Tri-County Health's Mask Order Guidelines: What To Know

Amber Fisher
Updated ·2 min read

The Tri-County Health Department’s face covering order went into effect Friday, but Douglas County and some municipalities have opted out of the order, which was amended to align with the statewide order that took effect July 16.

Residents are required to wear a face mask in all public spaces, which include outdoor spaces when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Unlike the statewide order, which will be in effect for 30 days, the Tri-County Health Department’s order will remain in effect for up to 90 days.

Several areas have opted out of the public health agency's local order; however, they will remain under the statewide 30-day mask order for its duration, including potential extensions.

The communities that opted out of the local order include:

  • Douglas County

  • City of Castle Pines

  • Town of Deer Trail

  • City of Brighton

  • Town of Castle Rock

  • Town of Bennett

  • Arapahoe County East of Watkins Road to county line

  • Town of Parker

  • City of Glendale

  • Columbine Valley

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After a spike in coronavirus case numbers, Arapahoe County is at risk of losing its variance, health officials said. County officials are asking businesses to increase their efforts to comply with public health guidelines. If the county's variance exemptions are revoked, some businesses would be forced to close.

John Douglas, the Tri-County Health Department's executive director, said that "wearing a face covering is one of the most important prevention measures we can take to control the spread of COVID-19."

“Together we can limit the spread of the virus and keep vulnerable members of our communities healthy as well as help to keep our economy open and give our schools a chance to re-open as fully as possible.”

Douglas County is planning to leave the Tri-County Health Department, commissioners announced in early July. The Board of Douglas County Commissioners made the decision after the health agency voted to implement the mandatory face covering order.

This article originally appeared on the Littleton Patch