Are Face Coverings Now Optional Indoors in Public Spaces?

Basically, yes with some exceptions.

On Saturday, May 15, 2021, Summit Public Health issued an amended Summit Public Health order that took away the face covering requirement for most settings and situations.

• Vaccinated individuals- This order means that all vaccinated individuals are now no longer required to wear face coverings indoors or outdoors in public spaces.
  • Indoor public spaces include, but are not limited to, restaurants, coffee shops, fitness centers, personal service providers (think coiffed hair and trimmed beards), grocery stores, retail stores, etc…
  • Individual businesses can still decide to require face coverings in their businesses so don’t put that mask in storage yet and have it ready if you are required to put on a face covering in order to enter a business.
• Unvaccinated individuals- It is recommended (not required) that unvaccinated individuals still wear face coverings while in indoor public spaces.
• Crowded indoor spaces- It is also recommended (not required) that everyone, whether vaccinated or not, wear a face covering in very crowded indoor spaces where the vaccination status of attendees is unknown; think big indoor concert.

Where and in What Situations are Face Coverings Still Required?

• Preschool through grade 12 schools (including extracurricular activities) and child care centers and services; however, fully vaccinated individuals, including vaccinated children ages 16-18, in a classroom, cohort, or other group of children may remove masks where the teacher(s), caregiver(s), or other staff whose primary responsibility is education or childcare have provided proof of fully completed vaccination to their employer;
• Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated staff of Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle offices;
• Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated residents, staff, and visitors to congregate care facilities, including nursing facilities, assisted living residences, intermediate care facilities, and group homes; except in situations where removal is authorized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services;
• Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated residents, staff, and visitors to prisons and jails;
• Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated personnel in emergency medical and other healthcare settings (including hospitals, ambulance service centers, urgent care centers, non-ambulatory surgical structures, clinics, doctors’ offices, and non-urgent care medical structures).
• Summit County is requiring that individuals ages 2 and older wear masks in schools and child care centers, as well as in indoor camps and rec leagues. In addition, schools and child care centers may choose to maintain stricter mask wearing requirements than those outlined in the state or local health order.
• It is also required for some musicians in public concert settings. Read the Summit Public Health order for more details.
• Owners, operators, and managers of any business or service may, at their discretion, continue to require individuals entering or within their locations to wear face coverings or show proof of full vaccination.

“Face Coverings Optional” Business Signage

The Town of Frisco has created signage in English and Spanish for any businesses that choose not to require face coverings in their businesses. Laminated signs are available 24 hours a day in the main entrance vestibule of Town Hall or you can download and print these signs here.

Download & Print Business Face Coverings Optional Signage in English Download & Print Business Face Coverings Optional Signage in Spanish

What next?

• You may be wondering why lots of folks are still wearing face coverings/masks. They may not completely understand this public health order change yet; likely out of disbelief that we are actually at this point after a year of different habits. They may not feel comfortable taking their face coverings off yet. They may not be vaccinated. They may have a young child or someone who is immunocompromised in their life who can’t be vaccinated. Let’s support their choice.
• Again- a little kindness and empathy goes a long way right now. People and businesses will be making choices about what is right for them, and that may include continuing to wear face coverings or asking for proof of vaccination. Be a force for good and make the choice not to comment, complain, or harass folks who aren’t making the same choices that you are.
• Wash your hands, stay home if you are sick, and learn more about getting this free vaccine.
• Be well.