City council on Tuesday night will consider a resolution asking Longmont residents to wear masks, maintain social distance and limit social interactions to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The resolution, which is not binding, came at the urging of Mayor Brian Bagley. During last week’s meeting he said council should throw its support behind public health agencies and echo their messages of how to prevent the virus from spreading.
Last week, Boulder County introduced new requirements to stem the rising tide of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The restrictions included, but are not limited to, limiting household gatherings to no more than 10 people from two households and cutting indoor event size to 25% capacity or a maximum of 25 people, according to a county news release.
Longmont’s proposed resolution states, in part, that Colorado has now reached the largest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations it has had to date, exceeding the peak seen in April.
“… If the epidemic curve is not bent, Colorado could surpass intensive care unit … capacity and Colorado will have to move back to ‘Stay at Home’ orders, further impacting its economy,” the resolution states.
Longmont residents are encouraged to do the following, according to the resolution:
- “Interact with only those in your household. This means all Coloradans need to do their best to avoid any social interactions with friends and family outside of their homes throughout the month of November.”
- “Keep your distance. Just because an individual is wearing a mask doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk if they are interacting with others in close proximity. Coloradans have to do a better job of staying (6) or more feet away from others.”
- “Wear a mask. The numbers are clear. If an individual wears a mask, they have a much lower risk of getting or transmitting the virus.”
Jeff Zayach. Boulder County Public Health executive director, in last week’s news release stated the county could see many more restrictions if COVID-19 infections are not slowed.
“We are at a critical point,” Zayach stated. “If new cases do not decline, the state may move us to the Stay at Home level. It comes down to all of us taking personal responsibility to stay home when we’re sick; following the quarantine and isolation instructions for the required length, even if we feel well; spending time with only our own household members; and always wearing a mask and keeping social distance when we’re around others.”
