Boulder County Public Health on Friday announced it has updated its facial covering order to align with the statewide mask order announced July 16 by Gov. Jared Polis.
The statewide measure calls for everyone older than 10 to wear face coverings in all public indoor spaces and while outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained. Boulder County’s face mask order, which last month was extended indefinitely, previously required masks for people older than 12.
“We’re making this update so it’s easier for all residents and visitors to our communities to understand and follow the masking requirement,” Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health executive director, stated in a news release. “No matter where you are in Colorado, if you’re older than 10, you must wear a face covering at all times when inside public indoor spaces. Mask wearing is an important tool to help curb the acceleration of new cases, and it will allow us to make strides towards repairing our economy.”
The amended county order also clarifies that mesh, netting, or similar porous materials do not meet the requirements or definition of a face covering, according to the release.
“We know this has been a long and difficult summer. We are grateful to every single resident who continues to take steps to protect themselves and the community by wearing a face covering. If we all work together, we can keep the increase in new cases low, and help to protect our most vulnerable residents now and into the future,” Zayach stated.
Children younger than 2 should not wear face coverings due to their risk of suffocation, according to the release. Anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove their mask without assistance also should refrain from wearing one, the release stated.
Since the statewide order requires face coverings be worn in businesses, Boulder County Public Health encouraged people who cannot tolerate a mask to seek alternatives, such as curbside delivery, so they can avoid entering public indoor spaces. It also encouraged residents to review the FAQs for the state face covering order, as well as the guidance for reasonable accommodations due to the presence of COVID-19.
Even before Polis ordered all Coloradans to wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Longmont City Council members said they wore face masks to adhere to Boulder County’s mandate on masks, with many stating public officials must lead by example and cut the chances they may infect fellow residents with the virus.
“If I am unable to maintain social distancing of 6 feet, a mask is required,” Mayor Brian Bagley, who earned harsh rebukes in March for criticizing Polis’ stay-at-home orders, told the Leader last week.
City Councilmembers Polly Christensen, Marcia Martin, Joan Peck and Tim Waters also said they wear masks. The measure is the simplest and most responsible way to block the spread of the virus, they said last week.
“It’s a very small thing to do from my perspective to help each other not get ill,” Peck said. “If I, as an elected official, said it was all a hoax and people got sick and died because I didn’t wear a mask, I couldn’t take it.”
