DENVER (KDVR) — Mayor Michael B. Hancock and city officials provided an update Thursday on Denver’s response to COVID-19, including current data and trends, city planning and preparation for vaccine distribution, and implementation of the state’s 5 Star Program.

Hancock said the city will reopen the Emergency Operations Center to focus on vaccine efforts.

Applications for the Denver Five Star Program will open next Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m.

Businesses will be able to apply to get pre-certified to become a Five Star business. The program cap will be at 500 businesses.

“We need to do this in a measured way, in a health-conscious way. Doing this in rounds will allow us to really look at the case numbers and see where we are at in terms of COVID,” said Eric Hiraga, the city’s Economic Development and Opportunity executive director.

The second round could start two weeks after the first. Applications will be available online.

Leaders said this approach will also make sure certain communities and businesses aren’t shown favoritism.

Sean Workman, owner of The Hornet and Acova, said the move should help the struggling industry.

“Absolutely. And I’m all for anything that any local business can do to help out, get staff rehired and keep them alive. There is a lot of shuttered buildings around lately and it’s not the best thing to watch. There are families involved there,” Workman said.

Workman does plan to apply for the program now, but he will not be too worried if he does not make it in this time.

“We do plan to apply. After the mayor made his speech this morning, I went in and look at some more of the information involved. I think more importantly, this would be for the next step. From (Level) Yellow to Blue would be a significant change for us. It would allow us to increase our capacity even more, beyond that cap of 50 people,” said Workman, referring to the state’s COVID-19 dial.

The city will host three town halls to help restaurants learn more about the program.