Boulder County Public Health Extends Mask Order

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — The Boulder County Board of Health has approved an extension of the county's face covering order amid the coronavirus outbreak. The order, which applies to everyone over age 12, doesn't have an end date and will remain in place until it's rescinded, health officials said.

“We know it’s unpleasant to wear a face covering. None of us are excited to wear them. But it’s a small inconvenience that can save lives and our economy,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health's executive director.

“Wearing face coverings in public is not a political statement; it’s an important tool in our toolbox to help slow the spread of this disease. If we can slow the spread, we’ll be able to enter the Protect Your Neighbor phase which will allow us to further reopen our economy.”

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“We know that some people are choosing not to wear face coverings despite being required by law. This is disappointing and leaves it up to the rest of us to be responsible for ourselves, our loved ones, those who could die from the disease, and the survival of our economy,” Zayach said.

“Let’s show the state and country that the people of Boulder County care about their community.”

Mask order exceptions include people working alone in an office, anyone whose health would be negatively impacted by wearing a face covering (including mental health impacts) and first responders under certain circumstances.

In order to enter the Protect Our Neighbors phase, which further eases restrictions, the county needs to qualify by meeting thresholds to lower disease transmission levels, treat patients and handle the surge in need for intensive hospital care. The county also needs to prove sufficient testing and effective case investigation.

Boulder County Public Health has issued the following guidelines for protecting residents and rebuilding the economy:

• Set an example by wearing a face covering in public if you cannot maintain social distance. This helps normalize or “norm” the behavior which makes it more acceptable for others to adopt.
• Move away from others who are not wearing face coverings if they come closer than six feet to you. This sends a message that you care about their health and safety.
• Always stay at least six feet from others you don’t live with or haven’t agreed to have close contact with. This is as important as wearing a face covering.
• Focus on your sphere of influence rather than strangers. Request that the people you see often, such as co-workers, take precautions.
• Consider the risk and benefit of activities you enjoy and choose activities that are less likely to spread disease. In general, coronavirus spreads best within a closed area, in close proximity for more than 10 minutes. While not entirely risk-free, briefly passing someone outdoors is less likely to spread the virus.