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Coronavirus: Shutdown Town

Coronavirus (Covid-19) safety precautions have rendered city streets around the world empty.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) safety precautions have rendered city streets around the world empty.

As cities across the country restrict business operations and encourage self-isolation and social distancing, one Colorado town has shut down completely

Crested Butte is a snowy town in Gunnison County known for its world-class skiing. Now, there are at least 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Gunnison County.

To slow the spread of the virus, the county released the most restrictive public health order in the state, prohibiting groups of 10 or more from gathering in public spaces including schools, child care centers, and libraries. Bars and restaurants are limited to take-out and delivery orders only. 

All hotels, motels, public transportation and retail services are closed. It’s a big change for a town that is usually bustling with tourists ready to hit the slopes. 

Do such drastic measures work? What impact is this happening on seasonal workers and the local economy? And should more towns be adopting such strict rules in the face of a pandemic?

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Charla Freeland