Basin Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can stay up to date on City of Durango facility closures and meeting modifications by visiting www.DurangoGov.org

SJBPH is working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prepare for a possible case of COVID-19 in the counties we serve. SJBPH continues to coordinate with local healthcare providers and other partners to take action to prevent the spread of disease and protect the public’s health.

“Protecting the health of La Plata and Archuleta residents is the highest priority for San Juan Basin Public Health and this public health emergency declaration allows us to take further action to protect our most at-risk community members,” said SJBPH Executive Director Liane Jollon. “Social distancing is the most effective tool we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and will especially help to protect those most vulnerable to the disease.”

Community members should contact their healthcare providers via phone if they have symptoms such as fever and cough. People who are worried about this, or any respiratory virus, like the flu, can protect themselves by practicing everyday actions and social distancing strategies:

  • Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
  • Covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Avoiding close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Getting a flu shot if you haven’t yet gotten one
  • Don’t shake hands or hug - bump elbows instead
  • Increase distance between people to six feet apart
  • Follow CDC guidelines on travel
  • Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places if school is closed.
  • If you are sick, stay home or get treatment from your doctor (call ahead), and stay away from others.
  • If you are well, stay away from others who are sick.

For the most up to date information visit SJBPH’s website: https://sjbpublichealth.org/coronavirus/

Other helpful resources:

March 13, 2020

City Closing Facilities and Canceling/Modifying Upcoming Meetings

As a proactive mitigation effort, the City of Durango is coordinating with San Juan Basin Public Health and La Plata County to take measures to ensure our staff and community members are not exposed to or contributing to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

City of Durango facility closures effective Monday, March 16: 

  • Durango Community Recreation Center
  • Chapman Hill
  • Durango Gymnastics
  • Durango Public Library

All previously scheduled Recreation and Library programs, as well as meeting room rentals, will be canceled during this closure period.  We will be evaluating the ability to issue refunds or credits for recreation passes, memberships, and meeting room rentals. The City facility and program closures will be in effect through April 7, 2020.  All other City facilities are still operating normally.

During the closure, City staff will conduct a deep cleaning and disinfection of these facilities as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers.

For additional information regarding Parks and Recreation Department services, please call (970) 375-7321 or email rec@durangogov.org. For additional information regarding Durango Public Library services, please call (970) 375-3389 or sandy.irwin@durangogov.org

Public meeting cancelations and modifications: 

  • The regular City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 has been canceled.
  • The City will shift its meeting practices using an online meeting platform for councilors and the public to access via computer and telephone. Public participation at relevant meetings will be handled through this platform and information for joining the meeting will be distributed prior to the meeting.
  • The City Council Study Session on Tuesday, March 24 will shift to a virtual meeting.
  • The next regular City Council meeting for Tuesday, April 7 will shift to a virtual meeting
  • All Boards and Commissions meetings will shift to virtual meetings through at least April 7.

The City appreciates your understanding as we implement mitigation efforts to increase social distancing due to the Coronavirus in accordance with best practices recommended by San Juan Basin Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Everyone plays a role in preparing and staying healthy. The City encourages citizens to protect themselves as they would against any respiratory virus:

  • Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Plan for ways to increase space between people to at least 6 feet.
  • Staying home if you feel sick.
  • Get a flu shot if you haven’t gotten one this year.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

People who are ill or concerned they may have been exposed to the virus should call their primary care physician, or Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department at 970-764-2100 to receive further instruction. The most up to date information about the virus is available on San Juan Basin Public Health’s website.

Other helpful resources include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the CDC and the COHelp line at 877-462-2911.

March 5, 2020

City is Working with Partners and Following Guidelines to Prevent COVID-19 

The City of Durango is working with San Juan Basin Public Health and local, state and federal partners to remain up to date on developments and preventative guidelines related to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

The City custodial staff is maintaining strict cleaning and disinfection of all City buildings, facilities and Transit buses, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. In addition, the City has added extra hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes in both public and employee areas of City buildings and facilities. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes are also available in Transit buses. Rec Center patrons are asked to use the supplied sanitizing wipes after utilizing work-out equipment and mats.

Everyone plays a role in preparing and staying healthy. The City encourages citizens to protect themselves as they would against any respiratory virus:

  • Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Staying home if you feel sick.
  • Get a flu shot if you haven’t gotten one this year.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

People who are ill or concerned they may have been exposed to the virus should call their health care provider to receive further instruction. Up to date information about the virus is available from San Juan Basin Public Health.

Other helpful resources include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the CDC and the COHelp line at 877-462-2911.