Q: When should you wear a mask?

A: You should wear a mask or face covering whenever you’ll be around someone you don’t live with, including:

• In any indoor public space
• While exercising in an indoor public space
• While you are in a public pool area, but not swimming
• On public transportation or when ride-sharing
• When waiting in line
• When receiving health care
• Outdoors, if you are unable to stay 6 feet away from others 
• While talking to servers/hosts, waiting to order or for food, or talking to others at the table while not actively eating or drinking

Q: When can you take off your mask?

A: There are times when it’s okay to take your mask off when you’re away from home, such as:

• When actively eating or drinking at a restaurant
• If a hearing-impaired person needs to read your lips
• When you’re not sharing a common area, room or enclosed space with others
• When you are getting a service to the nose or face
• When you are officiating at a religious service 
• When delivering a speech to an audience (performers must be 25 feet from audience)
• When you must temporarily remove your mask for identification purposes
• While you are swimming in a public pool
• When outdoors in public and can stay 6 feet from others

You should replace the mask as soon as you can after these activities to reduce the risk of infection.

Q: What kind of mask should you wear?

A: Cloth mask or face covering: Cloth face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction, and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. Face coverings need to cover the nose and mouth at all times and should remain in place until taken off safely.

The Pitkin County Public Health Order Language states: 

• Face coverings are required to be worn outside whenever there is a risk of being within 6 feet of another person who is not of the same household.
• Face coverings are required to be worn while using or waiting to use public (buses, light-rail) or non-personal (taxis, car services, ride-shares) transportation services.
• In addition to mask requirements currently required in Pitkin County for indoor public spaces such as grocery stores, retail, and restaurants while being seated, mask requirements will include the following: All Offices, Lobbies, Elevators, Indoor Businesses, Common Areas and Gyms (except while using an indoor pool), and when receiving a personal service (massage, hair salon, etc).
• Businesses must post signs at entrances that instruct customers they must wear a mask when entering or moving around inside the business and must refuse service to individuals not wearing masks. 
• Outdoor team and recreational sports must follow Public Health guidance on facial coverings and COVID-19 Business Safety Plan. 
• The following individuals are exempt from face covering requirement:
  • Individuals two (2) years old and younger; or 
  • Individuals who cannot medically tolerate a face covering.

Q: What other mask precautions can you take?

A: Other than wearing your mask properly and making sure it fits well, you can layer up on masks to ensure the reduced transmission of COVID-19. Some examples are:

• Fabric cloth mask that has multiple layers
  • This does not include the layering of scarves, valve masks, or neck gaiters
    • Any fabric of neck gaiters is considered adverse to countering the spread of COVID-19
    • Valve masks are acceptable only if you add a nonmedical disposable mask as your first layer. Valve masks are known to work well for the wearer but compromise the protection of those around the wearer
• Double Mask
  • Wear a nonmedical disposable mask on and around your nose/mouth area for a snug but breathable fit
  • The second mask should secure the first mask’s perimeter against your face
  • Do not layer two disposable masks

For extended information on these precautionary steps you can take to maintain community safety, visit this latest update.

Link to the full public health order HERE.