Pitkin County Traveler Responsibility Code
As of March 5, 2021, all travelers visiting Pitkin County are required to fill out a form on the county website acknowledging local COVID-19 policies and are encouraged, although not required per CDC travel guidance, to get tested before arrival.
Check our COVID-19 Dial page for the most recent guidelines and restrictions.
Please review the information below as well as our Frequently Asked Questions.
Who must complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?
- Any traveler spending ONE or more nights in Pitkin County that does not meet any exemptions (as outlined in the exemption section 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.
What is the Traveler Responsibility Code?
The goal of Pitkin County’s Traveler Responsibility Code is to keep everyone in our community (residents and visitors alike) as healthy and safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While it has similar requirements to the previous Pitkin County Traveler Affidavit Program, the biggest difference is that the new program asks visitors to follow CDC’s travel recommendations in lieu of pre-arrival testing requirements.
The Traveler Responsibility Code simply asks travelers to acknowledge CDC’s travel recommendations and local requirements that includes:
- Current public health orders, including wearing a mask in public
- Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings
- If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine even if it prolongs your stay
- Self-isolate and get tested if experiencing symptoms
- Wash hands often
- Social distance
- Follow CDC travel guidance
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.
When does this program go into effect?
We are asking all travelers to adhere to these requirements starting on Friday March 5, 2021.
Submit your Traveler Responsibility Code form
Program Details
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 Responsibility Code prior to arrival. The Traveler Responsibility Code asks that visitors practice safe travel habits, including following CDC’s guidelines for travel during COVID-19 and local Public Health Orders. The Traveler Responsibility Code will ask the traveler to acknowledge the following:
CDC Travel Guidelines
- Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
- If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
- If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
- Unless you are fully vaccinated, if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel into the United States.
Pitkin County Requirements
- All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
- Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
- If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
- Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.
Exemptions
All travelers staying at least one night in Pitkin County on or after March 5th, 2021 must complete and submit the online Pitkin County Traveler Responsibility Code 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 completing the form. 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 1 of 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.
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 submit the online Pitkin County Traveler Responsibility Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evolution of the Traveler Responsibility Code
Q: What happened with the old Traveler Affidavit program?
A: On February 24, the Board of Health voted to change the Traveler Affidavit program to a Traveler Responsibility Code with an effective date of March 5.
Q: Why did the Traveler Responsibility Code replace the Traveler Affidavit program?
A: The Board of Health and the Pitkin County Public Health department received feedback from local businesses and organizations to remove legal connotations to the Traveler Affidavit Program. The Traveler Affidavit Program required that all visitors, regardless of residency, must obtain a negative test result 72 hours prior of arrival in Pitkin County. While the new Traveler Responsibility Code still requires all travelers regardless of residency status to complete the form, the new form asks that people acknowledge to follow CDC’s travel recommendations in lieu of the previous testing requirement.
Q: Did anything change to the program’s framework?
A: Yes. The new Traveler Responsibility Code’s form asks all travelers to acknowledge that they will follow CDC’s travel recommendations whereas the Traveler Affidavit program’s form required that all travelers follow specific testing guidelines.
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. View our Events and Gatherings Pathfinder for the current Pitkin County guidelines for informal and formal events and gatherings.
Q: What types of gatherings are permitted?
A: There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes in Levels Green, Blue, and Yellow. The state is following CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (CDPHE Guidance) and CDC’s guidance for small gatherings. The CDC still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If they choose to participate in larger gatherings, fully vaccinated people should continue to adhere to prevention measures that reduce spread, including wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, and washing hands frequently.
- Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
- Fully vaccinated people may now:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
- Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
- Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.
Q: Do the personal gathering size and household limit apply to short-term lodging?
A: Lodging is subject to personal gathering requirements, depending on dial level. View our Events and Gatherings Pathfinder for the current guidelines and restrictions.
Completing the Traveler Responsibility Code
Q: Does Pitkin County’s Traveler Responsibility Code require one to receive a negative test result?
A: We are not asking travelers to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. Instead we are asking travelers to complete and acknowledge the following guidelines and requirements:
CDC Travel Guidelines
- Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
- if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
- If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
- Unless you are fully vaccinated, if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel into the United States.
Pitkin County Requirements
- All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
- Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
- wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
- If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
- Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.
Who needs to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?
Effective March 5, 2021, unless exempted as defined in Section 2 of the amended Pitkin County Public Health Order, all individuals 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 must complete the Traveler Responsibility Code.
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 and spring season.
Q: I own a home in Pitkin County, do I need to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?
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 Responsibility Code.
Q: How long is the Traveler Responsibility Code in place?
A: The Traveler Responsibility Code replaced Pitkin County’s previous program, known as the Traveler Affidavit Program. This new program will be in place throughout the duration of the ski season, through April. Pitkin County Public Health will then work with the hospitality task force to revisit the program and determine what changes may need to be made to accommodate the travel during the summer season.
Q: When does the Traveler Responsibility Code need to be completed?
A: You can fill it out at any time. Below are the points that an individual will acknowledge in the Traveler Responsibility Code. These points align with CDC’s guidelines and include local Public Health order requirements.
CDC Travel Guidelines
- Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
- If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
- If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
- Unless you are fully vaccinated,if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel to the United States.
Pitkin County Requirements
- All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
- Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
- wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
- If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
- Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.
Q: I am entering Pitkin County but do not need to fill out the 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 Traveler Responsibility Code. This includes:
- Confirming you do not currently have COVID-19 symptoms or had had close contact with anyone in the last 14 days who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.
- Follow the 5 Commitments of Containment
- Maintain 6 feet of distance from anyone not in my household;
- Washing hands often;
- Covering my face in public;
- Staying home when sick or symptomatic; and
- Seek testing immediately
- Follow all applicable local and state mask requirements. View the current Pitkin County mask requirements.
