San Miguel County Answers Frequently Asked Questions & Posts Resources

How long is the shelter in place order for? 
The new Public Health orders described today go into effect at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2020 until Friday, April 3 at 11:59 p.m. The order will be revisited by the San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners at their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. 

Are the roads and public transit being shut down? 
No, at this time there are no plans to close roads or barricade any community. Though the gondola is closed, public transit will remain open, with decreased ridership available- intended for trips to medical/grocery and essential service visits only. 

If a resident leaves San Miguel County, will they be able to come back in? 
There will not be any barricades into or out of San Miguel County, but we ask that you limit out of county travel for essential purposes only and comply with all social distancing requirements (6 foot distance, frequent handwashing for 20 seconds etc)  (see page 10-11 in the order). These include, but are not limited to: essential activities, government functions, businesses; travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents and persons with disabilities; travel to return to your home; travel required by law enforcement or court order. 

Are restaurants open? What about liquor stores/cannabis shops? 
Restaurants are permitted to begin takeout and delivery of food on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 3 p.m. The same goes for alcohol and cannabis stores. No bars or restaurants will be allowed to have customers in for dining or consuming.  

What about second homeowners and visitors? 
Second homeowners are strongly recommended to return to their primary homes unless they are prepared to shelter in place for up to a month without outside assistance. If they are able and interested in being here for an extended, unknown period of time, they may stay and be prepared to follow county guidelines. Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave or not come to San Miguel County during this timeframe.  

What if I have guests booked in my properties? 
Property managers should not take new bookings/reservations until April 3, 2020 (and that will likely be extended) and should help their guests leave as soon as possible, only with exception to emergency response agency support or if visitors are unable to leave. 

What about construction sites? 
Residential and commercial construction orders are in the process of being revisited on being considered “essential services” and will be shut down or severely restricted as of 12:01am on 3/21/20. 

I am a plumber/electrician/provide another home service, should I still make house calls? 
Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, internet providers and other service providers whose work is necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences are considered “essential businesses”. All other house calls should be cancelled during this order. If you do make an emergency house calls, be sure to practice social distancing and wear gloves or a mask, if applicable, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. 

Are the schools going to shut down? 
No, the local schools have set up online learning for all grades and this will continue during this time. The Telluride School District and Norwood school districts are offering basic food assistance for families in need Monday-Friday. Please call 970-369-1205 for more information. 

What is considered an essential business? 
Essential Businesses, as outlined in the order include: healthcare operations, essential governmental functions and infrastructure, grocery and convenience stores, food banks, food cultivation (farming, livestock, fishing), businesses that provide food, shelter and social services, media services, gas stations and auto-repair facilities, banks, hardware stores, laundromats, drycleaners. Please see Page 7 of the order for more details and guidelines. All essential business must be performed in compliance with social distancing and practice enhanced disinfection protocols.