Boulder Coronavirus Update: Closures Extended, Emergency Order

BOULDER, CO — The closure of all City of Boulder buildings and facilities has been extended by 11 days until April 30, officials announced Thursday. Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver and other Colorado mayors are urging Gov. Jared Polis to extend the state's stay-at-home order until April 30 amid the spread of the new coronavirus.

“Given that the predicted surge in cases and deaths attributable to COVID-19 will occur closer to April 17, we now believe that the state’s April 11 date is too soon to end the requirement to stay at home,” Weaver said in a statement. “However, we continue to want to closely coordinate with the state on such matters.

"Toward that end, we urgently requested that the governor extend the effective date of the state order to a date that preserves our health care system and allows our economy to move forward without risk of additional surges, to at least until April 30.”

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In a news conference Friday afternoon, Polis asked all Coloradans to wear face masks whenever they leave the house. The masks, which can be handmade from scarves or old clothing, should be worn during grocery shopping and other essential tasks, Polis said. Instructions for a mask that doesn't require sewing can be found here (scroll down for YouTube tutorial).

Polis ordered all schools in Colorado to remain closed until April 30 — extending most school districts' closures by about two weeks.

Boulder City Manager Jane Brautigam said officials want to keep city facilities "in sync" with school closures to limit confusion.

“Aligning our closure dates with Boulder County and the state sends a consistent message to the public and helps our employees with young children to continue to work from home as we all work together to slow the spread of COVID-19," Brautigam said in a statement. "Our shared commitment to stopping the spread of COVID 19 is the most effective way of protecting the community and getting back to normal.”

Brautigam announced a new emergency order Thursday that clarifies which city facilities are deemed "conducive to public gathering." The following parks and courts have been closed:

• Basketball courts
• Volleyball courts
• Tennis courts
• Golf courses, including Flatiron Golf Course and the Disc Golf Courses
• Outdoor aquatic facilities
• Valmont Bike Park
• Dog parks
• Parks Picnic Area and shelters
• Playgrounds
• Skate parks
• Open Space picnic areas, nature centers and shelters

Parks, hiking trails, trailheads and multi-use paths remain open for walking, hiking, biking and running, as long as people always remain at least six feet from any other person.

Coronavirus Live Colorado Updates

Related:

• List Of Store Closures Amid Coronavirus Outbreak In Colorado
• Colorado Coronavirus: 'Essential' Businesses, Services List
• CO Secretary Of State Announces Support Resources For Businesses
• MAP: Colorado Students Can Get School Lunches At These Locations During Coronavirus Shutdown