Colorado Governor Jared Polis extended the statewide order for COVID-19 mask on Saturday for another 30 days, but made some major changes that mean facial coverage is no longer needed in most public settings in almost half state counties – a large piece of land that includes only about 4% of the population.
The changes in the Colorado mask mandate, implemented last July, occurred when more than 1 million coloradans have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus, and the state has opened eligibility for inoculations for everyone over 16 years old.
The new order divides the mask rules between counties on the Green Level on the state’s color-coded restriction dial – currently 31, representing a population of 238,286 – and counties on all higher levels, starting at Blue Level and continuing through Yellow, Orange , Red and purple.
The latter group is a geographical area that includes the Denver region and the other major population centers in the state, representing 5.5 million people.
Here is a more detailed look at the new mask order:
Where are masks required in Green Level counties?
For people in Green Level counties, the statewide mask order is largely suspended, which means, for example, that unless businesses have their own rules, people who go to supermarkets, gyms or other retail stores no longer need to wear masks.
But there are exceptions, places where state officials say transmission is still likely – including schools, as children under the age of 16 cannot be vaccinated yet.
This is where masks are still needed in Green Level counties:
- Schools, including extracurricular activities
- Daycare
- Closed children’s camps
- State government facilities facing the public
- Emergency medical environments and other health services, including hospitals, ambulance service centers, emergency care
centers, non-outpatient surgical structures, clinics, doctors’ offices and non-urgent medical facilities - Personal services, including hairdressers, manicurists, beauticians, body art professionals, etc.
- Gather health centers, prisons and jails.
Where are masks required in Blue Level counties and above?
The vast majority of Coloradans live in Blue Level and higher counties, and are subject to the same basic mask requirement as people in Green Level counties – with a great addition.
Masks should also be used in any public indoor environment where 10 or more unvaccinated people are present. And the state says companies and facilities should “make a mistake in assuming that people who enter its internal facilities are not vaccinated.”
Basically, in Blue Level counties and above on the dial, masks are still expected to work in most closed public places, including supermarkets, gyms, banks and other retailers.
Here is the complete list of where masks are needed in counties of Blue Level or higher:
- Any closed and public public environments where 10 or more unvaccinated persons or persons with unknown vaccination status are present
- Schools, including extracurricular activities
- Daycare
- Closed children’s camps
- State government facilities facing the public
- Emergency medical settings and other health services, including hospitals, ambulance service centers, urgent care centers, non-outpatient surgical facilities, clinics, doctor’s offices and non-urgent medical care facilities
- Personal services, including hairdressers, manicurists, beauticians, body art professionals, etc.
- Gather health centers, prisons and jails.
How can I find out what level my county is at?
Check the color-coded map of the state at covid19.colorado.gov.
Can local governments or companies apply stricter masking rules?
Yes, the state health department throughout the pandemic has allowed local municipalities, including cities and counties, to enact stricter health rules to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The mayor of Denver has already said that he will maintain the order of the city’s masks in force until at least the beginning of May, regardless of what the state does. San Juan Basin Public Health, which covers the counties of Archuleta and La Plata, issued a more restrictive mask order last week that requires facial coverage in all closed public environments, unless everyone in attendance is fully vaccinated.
On Monday, Jefferson County changed its order – which requires wearing masks when in indoor public spaces and 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained – so as not to require the use of facial covers in outdoor public spaces.
Boulder County has also updated its order to continue requiring masks for everyone over 10 in indoor public spaces. And while masks are not required outdoors in the county, they are recommended when 1.8m spacing is not possible, officials said.
Finally, companies remain free to require their customers to wear masks, even if state or local regulations do not require them.
Where and in what situations are masks not necessary?
The Colorado-wide order does not require the use of a mask outdoors and has the following additional exceptions:
- If you are hearing impaired or otherwise, or are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise, and where the ability to see your mouth is essential for communication
- When you are sitting at a food service establishment
- When you are exercising alone or with other people in your home and a face cover can interfere with activity
- When you are receiving a personal service where temporary removal of facial coverage is required to perform the service
- When you are entering a business or receiving services and are asked to temporarily remove a facial cover for identification purposes
- When you are actively involved in a public safety function, such as police, fire, or emergency medical personnel
- When you are officiating or participating in a vital rite or religious service where temporary removal of a facial covering is necessary to complete or participate in the service
- When you are giving a speech for broadcast or for an audience
When does the current mask order expire and be extended?
The modified order runs through May 2, and state officials say the governor will review the matter with his legal team and public health experts before deciding to renew, modify or allow it to expire entirely. At this point, state officials hope to have transferred most of the decision-making about public health rules from COVID-19 to local authorities.