Pitkin County Traveler Affidavit Requirement
Who must complete the Traveler Affidavit
- Any traveler spending ONE or more nights in Pitkin County that does not meet any exemptions below.
- This applies to ALL visits to Pitkin County if they are 10 days or more apart.
- This includes all residents, full or part-time, and second homeowners.
- This does not apply to those visiting Pitkin County for the day.
- Parents are required to include all minors in their affidavit.
- All persons 10 and over are required to have a negative test. Find a COVID-19 testing site.
- All travelers are required to adhere to Pitkin County’s personal gathering requirement.
CDC Guidance for all Travelers
CDC guidance suggests testing can improve traveler safety. You may feel well and not have any symptoms while traveling, but you can still spread COVID-19 to others, including to other family, friends, and the community. CDC recommends getting tested 1-3 days before your trip and to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after your travel. Read more.
Pitkin County has made progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our businesses and ski areas open. Our entire community, our residents and our guests have a responsibility to help us keep transmission levels as low as possible and our community open. All travelers should follow CDC guidance and seek testing prior to traveling.
If you have questions about the affidavit please see our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Program Details
Traveler Affidavit Step-By-Step Instructions (Click Here)
All travelers, staying at least one night in Pitkin County, who do not meet an exemption (as outlined below), are required to:
- Complete the Traveler Affidavit prior to arrival which includes, a negative COVID-19 test result for any persons 10 and above, that has been administered within up to 72-hours prior to your arrival to Pitkin County
- Be symptom-free for 10 days prior to your travel
- Quarantine for 10 days if you have not completed a test
If your COVID-19 test result has not been received prior to arrival, travelers must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.
Exemptions
All travelers staying at least one night in Pitkin County on or after December 14th who are 10 and over or an unaccompanied minor must complete and submit the online Pitkin County Traveler Affidavit unless the individual meets an exemption below:
Persons Commuting for Work or School: People who regularly commute to Pitkin County to attend school or work are exempt from quarantine and needing a negative test. Workers or students who travel to Pitkin County for personal or leisure reasons cannot rely on this exemption.
Workers providing Critical Infrastructure Services: Any person who enters Pitkin County to perform a critical infrastructure function (as defined by CDC), provided that this exception shall apply only when such person is actively engaged in performing that function and at all other times a person entering under this exception shall be required to comply with the requirements pursuant to Section 1of this Order unless some other exemption applies. For purposes of this Order, the term “critical infrastructure function” shall mean work performed by Critical Infrastructure Workers as specified in CDPHE PHO 20-36 Appendix A. Please review FAQs for further clarifications.
Persons with Disabilities: Any persons with disabilities, defined as a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities; a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities include: caring for one’s self, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and learning.
Patients Seeking or Receiving Medical Treatment: Any patient who must travel to Pitkin County in order to seek or receive specialized medical care from a physician located in Pitkin County and persons accompanying and providing needed support to the patient. All patients will still be expected to comply with local medical provider testing requirements.
Military Personnel: Any person who is required to travel to Pitkin County at the order or directive of a Federal or State military authority.
If you do not meet one of the exemptions above, you must complete and submit the online Pitkin County Traveler Affidavit.
Quarantine Requirement and Testing Options
All travelers (as defined above) MUST quarantine for 10 days from the date of arrival in Pitkin County unless the individual meets one of the criteria below:
- a negative test result for COVID-19, for any persons 10 and above, taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival in Pitkin County and proof of this result upon request by a representative of Pitkin County, or
- obtain a test at your own expense after your arrival in Pitkin County but you MUST quarantine until you obtain a negative result.
- If you receive a positive result you will be required to isolate for 10 days or the duration of your trip if your trip is less than 10 days.
- You may be required to isolate in Pitkin County and will be responsible for any additional expenses for your accommodations
- meet the exemption criteria outlined above.
Travelers are strongly urged to obtain a negative result before traveling to Pitkin County.
Testing Requirement
You do not need to quarantine for 10 days if you took a test for COVID-19, have had no symptoms for 10 days prior to traveling and have received a negative result. The specimen for the test must have been collected no longer than 72 hours before your arrival in Pitkin County. A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) test (a viral test), such as a RT-PCR test, is strongly preferred. Antigen tests (Rapid Tests) will be accepted. If you are unable to get a viral test within the 72-hour time period, a rapid test may be used as an alternative. Upon request, you must be able to demonstrate proof of the negative test result.
