Beginning October 20 at 12pm, a Public Health Order requiring face coverings to be worn in Public Indoor Spaces within Larimer County took effect.
“Larimer County hospitals are being overburdened and we cannot allow this to continue indefinitely. Our hospitals need relief so they can swiftly and adequately treat all urgent medical needs in our community, '' says Tom Gonzales, Larimer County Public Health Director. “Vaccination is the best way out of this pandemic, but 35% of Larimer County’s population remains unvaccinated against COVID-19. Universal mask-wearing is the next best prevention tool we have to reduce the strain on our hospitals.”
The order will continue until Larimer County has met all four required metrics (below) that constitute a “medium” risk score level per our Larimer County COVID-19 Dashboard for 21 consecutive days, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Larimer County Public Health Director.
· < 65 COVID patients in the Larimer County hospitals;
· Intensive Care Unit utilization at less than 90% of usual and customary levels;
· A Larimer County 7-Day Case Rate per 100k of < 300;
· A Larimer County 7-Day Test Positivity Rate of < 10%.
This order does not add capacity, social distancing or contact tracing requirements for businesses in Larimer County. The order does require businesses to take two actions….
1. Post a “Mask Required” sign at each entrance.
2. Ask and remind staff and customers to wear a mask.
Watch de-escalation training videos.
Read the full Public Health Order.