Jefferson County Board of Health Votes to Rescind PHO 21-006

From Jefferson County Public Health:

During a public special Jefferson County Board of Health meeting held virtually on February 10, the Jefferson County Board of Health voted to rescind Public Health Order 21-006, the public health order requiring the use of masks in all public, indoor settings, including school and childcare settings, effective Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

While the Jefferson County PHO is set to expire on Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m., any state or federal mask requirements will remain in place in the county – such as the federal requirement for all individuals to wear a mask when using public transportation and CDPHE’s Public Health Order 20-38, which requires unvaccinated individuals to wear masks in specific settings, including medical facilities (including long term care facilities), homeless shelters, prisons and jails. Additionally, individuals will still need to follow current CDPHE isolation and quarantine guidance, which includes wearing a mask for 5 days after the initial 5-day isolation period, when in indoor, public settings, including school settings. Any businesses or facilities that wish to require masks may continue to do so.

JCPH continues to be committed to guaranteeing our community has widespread access to important COVID-19 prevention and treatment strategies, including numerous locations across the county that offer testing and vaccination.

Layering prevention strategies is the best way to get the most protection for yourself, your loved ones and your community:

• Get vaccinated. If you have not yet received your vaccine or your booster (if eligible), please do so as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccines are free and no ID or insurance is required. For a complete list of COVID-19 vaccine locations across the county, including what ages they serve, visit www.jeffco.us/vaccinesignup.
• Mask up. Although masks will no longer be mandated upon the expiration of the PHO, JCPH still strongly recommends the use of masks in any indoor, public settings. Further, use of N95 or KN95 masks is strongly encouraged, as they have higher levels of protection, but wearing a well-fitting surgical mask is also effective. The state of Colorado is providing free KN95 and surgical masks for members of the public at certain locations throughout the state. Learn more about where to find free masks.
• Get tested. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested as soon as possible, even if you are vaccinated. For a list of COVID-19 testing locations in and around Jeffco, visit www.jeffco.us/testing.
• Keep your distance. Maintain at least 6-ft. distancing from those not in your household, especially if you aren’t sure about their vaccination status or if you yourself are unvaccinated.
• Take everyday prevention steps. The things you do every day — like regular handwashing, keeping high-touch surfaces clean and disinfected, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when you’re sick — will help stop the spread of germs and keep you and your loved ones healthy.

Joel Newton

Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.