If you took a test prior to your arrival but have not received your negative result, you MUST quarantine until you receive the negative result. You may obtain a test at your own expense after your arrival in Pitkin County, but you MUST quarantine until you obtain a negative result.
Testing for children, under the age of 10, who are traveling with an adult from their household is not required. For testing questions, visit our FAQs below
Individuals who do not comply with the requirement to quarantine are subject to a fine of $5,000 per Pitkin County Public Health Order.
Compliance
The Traveler Affidavit is required per the Pitkin County Public Health Order. Failure to comply with the Public Health Order is subject to up to a $5,000 fine. Thank you for helping us protect our community for current and future residents and visitors!
If you have questions about the affidavit please see our Frequently Asked Questions below or Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Gatherings
Q: Where does the personal gathering size limit come from?
A: Pitkin County has adopted CDPHE’s COVID-19 dial and associated guidelines and restrictions. Pitkin County is currently in Level Yellow on the Dial which limits public and private gatherings to no more than 10 individuals from no more than 2 households. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members living in the same household.
Q: What types of gatherings are permitted?
A: Public and private gatherings are limited to no more than 10 individuals from no more than 2 households when not otherwise regulated as a specific sector or activity authorized in the state Order (CDPHE’s Amended Public Health Order 20-36) and for the purpose of accessing or engaging in Necessary Activities. Engaging in outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, biking, or running are considered necessary activities.
Q: What is a personal gathering?
A: A personal gathering is any gathering that does not fall under the category of Regulated Gathering. Personal gatherings include, but are not limited to, all public or private gatherings as defined in CDPHE’s Amended Public Health Order 20-36 whether on private or public property. Gatherings on residential property are personal social gatherings for purposes of this order unless an exclusion applies.
Q: What is a household?
A: A Household is defined as a group of people who live together in a single residence
People who don’t currently live with you are part of different households
- If family members are returning home, such as from college or other settings, they need to complete the affidavit and testing / quarantine requirements. Upon completion they may be included in the household definition.
Q: Do the personal gathering size and household limit apply to short-term lodging?
A: Yes. In Pitkin County, personal gatherings are limited to no more than 10 individuals from no more than 2 households. Short-term lodging includes, but is not limited, to campgrounds (whether private or government-operated), reserved camping sites, hotels, motels, and short term lodging accommodation rentals of 30 days or less (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, timeshares, RV parks, bed and breakfasts, condo-tels, lodges, and retreats). By way of example, more than 10 people who live in two different residences are prohibited from sharing a short term lodging unit.
Any existing reservations that include more than 10 guests from two or more households must be changed or canceled to comply with the regulation.
Q: What is a regulated gathering?
A: A regulated gathering is a gathering of customers or participants in any activity permitted pursuant to Appendix B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L of CDPHE Public Health Order 20-36 that is not a public or private gathering pursuant to CDPHE Public Health Order 20-36. By way of example, regulated gatherings include classes at commercial gyms and studios, organized concerts, permitted events, and other professionally organized events.
Q: Does this affect restaurants’ permitted party size?
A: Restaurants may operate at 50% capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer. On-premise sale and service of alcohol must stop by 11:00 pm. Dining parties must be limited to 10 people while patrons in different parties must be spaced a minimum of 6 feet apart.
Q: Can I have a personal gathering outdoors, with two or more households, and everyone wears a mask and maintains a 6 ft. physical distance from each other
A: Personal gatherings are permitted so long as it does not exceed more than 10 individuals from no more than 2 households. Although outdoor gatherings are generally less of a risk than indoor gatherings, all individuals participating in gatherings must follow all public health order guidelines concerning gathering size, face coverings and social distancing.
Q: Does this mean I could only have members of different households over at my house?
A: Staying home and gatherings with only people who live in your household is the best way to protect yourself and others. Personal gatherings must be limited to 10 people or fewer from no more than 2 households.
Q: Does the personal gathering limits apply to restaurants, schools, and other places of public accommodation?
