Erie businesses in both Boulder and Weld counties that are certified compliant with the 5 Star criteria are permitted to operate one level below Boulder County's current state COVID level. The Town of Erie's Economic Development Director, Ben Pratt, petitioned Boulder County's 5 Star Administrative Committee to allow Erie to extend to the Weld County side of Erie Boulder County's State-approved 5 Star program so all Erie businesses could benefit from the program. The Administrative Committee approved Pratt's petition, as did the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

For a business to qualify, it must implement all required public health measures to help protect customers and staff from contracting COVID-19 and be inspected by the 5 Star program staff. According to the Administrative Committee's press release, "Businesses are eligible for less restrictive capacity caps and may be allowed to operate one level below the county's current state COVID dial level if the county's public health metrics meet certain requirements." This means restaurants can increase their indoor dining based on their building's capacity.

According to the Boulder County 5 Star Administrative Committee, applications for the program will likely open Friday, February 5, with inspections beginning the week of February 8. Application information will be posted on Boulder County's 5 Star Certification website starting February 2. The website will provide instructional videos, sample inspection checklists, resources, and details about the technical assistance webinar at 11 a.m. on February 5.