Effective April 16, Douglas County will no longer be governed by the State of Colorado Dial nor any public health order issued by Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) that would create capacity limitations in places like restaurants, churches, and gyms. The opt-out decision impacts the entirety of Douglas County and its municipalities.
The Board-approved resolution – by a vote of 3-0 – opts Douglas County out of the TCHD Public Health order, thus in Douglas County, businesses would be allowed to determine what capacities are best for them, their patrons, and their employees.
A statewide mask order issued by the Governor’s Office on April 3, 2021, will continue to require that a mask be worn in public indoor spaces where 10 or more individuals are present. This statewide mask order is expected to expire on May 3, 2021.
In addition to the statewide mask order, an additional CDPHE order is expected that will limit indoor non-seated gatherings to no more than 500.
The Board of County Commissioners offered the following statement:
“We trust our citizens and businesses to think and act for themselves to protect their lives and livelihoods. In lieu of further orders, we will continue to encourage strong public health recommendations, good hygiene, and the choice to be vaccinated.
Our Board will remain nimble and continue to monitor COVID-19 data trends daily, with the intent to collaborate with the State and Tri-County Health Department on prudent, science-based responses to those trends which best serve our citizens.”