A: The limitation only applies to personal gatherings that are not otherwise regulated by an existing order. A Personal Gathering does not include:
- Employees and volunteers of any business, government, nonprofit, or not-for-profit entity while performing work for such entity;
- any school-sanctioned educational activity
- any life rites, such as weddings, graduations, funerals, other religious rites, and worship services, as authorized by and conducted in strict compliance with CDPHE Public Health Order 20-36;
- organized events that meet the criteria in Appendix I of CDPHE Public Health Order 20-36 for Indoor and Outdoor Events;
- participation in any activity required by law.
Completing the Traveler Affidavit
Q: Who needs to complete the Traveler Affidavit and have a COVID 19 test?
A: Effective December 14, 2020, unless exempted as defined in Section 3 of the amended Pitkin County Public Health Order, all individuals 10 years of age and older, traveling into or returning to Pitkin County after 10 days or more from any location outside of Pitkin County, by any means or mode, and spending one or more nights in Pitkin County shall complete the Traveler Affidavit and either:
- receive a negative test result for COVID-19 from a test performed on a sample taken not longer than 72 hours before the person’s arrival in Pitkin County and can produce proof of the negative test result upon request; or
- quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Pitkin County, or until a negative test result for COVID-19 has been received; or
- provide proof of a positive COVID-19 test result received within 90 days prior to the date of departure and attest to completion of the isolation requirement.
The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful winter season.
Q: I own a home in Pitkin County, do I need to complete the affidavit?
A: Yes. This applies to all residents, full-time, part-time and second home owners. Any individual traveling into or returning to Pitkin County after 10 days or more from any location outside of Pitkin County, by any means or mode is required to complete the Traveler Affidavit and either:
- receive a negative test result for COVID-19 from a test performed on a sample taken not longer than 72 hours before the person’s arrival in Pitkin County and can produce proof of the negative test result upon request; or
- quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Pitkin County, or until a negative test result for COVID-19 has been received; or
- provide proof of a positive COVID-19 test result received within 90 days prior to the date of departure and attest to completion of the isolation requirement.
The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
Q: How long is the Traveler Affidavit in place?
A: The Traveler Affidavit is in place throughout the duration of the ski season, through April 30th. At this time it is still to be determined if the Traveler Affidavit program will be in place after ski season and will be based on the rate of spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Pitkin County’s COVID case incidence rate continues to remain extremely high. Pitkin County is currently in the Orange Level on Colorado’s COVID-19 Dial. Due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 in our community, business partners have come together and developed additional protective measures. By taking additional steps now, we are working together to keep our community safe.
The purpose of the Traveler Affidavit program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
If the County’s incident rate is reduced in the future to a level where this protective measure is re-evaluated, information regarding any change will be included on our website covid19.pitkincounty.com
Q: When does the affidavit need to be completed?
A: You can fill it out at any time. The test result is kept separately and if you are seeking testing, you will need to certify your testing status. Here are the options in that section of the affidavit:
- I have received a negative viral test result for COVID-19 on a specimen taken no longer than 72 hours prior to my arrival, consistent with CDC Domestic Travel Guidance.
- I plan to get a test at my own expense and will remain in quarantine until I receive a negative result.
- I have taken a COVID-19 test and am awaiting my result and will remain in quarantine once arriving in Pitkin County until I receive a negative result.
- I will quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Pitkin County or for the duration of my stay if fewer than 10 days.
- I have received a positive RT-PCR or Antigen test result for COVID-19 within 90 days prior to the date of my departure and I have completed my 10 day isolation requirement.
Without your test results, and if you plan on testing, you’ll need to choose the response that best fits your situation.
Q: I am entering Pitkin County but do not need to fill out the travel form because I meet an exemption. Do I need written documentation demonstrating that I meet the exemption criteria?
A: No, but we still expect all travelers to adhere to the commitments of the Affidavit. This includes:
- Confirming you do not currently have COVID-19 symptoms or had had close contact with anyone in the last 14 days who is confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19;
- Follow the 5 Commitments of Containment 1) Maintain 6 feet of distance from anyone not in my household; 2) Washing hands often; 3) Covering my face in public; 4) Staying home when sick or symptomatic; and 5) Seek testing immediately
- Follow all applicable local and state mask requirements. Click here
- Adhere to all Pitkin County quarantine and isolations requirements. Click here
- Follow all personal gathering requirements. Including limited to 10 people or no more than two households in all private and public settings.
