Boulder County Public Health issues a Health Advisory for COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
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Following the rescission of Boulder County Public Health’s (BCPH) masking orders on Feb.18 at 5 p.m., BCPH issued a Public Health Advisory outlining recommendations and considerations to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

The advisory offers guidance, not requirements, for the general public, as well as for businesses and facilities.

Some individuals and businesses may still be subject to state or federal requirements, and individuals entering those facilities must follow those requirements.   

In addition, certain businesses, including private businesses, child care settings, or schools, may choose to implement their own requirements based on their circumstances and consideration for their own population risks.   

BCPH is working closely with schools, child care, and education partners directly to provide advice based on their individual circumstances. 

Each family and individual will need to evaluate their own risk tolerance regarding masking. The CDC has a list of conditions that put an individual at high risk of severe disease, illness, and death. BCPH recommends the use of N95, KN95, KF94 and similar snugly fit, medical grade face coverings that protect both the wearer and others when worn properly. Please be respectful and courteous to others.

Most public libraries offer five free KN95 and surgical grade masks per person, per month at public libraries and certain community sites.

Recommendations for General Public

• Boulder County Public Health recommends that all individuals get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in helping to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations.  
• Boulder County Public Health recommends that individuals who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations wear a snugly fit medical grade face covering while in close proximity to individuals at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death or in settings that primarily serve individuals who are not up to date or at high risk for severe disease.
• Boulder County Public Health recommends individuals who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations continue to wear a snugly fit medical grade face covering while around others while in close proximity to others while Boulder County remains in substantial or high transmission. 
• Boulder County Public Health still encourages a snugly fit medical grade face covering to protect anyone at high risk for more severe disease from COVID-19 infections or who may have frequent close contact with someone who is at higher risk for more severe disease.
• Individuals who intend to be in close proximity to individuals at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death should consider obtaining a test prior to gathering. 

Recommendations for Businesses and Facilities  

• Some businesses and facilities may be subject to state or federal requirements. Other businesses and facilities that are not subject to requirements may choose to implement additional mitigation measures as a matter of internal policy. Such policies may include measures to protect individuals who are not up to date or who are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Such measures could also include requiring face coverings, including requiring medical grade face coverings, offering face coverings, moving activities outdoors, increasing ventilation indoors, or implementing vaccination requirements.  

To see the full health advisory, visit Masking Recommendations - Boulder County.

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