Colorado will suspend its masked state mandate on April 4 and ease coronavirus protocols, even though experts say it is not yet safe to do so.
Driving the news: Governor Jared Polis’ government has released a draft plan that takes a two-pronged approach to ease restrictions at the lower levels of the state’s dial system and make it easier for counties to reach them.
- It goes into effect on Wednesday, a year after Polis issued a statewide blockade and, ultimately, imposes a mask-demanding decision on local governments and businesses.
How it works: According to the proposed changes, facial coverage would not be required in Green Level counties, except for ages 11 to 18 in school.
- The state would make it easier to reach that lower level, allowing for a rate of 35 cases per 100,000 instead of the current 15 cases per 100,000.
- In addition, the state is reducing capacity limits at other levels to reopen bars and allow more meals indoors.
- Most counties are at the highest levels. Denver is at the Yellow Level.
The current situation: The move comes two weeks after President Biden called the removal of public health orders, such as mask mandates, “a big mistake” and “Neanderthal thinking”.
The other side: Polis government officials say it is justified because more people are being vaccinated.
- “It’s all about balance … to slow the disease while trying to limit the ramifications of closing parts of the state and the impacts that come with it,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, director of the state’s department of public health.
Reality check: Only 15% of Colorado is fully immunized, and experts say the state is unlikely to achieve collective immunity by the end of the year.
This story first appeared in the Axios Denver newsletter, designed to help readers become smarter and faster on the most important news happening in their own backyard.