Boulder County Issues Face Mask Reminder For Children

BOULDER, CO — Public health officials have issued a reminder for parents about face mask guidelines in Boulder County. Children over 2 years old should wear face coverings as they "can carry and transmit the virus to others, including vulnerable adults," health officials said.

“We did not make it a requirement in our face covering Order that children younger than 12 wear a mask because they cannot form the requisite intent to violate the law in the same way that an adult can,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health's executive director.

“But that doesn’t mean we don’t recommend it. We know masks are a very important tool in the tool box along with maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently."

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Children younger than two years old should not wear a face covering due to their risk of suffocation, the agency said. Anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should also refrain from wearing one and keep a six-feet of distance from others instead.

Some local municipalities have enacted different face covering requirements so residents should always check with the municipality they’re visiting, health officials said. The most restrictive order takes precedence. The statewide Safer at Home Order also requires face coverings for employees under specific circumstances and in certain industries.

“How you wear a face covering is also important,” said Chana Goussetis, Boulder County Public Health spokesperson. “To prevent the spread of coronavirus, it’s not enough to just cover your mouth. The virus is often found in the nose and sinuses so leaving your nose exposed defeats the purpose of the mask.”

Face coverings should be washed regularly to remove any respiratory droplets, and it’s always best to handle them by the straps only, and to wash your hands before and after handling the masks to prevent contamination, health officials said.