Q: The website says to fill out the affidavit prior to travel but, how many days before travel?
A: You may complete the Affidavit at any time, but if seeking testing, you must receive a negative test result from a test performed on a sample taken no longer than 72 hours before your arrival in Pitkin County.
If you cannot get a test result prior to your arrival, you must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Pitkin County, or until a negative test result for COVID-19 has been received.
Pitkin County Resident & Second-Home Owner Requirements
Q: I am a Pitkin County resident and have a short trip scheduled out of state. Do the traveler requirements apply to me to return?
A: The Pitkin County Public Health Order was amended on December 14 to identify that all persons who have been away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more are required to complete the Traveler Affidavit and test. There is no difference for residents, full or part-time.
The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
Q: I live in Aspen but commute to work for 1-3 weeks at a time. Am I still required to test every time I return home? I fly each way.
A: The Pitkin County Public Health Order was amended on December 14 to identify that all persons who have been away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more are required to complete the Traveler Affidavit and test. There is no difference for residents, full or part-time.
The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
If you are gone less than 10 days we encourage you to follow the CDC recommendation to consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel.
Q: I live in Aspen but am going to California for the holidays. Is there any requirement for testing when I return?
A: The Pitkin County Public Health Order was amended on December 14 to identify that all persons who have been away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more are required to complete the Traveler Affidavit and test. There is no difference for residents, full or part time.
The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
If you are gone less than 10 days we encourage you to follow the CDC recommendation to consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel.
CDC Guidance can be found here.
Arriving/Departing from Aspen Pitkin County Airport
Q: Will I be asked to show proof of my Affidavit or Negative Test upon arrival at the Aspen Pitkin County Airport?
A: No, you will not be required to show proof upon arrival. You are expected to keep the Traveler Affidavit documentation with you throughout the duration of your stay. Once you complete the form you will receive a confirmation of your submission. Please keep the copy of this confirmation easily accessible while staying in Pitkin County. If you obtained a negative COVID-19 test result to be exempt from the self-quarantine requirement you should retain a copy of your test results for your records, either hard copy or electronically on your device and be prepared to produce those results upon request by a representative of Pitkin County Public Health.
Q: I will be flying in and out of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, and do not live or will be staying in Pitkin County. Do I need to complete the affidavit and test?
A: Individuals using the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and are not residing or staying in Pitkin County are not required to complete the Traveler Affidavit or test. However, per CDC guidelines, it is highly recommended all travelers seek testing to reduce the spread of transmission.
The CDC advises if you are traveling, consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel.
CDC Guidance can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
Q: Are flight crews required to complete the Affidavit?
A: Per CDC definition of critical infrastructure, the transportation sector is one of the critical infrastructure industries. Flight crews are included in the transportation sector. Any guests that are not part of the flight crew are still required to adhere to the Traveler Affidavit Requirements.
Working, attending school, or recreating in Pitkin County from outside the County
Q: If I am coming in to ski but NOT staying, overnight in Pitkin County, do I still need to submit the affidavit?
A: Individuals not staying one night in Pitkin County do not need to complete the Pitkin County affidavit and testing requirement. However, Pitkin County highly encourages any traveler, regardless of when they are staying, to follow the CDC guidance, including seeking testing within 72 hours of traveling and have a negative result to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The CDC advises if you are traveling, consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel. CDC Guidance can be found here.
The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
Q: I commute to Pitkin County for work. What requirements do I need to follow?
A: Individuals who come to Pitkin County for the day to work and do not spend the night are not required to complete the affidavit or test.
If you are staying in Pitkin County for your work assignment and your time away between work assignments is 10 days or more you are required to complete the affidavit and seek testing within 72 hours of returning to Pitkin County..
Q: I live outside Pitkin County and regularly go to Pitkin County to recreate, what requirements do I need to follow?
A: People who come to Pitkin County for the day and do not spend the night are not required to complete the affidavit or test.
If you are traveling, the CDC recommends to consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Also consider getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, consider reducing non-essential activities for 10 days after travel.
CDC Guidance can be found here.
Q: I live outside the RFV and have an Aspen Season Pass and ski a couple of times a month and sometimes stay in Pitkin County. Do I need to complete an affidavit and test for each visit?
