Order Issued To Stop College Gatherings In Boulder

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — Boulder County public health officials issued an order Thursday that requires everyone between the ages of 18 to 22 to halt gatherings. The order took effect at 4 p.m. Thursday and will remain in place through Oct. 8.

New coronavirus cases have been on the rise for nearly three weeks in the county, and the "vast majority" of the new cases have been linked to University of Colorado Boulder students, health officials said.

Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health's executive director, said it's essential to take "stronger action to stop the spread of this virus."

“We have researched the actions we can take that would be effective while minimizing burden on those who have not been the source of increased transmission. We believe this strategy can achieve both goals.”

The order includes two provisions:

• Anyone ages 18 to 22 — anywhere in Boulder — cannot participate in gatherings of any size, whether indoors, outdoors, on or off campus, or with anyone of any age;
• Residents at 36 addresses identified in the order, who have "repeatedly engaged in activities that violate public health orders" or who live in congregate living situations, must stay at their residence at all times, public health officials said. The residents are only allowed to leave their homes for essential activities — a list of what's permitted can be found here. They also must wear a mask whenever they're outside their home and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

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The order applies to everyone ages 18 to 22 in Boulder, not just students, health officials said. People in the age category can be outside alone, go to work and interact with members of their household, health officials said. High school students are allowed to participate in school activities.

“We understand that restricting gathering of young adults can have negative effects on their mental health,” Zayach said.

“We urge family and friends to support the young adults in their life during this time by being available for them and helping them access mental health resources, if needed. The more diligently this Order is followed, the sooner we’ll be able to lift it.”

Boulder County Public Health worked with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to enact the order.

“We are appreciative of the responsive and targeted approach our partners are taking to address the recent increase in COVID-19 cases among college students in Boulder," City Manager Jane Brautigam said in a statement.

"We urge students and all other young people aged 18 to 22 to remember they are a valued part of this community – and have a responsibility as such to comply with public health orders. We know this is hard; however, this is a critical time to ensure the health, safety and vibrancy of this city we all love,” said City Manager Jane Brautigam.

Nearly 1,200 CU Boulder students had been infected with COVID-19 as of Thursday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said. The outbreak is the largest the state has seen so far.

CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano issued a letter to students Thursday that outlines the details of the public health order.

"Like many of our peer universities across the country, we continue to face new challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic," the letter read.

"Some have enacted similar approaches to ours and are successfully reducing their positive cases. I believe we can as well, but only if we work together and make sacrifices for each other."

>> Read the full public health order here.