Jefferson County Updates Mask Order: What To Know

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Jefferson County updated its mask order Wednesday to allow small, vaccinated groups to gather in low-risk settings without covering their faces. The updated order will remain in effect until June 6.

Changes to the mask order include:

• Masks are required in public indoor settings where 10 or more unvaccinated people or people of unknown vaccination status are present.
• Masking is not required in indoor public spaces if 80 percent or more of the people present are fully vaccinated (two full weeks after obtaining all required doses of a vaccine) and can provide proof of vaccination.
• Masking is not required in indoor public spaces if there are nine or fewer people who are not fully vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
• Masks continue to be required in Pre-K-12 schools, public areas of county or municipal government facilities, congregate care facilities, prisons, jails, medical and healthcare settings, during travel (per CDC requirements) and personal service settings regardless of the vaccination status of the people present.
• Face coverings are required for all individuals in a mass indoor gathering (more than 100 unvaccinated people or people whose vaccination status is unknown gathered in a room indoors).

“The changes to the mask order are just one example of how far we’ve come in this fight against COVID-19," said Dr. Dawn Comstock, executive director of Jeffco Public Health, in a statement. "The increase in numbers of individuals vaccinated is very encouraging."

But Comstock reminded Jeffco residents to be vigilant.

"We know that we’re not yet out of the woods, and it’s important to remember that if you are in a situation in which disease transmission is more likely, masking is strongly recommended. Understand your personal level of risk and keep your mask in your pocket, purse, or otherwise handy so you can wear it when needed and remove it when it’s safe,” Comstock said.

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The agency strongly recommends that people continue to wear a mask in higher-risk settings outdoors, even though it's not required.

"Jefferson County can enjoy these new regulations around masks as long as disease transmission remains stable or decreases," the county said in a news release. "However, if the number of cases and hospitalizations rises, JCPH’s order may be amended to require masking in more settings."

Modeling from the Colorado School of Public Health shows that by late May, enough Coloradans will be vaccinated to greatly reduce community spread, public health officials said.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and the loosening of restrictions we’re seeing now is a direct result of the millions of Coloradans and hundreds of thousands of Jeffco residents who have received their vaccine and are better protected against the virus,” Comstock said.

“One step at a time, we are beating this thing. The people of Jeffco have worked hard and long at this, and we at JCPH are proud of all the efforts you’ve taken. Please continue to remain vigilant just a little longer while we get more of our community to that safer place and encourage everyone you know who has not already done so to get vaccinated.”

More than 1,300 health care providers and clinics in Colorado are offering vaccines. How to make an appointment to receive your vaccine:

Colorado Coronavirus Vaccine Hub: Where, How To Get Immunized