A: Yes, as a negative test is only a test of a point in time, travelers will need to seek testing for any time they are away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more.
What do I do with my Traveler Affidavit and testing results?
Q: After completing the Traveler Affidavit, do I need to keep a copy of my submission on-hand?
A: You should keep the Traveler Affidavit documentation with you. Once you complete the form you will receive a confirmation of your submission. Please keep the copy of this confirmation easily accessible while visiting Pitkin County.
If you obtained a negative COVID-19 test result to be exempt from the self-quarantine requirement you should retain a copy of your test results for your records, either hard copy or electronically on your device and be prepared to produce those results upon request by a representative of Pitkin County Public Health.
Q: Will I be required to present my affidavit and test results when entering Pitkin County?
A: You are not required to present your Affidavit or show your test results unless asked by a representative of Pitkin County Public Health that may be doing spot checks or in the case of Contact Tracing (you were identified as a contact to an individual with Covid-19).
We ask that you have the information on your personal device or a printed copy with you when you travel to Pitkin County.
Q: Do we have to submit the negative results prior or do we just carry it with us?
A: We are not asking visitors to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. If you obtained a negative COVID-19 test result to be exempt from the self-quarantine requirement you should retain a copy of your test results for your records, either hard copy or electronically on your device and be prepared to produce those results upon request by a representative of Pitkin County Public Health. Airline staff, lodging facilities or other businesses will not be requesting this information.
The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
Q: Where do I upload my test result into the Affidavit?
A: You do not upload your result into the affidavit. Once you complete the Traveler Affidavit form you will receive a confirmation of your submission. Please keep the copy of this confirmation easily accessible while visiting Pitkin County and retain a copy of your test results for your records, either hard copy or electronically on your device.
Q: Will lodges ask to see the Affidavit at guest check in?
A: Pitkin County is asking for our lodging and hospitality community (including short-term rental hosts) to partner together to “Inform” guests of the travel requirement. To clarify, we are not asking our partners to “enforce”.
- The goal is to reach the visitors before they arrive
- We are asking lodging and hospitality to be partners to help push out the Traveler Affidavit program to include messaging to:
- Integrate communication into reservation process
- Provide information to all arriving guests
Visit our Traveler Affidavit Communications Toolkit for more information
Traveling with Children
Q: I am traveling with my children. I took a test and have my negative result. Do my kids need a test for COVID-19 as well?
A: It depends on each child’s age. If your child is under the age of 10, then the child does not need a test. If your child is 10 or older, then the child does need a test.
Q: A minor who is not part of our immediate family will be traveling with us. Should we add his name to the affidavit?
A: Yes, please list any person under 18 years traveling with you on your Traveler Affidavit as a dependent even though they are not part of your immediate family.
Q: We live outside the RFV but our children are in weekend ski programs. What are our requirements for TA and testing?
A: Your children would meet the exemption for “Persons Commuting for Work or School” so long as they are adhering to the program requirements for the ski program.
Persons Commuting for Work or School: People who regularly commute, at least weekly, outside of Pitkin County to a fixed place to attend school or work or any person who regularly commutes, at least weekly into Pitkin County to a fixed place to attend school or work; provided that in either case, this exception applies only to and from the person’s residence and place of work or school. Workers or students who travel to any place that is not their home residence for personal or leisure reasons cannot rely on this exemption.
Testing Requirements and Eligibility
Q: What tests are acceptable?
A: A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) test (a viral test), such as a RT-PCR test, is strongly preferred. Antigen tests (Rapid Tests) will be accepted if there is limited capacity or inability to receive the NAAT (RT-PCR) test within the 72-hour period. Antibody tests are not acceptable.
A LAMP test is a NAAT.
Q: Can international travelers get tested in another country before arriving?
A: Yes, provided that a viral test sample is obtained 72 hours or less prior to arrival to Pitkin County that is authorized by their government.
Q: I am looking to obtain a negative COVID-19 test, but I am unable to get tested in my home community that I am traveling from. What can I do?
A: A traveler who is required to quarantine may be released from the obligation to continue quarantining upon obtaining proof of a COVID-19 negative test, which was administered after the person’s arrival in Pitkin County.
