NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
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On Monday, the Boulder County Board of Health voted to rescind Public Health Order 2021-08, effective Feb.18, which required all individuals ages 2 and over to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Boulder County Public Health’s Vaccine Verification Program (VVP), based on this order, will also end on Friday, Feb.18.
The VVP program was originally implemented as part of the county’s layered mitigation strategy in partnership with local businesses as a core tool to support a safe return to business.
Since its enactment, several business owners lauded the program as it provided a path to keep both staff and customers safe while allowing a return to a more normal environment.
Tessa Hale, Boulder County Public Health Policy and Systems Change Coordinator, noted the positive impact of the VVP and appreciation for community partners throughout the process.
“The VVP offered a critical tool that balanced safety and a return to normalcy. We appreciate the 326 facilities that participated in the program and developed policies to keep staff and the public safe during times of substantial and high transmission,” said Hale. “While the formal program is ending with the end of the public health order, we know that many organizations plan to maintain their vaccine verification policies and information for those businesses will remain on our website.”
Some businesses and facilities may still be subject to state or federal requirements. Other businesses and facilities, particularly those that serve high-risk individuals, may choose to implement their own additional mitigation measures, such as requiring face coverings, offering face coverings, moving activities outdoors, increasing ventilation indoors or implementing vaccination requirements.
As Public Health Order 2021-08 expires at 5pm on February 18, BCPH is issuing face covering recommendations and other COVID-19 mitigation guidance, which will be released separately.
Detailed information on the current transmission status of COVID-19 in Boulder County and for recommendations for safety measures can be found at https://boco.org/status.
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