Coloradans 11 and older must wear masks in public indoor spaces
Phillips County submitted its application for Protect our Neighbors certification last week, but when Gov. Jared Polis issued a statewide mask order July 16, the State put a two-week pause on issuing any new variances to counties. At this point, Commissioner Terry Hofmeister said, the county is simply waiting.
If a county is certified for Protect our Neighbors, it may then choose to become exempt from the statewide mask order. In the meantime, Phillips County is expected to comply along with the rest of the state.
The mask order itself is meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coloradans older than 10 years old must wear a face covering over their noses and mouths when entering or moving within any public indoor space.
A public indoor space is defined as “any enclosed indoor area that is publicly or privately owned, managed or operated to which individuals have access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, and that is accessible to the public, serves as a place of employment, or is an entity providing services.”
“Unfortunately, this pandemic is far from over, cases are up, and we have to find a way to live sustainably while protecting ourselves and those around us,” Polis said. “Masks are the ticket to the Colorado we love and a critical part of supporting Colorado’s economy and prosperity. The best way to support Colorado workers and businesses right now is to wear a mask. I’ve said this from the beginning, and it’s still true today: Together, we will get through this.”
There are some cases in which individuals are exempt from wearing a mask. People who are exempt include:
— Those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering.
— Individuals who are hearing impaired or otherwise disabled or who are communicating with someone who needs to see their mouth for communication.
— Those who are actively engaged in a public safety role such as law enforcement, firefighters or emergency medical personnel.
— Individuals officiating at a religious service or giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.
There are some instances when an individual may remove a mask when at a business as well. At a restaurant, for example, patrons may remove their face coverings once seated. Masks may also need to be temporarily removed for personal services such as a beard trim. In some cases, an individual may be asked to temporarily remove their mask for identification purposes as well.
If an individual is exercising alone or with others from their own household and a face covering would interfere with the activity, a mask does not need to be worn.
Children who are ages 2 and younger should not wear masks or cloth face coverings.
As people are wearing masks more often, they should remember to always use a clean mask. Wash hands before and after putting it in place, and do not touch the mask again until removing it. Do not share masks, and if using a reusable one, remember to wash it regularly.
Northeast Colorado Health Department said, “As communities that pride ourselves with small-town values, the power is in our hands to protect the employees in our great local businesses, as well as our friends and neighbors that might be most at risk. Let’s all lead by example and show everyone that the awesome people in northeast Colorado can help stop the spread of COVID-19.”
NCHD encourages locals to view wearing masks as an act of kindness. If wearing a mask is what allows businesses to be open, then show kindness to local businesses by doing so. If wearing a mask is what allows Phillips County to keep its variance, then show kindness to community members who are planning events such as races, rodeos, fairs and movies.
“In rural Colorado, kindness is all around us, from a door held open at a store, to breakfast bought by the person in front of you at a drive-through. For most people, wearing a mask is also a small thing to do to help,” NCHD said.