Travelers are required to quarantine immediately upon arrival in Pitkin County but may temporarily break quarantine to receive testing. Travelers must arrange for the test at their own expense and then are required to immediately continue quarantining until receiving a negative test result or the 10 days is complete. Guidance on how to obtain a test in Pitkin County can be found here.
Q: What is test turnaround time in Pitkin County?
A: You can make an appointment for testing at a Pitkin County location here. However, their typical turnaround time is 48-72 hours, which may change depending on the lab’s capacity. We recommend seeking testing prior to arrival in order to ensure your best vacation in Pitkin County.
Q: Is a mail-in / at-home test that is an FDA-approved NAAT RT-PCR test an acceptable form for out-of-state travelers?
A: No, we will not accept at-home COVID-tests. All testing must come from a certified lab. There is currently no means for our Public Health team to verify whose test it was or if the sample was collected correctly. Also, for those collected at home AND tested at home, there is no paper confirmation of a negative result.
Q: I had an antigen test that was negative, do I need to be tested again?
A: Antigen tests (Rapid Tests) will be accepted if there is limited capacity or inability to receive the NAAT (RT-PCR) test within the 72-hour period.
Q: I am planning to arrive in Pitkin County right after Christmas. What do I do if I cannot get a test in time for my arrival due to the Christmas holiday and weekend?
A: Knowing that a negative test is only a snapshot in time, it is best practice to seek testing within the 72-hour window. However, we understand unexpected circumstances may occur that are out of an individual’s control (plane delays, testing result delays) that will/may be taken into consideration but ask all travelers to seek the testing within 72 hours of their scheduled departure and put forth good effort to meet this requirement.
If you have not received your test result by the time you arrive in Pitkin County, you are required to quarantine until the negative result is received. You will be able to enter the County and land at the Airport. We are not asking visitors to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. Only a Pitkin County representative may ask for proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. Airline staff, lodging facilities or other businesses will not be requesting this information.
The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
Prior COVID-19 Positive Test
Q: I previously had COVID-19, I isolated pursuant to CDC guidelines and was released from isolation. Do I need to be tested again?
A: It depends on the date of your Covid-19 positive test result.
More than 90 days
If you tested positive for COVID-19 via a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (e.g. RT-PCR) or antigen test more than 90-days prior to the date of arrival, Pitkin County would still require you to have a negative result 72 hours or less prior to your arrival. This is because antibody research hasn’t determined immunity, especially with different strains of COVID-19 and you are at risk for a new infection and will be required to submit a negative test within 72-hours of arrival or follow the quarantine and testing requirements.
Ongoing research is being conducted to determine the length of time for which COVID-19 antibodies may offer protection from future COVID-19 infection. At this time, persons with detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are not considered immune and are required to obtain a negative test result within 72 hours of arriving in Pitkin County.
Less than 90 days
If you tested positive for COVID-19 via a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (e.g. RT-PCR) or antigen test less than 90 days prior to the date of arrival you may present a positive result so long as you have been fever-free for 24 hours, completed the 10 day isolation period and have had improvement of all symptoms on the date of departure for Pitkin County. Travelers will be required to complete the Traveler Affidavit and maintain documentation of their positive test.
There is an option on the form to select *I have received a positive RT-PCR or Antigen test result for COVID-19 within 90 days prior to the date of my departure and I have completed my 10 day isolation requirement.
Q: I have a positive antibodies test result. Do I need to be tested again?
A: Ongoing research is being conducted to determine the length of time for which COVID-19 antibodies may offer protection from future COVID-19 infection. At this time, persons with detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are not considered immune and are required to obtain a negative test result within 72 hours of arriving in Pitkin County, so long as it has been more than 90 days since the patient tested positive via RT-PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.
Vaccinations and the Affidavit Requirement
Q: Do I need a negative test/quarantine if I’ve received the COVID-19 vaccination?
A: 1st Dose
Individuals who have received the first dose of the vaccine still need to meet the testing/quarantine requirement. You are not protected from COVID-19 until two weeks after your 2nd dose.
2nd Dose
Most individuals who receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will likely have immunity two weeks after their second dose. Individuals who have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule, do not need to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19 once two weeks have passed after the second dose. If you have successfully completed both doses of the vaccination and it is at least two weeks since your second dose, you do not need to complete the testing requirement of the Traveler Affidavit.
