SAGUACHE — Following a work session/special meeting discussion Tuesday among Saguache County commissioners, the commission agreed that in order to assist businesses struggling in the county, a variance will be needed from the governor to allow them to reopen.

All the necessary precautions will be taken, Commissioner Jason Anderson said during a phone interview Tuesday, including social distancing, wearing masks, disinfecting work and eating premises, and limiting customer numbers.

“We have to do this,” Anderson said. “People are saying they will go out of business if we don’t.” The variance will need to be approved by the governor first and those wishing to reopen will then be required to apply to the county. The applications with agreement to the necessary guidelines have not been written up yet, Anderson said, but will be available once the county receives the governor’s approval.

The Saguache County public health director will also need to approve the plan. The county hopes to be releasing more information on the petition sometime next week, Anderson said.