In case you missed it, earlier this week, the Board of County Commissioners sent a letter to Governor Jared Polis expressing their wishes to fully open Mesa County by mid-April based on successfully managing the COVID-19 pandemic without placing a burden on the local health care system, the recent drastic decline in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates, vaccination capacity and vaccination rates.
![]()
The Board wrote, "We all accepted the shared responsibility of protecting the most vulnerable and at-risk in Mesa County, and we have done that. As such, Mesa County is looking forward to removing all COVID-19 restrictions in our county beginning mid April.
For the past year Mesa County has successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic without placing a burden on our local health care system. In the past month, we have seen a drastic decline in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates. Our vaccination capacity has rapidly increased, and we are able to meet community demand for appointments. Today, March 15th, we are moving to level 1B.4, and we will begin offering vaccine to the general public beginng the week of March 22nd. Today it was reported to us that we have no hospitalizations at Community Hospital and only four at St. Mary’s Hospital. The CEOs of both hospitals spoke at our hearing today and stated they see no issues with capacity and are in support of our plan.
Reopening the community is about choice. Businesses may choose whether they limit capacity or require face coverings. Individuals may choose whether they want to continue to wear face coverings, stay home, or frequent businesses without restrictions. Mesa County Public Health continues to encourage all residents to wear a face covering and social distance when possible, and also encourages 5-Star facilities to continue the practices they’ve adopted. We have already proven through the 5-Star program that businesses are not a significant source of infection. It is our belief that it is the decision of the community to choose their level of risk and determine how to best protect themselves and their loved ones.
All along, we have talked about flattening the curve based on health care resources available. Vaccination rates are a critical component to this, especially focusing on our residents 60 and over. By far, the largest proportion of our hospitalizations and deaths have been among those in this age group – accounting for 70% of hospitalizations 92% of deaths in Mesa County. Reducing risk with this group has a desirable impact on our hospitalizations, to the point that we should be able to eliminate current restrictions."
To view the approval of the letter during the public hearing of Monday, March 15, 2021, click here.