Arapahoe County issued the following announcement on July 17.
Governor Polis issued an executive order that mandates mask-wearing throughout Colorado for anyone ages 10 and up. The Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners would like to remind residents that adhering to best practices—including social distancing and frequent hand-washing, in addition to wearing face coverings—will be our most effective method for controlling the spread of COVID-19 without having to resume the shutdowns that occurred throughout the U.S. during the past several months.
Governor Polis also announced a two-week pause on any new variance requests from counties or individual communities, and he said that areas that have already received variances and are experiencing significant increases in their COVID cases or hospitalizations may have to take additional steps to keep those variances in effect.
This is relevant to Arapahoe County because this week, we learned that a recent rise in the County’s COVID test positivity rate will require the County to implement mitigation measures in order to remain in compliance with the variance that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) approved in June. The Board is currently gathering information about this and will announce any changes as they arise.
The Board’s primary objective will always be to keep our residents as safe and healthy as possible. This situation changes frequently, suddenly and sometimes unexpectedly, but all County employees and officials are dedicated to sharing the best available information as we receive it. In the meantime, we strongly advise all County residents and businesses to follow established guidelines around mask-wearing, social distancing and frequent hand-washing. Please continue to visit our website and our social media platforms to get the latest updates.
“The best available medical evidence and advice says that when outside one’s home, wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, and frequently washing your hands is the best way to slow or stop the spread of coronavirus,” said Arapahoe County Board Chair Nancy Sharpe. “Following these practices may also be the only way to avoid another shutdown—which no one wants to see. The Board recommends that everyone who does not have an underlying medical condition preventing them from wearing a mask takes the commonsense steps to keep themselves and others safe and healthy.”
Original source can be found here.
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