Recommended COVID Precautions

As of Feb. 18, 2022, Boulder County Public Health’s two public health orders requiring masks in public indoor spaces and in schools have expired. Please see state or federal law section below.

• Public Health Advisory – COVID Mitigation Measures
• Masking and Safety Recommendations Quick Guide

Masking Recommendations

BCPH Mask Recommendations

While individuals may choose which type of mask they wear BCPH strongly recommends all individuals wear a snugly-fit N95, KN95, KF94 or equivalent. The best mask is the mask that is snugly fit and made of multi-layer, non-woven materials, regardless of any regulatory designation. These types of masks protect the wearer, as well as others.

For the general public, the material of the mask and the fit is far more important than a specific FDA or other regulatory body designation.

• Multi-Layer, Non-Woven Materials: multiple layers of electrospun or electrostatically charged materials such as disposable non-woven polypropylene fabrics are best. N95, KN95 and KF94 masks meet these criteria.
• Snugly Fit: a snugly fit mask is one that has no gaps around the edges.
  • Make sure the nose piece properly comes into contact at all parts of your nose
    • This is particularly important for KN95 and KF94 masks, which generally come folded.
  • No gaps between the mask and your skin at your cheeks.
  • Confirm that the mask goes under your chin and there are no gaps.
  • Any gap between your skin and the perimeter of a mask will make the mask less effective.
  • For more information about fitting a mask, see the CDC’s Disposable Mask Guidance. You are strongly encouraged to read the precautions in the NIOSH-Approved Respirators section, and the Considerations for Children section if you are helping fit a child with a mask.

The following examples provide the best protection starting with the most protective for the wearer.

• Snugly-Fit N95, KN95, KF94, or equivalent:
  • Generally, KN95 are suitable for individuals with wider faces, while KF94 are designed for individuals with more narrow faces.
  • For the general public, wearing a mask that fits snuggly and is made of multiple layers of non-woven material is more important than any particular brand or model.
• Other Disposable Masks (medical/surgical):
  • Surgical/medical masks that are composed of multiple-layers of electrostatically charged fabric with a wire nose piece that are well-fitted over the nose, mouth, and chin are also a good option.
• Cloth Masks:
  • While cloth masks made of multiple layers of tightly woven fabric do provide protection, you can create even better protection by wearing a disposable mask with a cloth mask over it.
  • The cloth mask should help push the edges of the disposable mask against your face and reduce any gaps or holes.

Free KN95 Masks

Most public libraries offer five free KN95 and surgical grade masks per person, per month at public libraries and certain community sites. Supplies may be limited, you are encouraged to contact your local library or community site to confirm availability.

Individuals may want to consider the relative risk of their situation to determine what type of mask may be suitable. For example, individuals may want to consider a snugly-fit N95, KN95, KF94 or equivalent for higher-risk situations. For additional information on how to properly wear a mask and how to choose a mask or respirator for different situations, see the CDC’s Guide to Masks.

Follow these simple tips to reuse your KN95

• When putting on or removing your mask only touch the straps and the outermost rim and never handle the front or inside of your mask.
• If you use it once – fold it closed with the side that touches your face on the inside and place it inside a clean breathable material like a paper towel or new paper bag for 4 days. Store it in a place where it can’t get contaminated by the COVID-19 virus, other germs or chemicals.
• Follow this process to reuse your mask up to 5 times.
• To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used mask.

When to discard your mask

• It is visibly dirty
• It is damaged (e.g. broken straps, broken nose piece)
• It doesn’t fit well anymore (doesn’t seal around the nose and mouth)

What NOT TO DO with your new or used KN95

• Share it with others
• Spray it or wash it with soap and water, alcohol or bleach
• Put it in a microwave
• Store it inside of a dirty cloth, paper bag or napkin
• Lay it on surfaces like the kitchen counter or dinner table that can contaminate it

Vaccination

Boulder County Public Health recommends that all individuals get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in helping to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations.

Individuals Who are Up to Date on COVID-19 Vaccination

Boulder County Public Health recommends that individuals who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations wear a medical grade face covering while in close proximity to individuals at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death or in settings that primarily serve individuals who are not up to date or at high risk for severe disease.

Individuals Who are not Up to Date on COVID-19 Vaccination

• Individuals who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations should continue to wear a medical grade face covering while around others while Boulder County remains in substantial or high transmission.
• Individuals who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations should wear a face covering while in close proximity to individuals at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death or in settings that primarily serve individuals who are not up to date or at high risk for severe disease regardless of transmission rates.

Individuals at High Risk for Severe Disease, Hospitalization & Death

CDC has identified adults over the age of 65 and people with certain underlying conditions and risk factors to be at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. A list of medical conditions is available on the CDC website.

BCPH still encourages a snugly fit medical grade face covering to protect anyone at high risk for more severe disease from COVID-19 infections or who may have frequent close contact with someone who is at higher risk for more severe disease.

Testing

Individuals who intend to be in close proximity to individuals at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death should consider obtaining a test prior to gathering.

Recommendations for Businesses & Facilities

Some businesses and facilities may be subject to state or federal requirements. Other businesses and facilities that are not subject to requirements, particularly those that serve high risk individuals, may choose to implement additional mitigation measures as a matter of internal policy, including measures to protect staff who are not up to date or who are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Such measures could include requiring face coverings during periods of substantial or high transmission, offering face coverings, moving activities outdoors, increasing ventilation indoors, or implementing vaccination requirements.

State & Federal Mask Requirements

State of Colorado

The State of Colorado requires masks for unvaccinated people 11+ in:

• Jails, prisons, community corrections
• Homeless shelters
• Emergency medical and other healthcare settings (including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, urgent care centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, and non-urgent care medical structures)
• Other healthcare setting
• Public transportation

CDPHE Order 20-38

Long Term Care Facilities are subject to the State Public Health Order 20-20.

Federal Mask Requirements

CDC has updated its mask requirements and stated it is exercising its discretion to not require people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education or childcare programs. CDC is making this change to align with updated guidance and will amend its mask order as soon as possible.

Masks are still required under federal law in the following situations:

• People 2+ on airplanes and in airports
• People 2+ on public conveyances
  • Ride shares
  • Public buses

CDC Mask Requirements

Rationale for Mask Recommendation

While vaccines are known to be the most effective way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and symptomatic disease of COVID-19, masks are an important component of a layered mitigation strategy to prevent disease and get transmission under control in the community.

Multiple studies have indicated that wearing a mask can reduce the wearers’ exposure to infectious droplets, including those that cause the COVID-19 virus, through filtration of fine droplets and particles less than 10 microns. To maximize the efficacy of a mask in keeping the wearer safe, masks must be worn appropriately, covering the nose and mouth. For more information and studies, please see the CDC’s mask information.

Mask recommendations supports Boulder County Public Health’s goals in its COVID-19 response: preventing unnecessary deaths and significant illness, preserving our healthcare system capacity so that everyone can access timely healthcare for any reason whether illness, injury, or other reason, and safely returning to normal activities. By wearing our masks now we can achieve these goals and keep our businesses operating and healthcare system within capacity without further restrictions.

COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

Air Flow

Increase airflow and ventilation –Move gatherings outdoors when possible or practicable, particularly when involving high risk individuals. While indoors, use HEPA filters or increase ventilation and airflow by opening windows or increasing air circulation.

Hand Washing

Wash your hands –Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand rub that contains 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Stay Home

Stay home when sick; stay away from others when they are sick.

Consult Healthcare Provider

Consult with your healthcare provider on a recommended course of action, including any recommended therapies, if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19, come down with any symptoms, or test positive.