Any person traveling that has not completed the full two-doses and two weeks waiting period after their second dose will still need to adhere to the quarantine and/or testing requirement. It is possible that someone who has been vaccinated against COVID-19 may still have a mild or asymptomatic infection or spread the virus to others. So it is important to continue taking precautions. Continue wearing masks and practicing physical distancing until it is clear that it is safe to stop.
As further details emerge on the efficacy of the vaccine, these requirements may change or be updated.
Q: I am getting the vaccine and worried I’ll receive a false positive if I get tested.
A: The CDC reports false-positive tests will not occur with the mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna. Read more here
COVID-19 Exposure and Symptoms while in Pitkin County
Q: I received a call that I should go into quarantine because I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. My test came back negative 3 days ago. Do I still need to quarantine?
A: Yes. If you were exposed to someone known to be COVID-19 positive, then you are at increased risk of becoming positive and will need to quarantine for 10 days in your home residence or lodging.
Q: What Happens if I Develop COVID-19 Symptoms While in Pitkin County?
A: The 72-hour test is a diagnostic test that is a point in time clinical measurement. If you develop symptoms, you may need to be tested again and may need medical attention. Information on testing in Pitkin County and Covid-19 symptoms can be found here.
Q: What happens if I am visiting Pitkin County and receive a positive COVID-19 result?
A: Regardless of your place of residence, you are required per the Public Health Order to isolate for 10 days in Pitkin County at the location you are staying and notify all of your close contacts. Failure to comply is subject to a violation of the Public Health Order and may result in up to $5,000 find. Pitkin County Public Health will also require information on how you traveled to Pitkin County. If you traveled by aircraft, Public Health may be required to report to the CDC for contact tracing depending on the number of days between your arrival and your exposure.
Q: If I develop symptoms but had a negative test what should I do?
A: The 72-hour test is a diagnostic test that is a point in time clinical measurement. If you develop symptoms, you may need to be tested again and may need medical attention. Isolate and seek testing. Information on testing in Pitkin County and Covid-19 symptoms can be found here.
How to Quarantine
The requirements for quarantining are as follows:
- Travelers, along with their travel party, must separate from all other people for 10 days.
- Travelers must not be in public or otherwise leave the identified quarters.
- The living quarters must have a separate bathroom facility for each individual or family group. Access to a sink with soap, water, and paper towels is necessary. Cleaning supplies (e.g. household cleaning wipes, bleach) must be available in the bathroom.
- Travelers must have a way to self-quarantine from other household members if a fever or other symptoms develop, in a separate room(s) with a door.
- During the quarantine period, no one else should be in the living quarters other than those in the Travel Party, including hotel staff or delivery persons, as applicable.
- Food must be delivered to the living quarters.
- Travelers must have a sufficient supply of face masks or face coverings to wear and must be compliant with local masking orders.
- Travelers are not to leave their living quarters except to receive urgent medical care.
- Travelers should engage in proper hygiene including washing hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used.
- Travelers should remain aware of potential COVID like symptoms including: fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees); cough; difficulty breathing; shortness of breath; chills; muscle or body aches; runny nose or nasal congestion; new loss of taste or smell; headache; nausea; vomiting or diarrhea. Travelers with any of these symptoms should immediately contact a healthcare provider.
- If no one in the Travel Party develops symptoms, then the travel party may continue with their normal activities after 10 days.
- Any additional costs associated with these requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Enforcement and Non-Compliance
Q: What if I don’t submit a Traveler Affidavit?
A: The Traveler Affidavit is required per the Pitkin County Public Health Order. Failure to comply with the Public Health Order is subject to up to a $5,000 fine.
Q: Where can I report concerns I may have about non-compliance with the order?
A: Individuals may report a public health order violation here.
Q: How will completing the affidavit and meeting the testing requirement be enforced?
A: We are not asking visitors to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. Only a Pitkin County representative may ask for proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. Airline staff, lodging facilities or other businesses will not be requesting this information. The purpose of this program is to provide additional protective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID in our community and keep our businesses and our ski areas open. The more that travelers can do today, the better chance we have for a successful holiday and winter season.
I still can’t find the question I’m looking for.
For additional questions, please fill out our Contact Us form and select “Traveler Affidavit” in the topic section.