- Adhere to all Pitkin County quarantine and isolations requirements. Click here
- Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.
Q: The website says to fill out the Traveler Responsibility Code prior to travel but, how many days before travel?
A: You may complete the Traveler Responsibility Code at any time. We encourage you to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code prior to arriving in Pitkin County to learn how to travel safer and know what the local Pitkin County requirements are once you arrive.
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: All persons who have been away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more are required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code. There is no difference for residents, full- or part-time. If you are gone less than 10 days we encourage you to still 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.
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 complete the form every time I return home? I fly each way.
A: All persons who have been away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more are required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code. There is no difference for residents, full or part-time.
If you are gone less than 10 days we still 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 submitted Traveler Responsibility Code 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 Responsibility Code 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.
Q: I will be flying in and out of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, and do not live or will not be staying in Pitkin County. Do I need to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?
A: Individuals using the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and are not residing or staying in Pitkin County are not required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code. 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.
Q: Are flight crews required to complete the Traveler Responsibility Code?
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 Responsibility Code.
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 Traveler Responsibility Code?
A: Individuals not staying one or more nights in Pitkin County do not need to complete the Pitkin County Traveler Responsibility Code. However, Pitkin County highly encourages any traveler, regardless of when they are staying, to still 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 Traveler Responsibility Code.
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 Traveler Responsibility Code.
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 Traveler Responsibility Code.
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 the Traveler Responsibility Code for each visit?
A: Yes, travelers will need to complete the traveler form any time they are away from Pitkin County for 10 days or more.
What do I do with my Traveler Responsibility Code?
Q: After completing the Traveler Responsibility Code, do I need to keep a copy of my submission on-hand?
A: You should keep the Traveler Responsibility Code 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.
Q: Will I be required to present my submitted Traveler Responsibility Code when entering Pitkin County?
A: You are not required to present your traveler form 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. Instead, we are asking visitors to complete and acknowledge to the following on the traveler form:
CDC Travel Guidelines
- Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
- If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
- If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
- Unless you are fully vaccinated,if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel into the United States.
Pitkin County Requirements
- All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
- Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
- If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
- Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.
Q: Where do I upload my test result into the Traveler Responsibility Code?
A: You do not upload any test result into the travel form. Once you complete the Traveler Responsibility Code you will receive a confirmation of your submission. Please keep the copy of this confirmation easily accessible while visiting Pitkin County.
Q: Will lodges ask to see the Traveler Responsibility Code 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 Traveler Responsibility Code 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 Responsibility Code to include messaging to:
- Integrate communication into reservation process
- Provide information to all arriving guests
Traveling with Children
Q: I am traveling with my children. Do my kids need to complete the form as well?
A: No, kids do not need to submit a separate form. Instead, parents will just be required to include all minors in their form.
Q: A minor who is not part of our immediate family will be traveling with us. Should we add his name to the travel form?
A: Yes, please list any person under 18 years traveling with you on your Traveler Responsibility Code as a dependent even though they are not part of your immediate family.
Q: We live outside RFV but our children are in weekend ski programs. What are our requirements for the Traveler Responsibility Code?
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 Recommendations and Eligibility
Q: Does Pitkin County’s Traveler Responsibility Code require one to receive a negative test result?
A: We are not asking visitors to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. Instead, we are asking visitors to complete and acknowledge to the following on the traveler form:
CDC Travel Guidelines
- Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time you are eligible. Wait 2 weeks after getting fully vaccinated to travel.
- If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, do not travel.
- If you have COVID-like symptoms, do not travel.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to travel.
- Unless you are fully vaccinated,if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested 1-3 days before you travel into the United States.
Pitkin County Requirements
- All individuals 3 years of age and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public settings – regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
- Continue to practice physical distancing – avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who did not travel with you.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and seek testing immediately. Use the COVID-19 Testing Site Finder to search for a local testing site that works for you.
- If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine and monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, even if it prolongs your stay and is at your own expense.
- Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.
Q: What tests are recommended by CDC?
A: A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) test (a viral test), such as a RT-PCR test, is strongly preferred. Antigen tests (Rapid Tests) have lower accuracy and antibody tests identify specific antibodies in a person’s blood and do not detect an active infection.
A LAMP test is a NAAT.
Q: Can international travelers get tested in another country before arriving?
A: On January 12, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an Order requiring all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to present the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.
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: Travelers who do not have access to testing in their home community and would like to follow CDC’s travel guidance, they can arrange to get tested at their own expense here in Pitkin County. 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. However, their typical turnaround time is 48-72 hours, which may change depending on the lab’s capacity and the testing site you visit. For more information about testing sites in Pitkin County, visit our testing page here.
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, it’s recommended that you follow CDC’s testing recommendations for travel. 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.
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.
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, please ensure that 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 Responsibility Code.
Q: I have a positive antibodies test result. Should I 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 recommended to follow CDC’s travel guidance, which is to get tested no more than 3 days before travel, 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 Traveler Responsibility Code
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 should still follow the CDC’s testing recommendation prior to travel. 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 the 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.
Any person traveling that has not completed the full two-doses and two weeks waiting period after their second dose should still adhere to the CDC’s travel recommendations of receiving a viral test 1-3 days before travel. 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.
I am getting the vaccine and worried I’ll receive a false positive if I get tested.
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 a $5,000 fine. 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.
Mask Requirements
- 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: How will completing the Traveler Responsibility Code be enforced?
A: We are not asking visitors to submit documentation of test results to Pitkin County. 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-19 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 and spring season.
I still can’t find what I’m looking for
For additional questions, please fill out our Contact Us form and select “Visiting Pitkin County/Traveler Responsibility Code” in the topic section.
