Jeffco Issues Emergency Public Health Order Requiring Face Coverings
|
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) issued an Emergency Public Health Order effective today, July 14 at 5 p.m. that requires Jefferson County residents and visitors to wear a mask or cloth face covering when in public settings when unable to maintain 6-foot social distancing. The Order does not require face coverings when in private residences, or in a personal vehicle when traveling alone or with members of your household. A hearing will be held during the scheduled Jefferson County Board of Health meeting on July 21 with a discussion on whether to amend or extend the Order. In Jefferson County, there has been a large increase in COVID-19 cases since mid-June. During the week of June 14, we saw 76 new cases, our lowest number of cases per week since the beginning of March. For comparison, last week (week of July 5) we saw 230 new cases, a three-fold increase. Hospitalizations have also begun to rise again, both in Jefferson County and across the Denver Metro Area. There is a growing body of scientific research that shows the use of cloth face coverings helps prevent the transmission of COVID-19, especially from people who are contagious but do not have symptoms. Additionally, face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in a community when they are widely used by people in public settings. Many residents and community partners have urged the department to issue a mask order, and this move is also supported by many local businesses who believe this action will help to avoid a retreat in the county's economic opening. Golden City Council also passed an ordinance last week mandating the use of face coverings. |
