September 1, 2021 6:05 PM
Public Health Implements Mask Requirement in Public Indoor Spaces
(September 1, 2021) – San Miguel County Public Health will implement a county-wide public health policy requiring masks in public indoor places. The requirement will go into effect tonight, Wednesday, September 1, at 11:59 pm MST.
The requirement will apply to business employees and members of the public who visit public indoor places and for all individuals 3 years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status.
“Public indoor places” is defined broadly to include any enclosed indoor area, which is publicly or privately owned, to which the public has access by right or invitation. It includes enclosed indoor space serving as a place of employment, indoor stores, businesses, schools, common areas, offices, lobbies, and elevators. Consequently, employers should immediately implement this requirement amongst employees, contractors, customers, and anyone else within their indoor space.
“We are experiencing a significant and sustained increase in COVID cases across the county with indications of more severe disease as well,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “We can be proactive in controlling transmission to keep our schools and businesses open. Masks and vaccinations are our strongest defenses against the uncontrolled spread of COVID. As we learned last fall, a layered approach to transmission control will allow us to head into colder months and indoor gatherings better protected.”
The federal government continues to require masks on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. This federal mandate includes the gondola servicing Telluride and Mountain Village and all public buses throughout the county.
Businesses and entities may impose more strict requirements, but not less restrictive.