Boulder County Issues New Indoor Mask Mandate

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — Boulder County has reinstated its indoor mask mandate after a surge of delta variant cases. The new order is set to take effect at 5 p.m. Friday.

Everyone ages 2 and older is asked to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status, Boulder County Public Health said.

Since Monday, more than 300 new cases have been reported in Boulder County, according to the latest public health data.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has four levels of transmission: low, moderate, substantial and high — Boulder County is currently classified as 'high.'

"The order will monitor the CDC’s community transmission tracker in Boulder County and require masks during periods of high and substantial transmission and for the first 21 days after moving into moderate or low transmission," Boulder County Public Health said in a news release.

"After 21 days in moderate or low transmission level masks will not be required but only recommended, although the public health order will stay in place. If Boulder County moves back into high or substantial transmission for five consecutive days, the order will again require indoor masking. The public health order remains in effect until rescinded."

More than 237,000 Boulder County residents — or 82 percent of the eligible population — have received at least one dose of their vaccine, according to Boulder County Public Health. Around 222,000 residents — 76 percent of the county — are fully inoculated.

“Only second to vaccination, adoption of a universal mask order is an extremely effective tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and minimize disruptive cycles of reactionary orders, and is particularly important for seeing a rapid shift,” said Camille Rodriguez, executive director of Boulder County Public Health.

“With a long-term layered mitigation strategy, we have a sustainable and proactive strategy. By adopting a universal mask order now, we can preserve our healthcare system resources, protect the health of our community, and prevent hugely impactful capacity and social distancing restrictions.”

Nearly all new cases in Colorado are the Delta variant, state public health officials said.

"The order also allows, with Boulder County Public Health approval, an exception for indoor public masking for employers, owners, and operators who have voluntarily implemented proof of vaccination requirements for all employees, staff, visitors, and patrons entering their facility (commonly known as a vaccination passport)," the agency's news release read.

"Business and event owners and operators that have already implemented a proof of vaccination policy for all visitors and employees should contact COVIDbiz@bouldercounty.org for more information on obtaining approval for a masking exception."

More information about the Voluntary Vaccination Passport program is expected to be released in the coming weeks, health officials said.

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People who are immunocompromised can get their third vaccine doses in all clinics that offer Pfizer and Moderna in Boulder County, public health officials announced Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends people whose immune systems are moderately to severely compromised receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after their second dose.

Colorado has reached a milestone in its battle against the coronavirus — 75 percent of people ages 18 and older in the state have received at least one dose of their vaccine, public health officials announced Tuesday.

>> Learn more about how to get your vaccine in Boulder County here.