{"id":34126,"date":"2020-07-05T16:20:29","date_gmt":"2020-07-05T16:20:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vailvalleypartnership.com\/?p=34126"},"modified":"2020-07-05T16:20:29","modified_gmt":"2020-07-05T16:20:29","slug":"eagle-county-mandates-masks-in-new-covid-19-public-health-order-will-move-to-next-phase-friday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vailvalleypartnership.com\/2020\/07\/eagle-county-mandates-masks-in-new-covid-19-public-health-order-will-move-to-next-phase-friday\/","title":{"rendered":"Eagle County mandates masks in new COVID-19 public health order, will move to next phase Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"

Masks in indoor public spaces such as grocery stores in Eagle County are no longer a recommendation \u2014 they\u2019re a requirement.<\/p>\n

Eagle County Public Health and Environment on Thursday updated the county\u2019s\u00a0public health order<\/a><\/i>\u00a0regarding COVID-19, which includes the mask ordinance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are taking this step now to protect the progress we\u2019ve made, as well as our near- and long-term goals of a successful school year, ski season and beyond,\u201d said Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry in a statement. \u201cWe believe the potential inconvenience of wearing masks is a small price to pay to protect that future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The move comes just days after members of the Avon Town Council approved an ordinance <\/a>mandating that people wear masks in indoor, public spaces. Additionally Vail Resorts has implemented a face-covering policy across all of its resorts that requires guests to wear face coverings in certain areas, including in lines, when loading and unloading chairlifts, when loading and riding in gondolas, in indoor resort facilities, on activities such as an alpine slide or mountain coaster, and whenever it is not possible to maintain a 6-foot distance from unknown parties. These policies are also in effect at retail outlets.<\/p>\n

In alignment with the county\u2019s\u00a0Transition Trail Map<\/a><\/i>\u00a0and with modifications in accordance with a variance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the move to the black diamond phase will take place on Friday.<\/p>\n

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\u201cOur ability to keep the virus in check and slow the spread at a community level is based on our individual behaviors,\u201d said Heath Harmon, the county\u2019s director of public health and environment. \u201cThe recent increases in Eagle County warrant everyone\u2019s caution.\u00a0Whether you are a local or a visitor, we want you to reduce contact with others and remain vigilant with the Five Commitments of Containment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Current\u00a0disease surveillance<\/a><\/i>\u00a0data has pushed Eagle County into a cautious state with recent increases in spread noted in the county and region. In addition, state and national transmission data continues to increase with several states slowing down their reopening plans in advance of the holiday weekend.<\/p>\n

The revised county public health order reflects these current disease trends and holds gathering sizes at lower levels than originally requested in the variance sent to the state, while also implementing a requirement for face coverings in public indoor settings.<\/p>\n

Specifically, group sizes are limited to up to 100 people indoors and 175 people outdoors as long as 6 feet of distance between non-household members can be maintained.<\/p>\n

All community members are strongly encouraged to read the entire order. Notable changes include:<\/p>\n