Polis: “Wear a Mask When a local Business Demands It”

VACCINATED PEOPLE DO NOT NEED TO USE MOUTH COVERS

El Comercio de Colorado Newsroom

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Colorado established new guidelines on mask use following recent guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “If you’ve been fully vaccinated, the pandemic is largely over for you. Now you can resume your activities without wearing a mask. This is the day we’ve been waiting for,” Governor Jared Polis said.

Fully vaccinated people can function without masks in almost all settings. Masks are still required to be worn in public transportation, airplanes, and airports. People should show that they are vaccinated so that they can be without masks in prisons, nursing homes and emergency medical centers. Students over the age of 16 and teachers who are vaccinated can remove masks at schools.

An Exhortation not a Command

Under this new regulation, unvaccinated students, along with teachers and administrative staff, must wear masks inside school and during extra-curricular activities. Meanwhile, Colorado authorities encourage, but do not order, any individual 11 years and over who is not fully vaccinated to continue to wear a mask indoors.

“In any case, the most important thing is that people get vaccinated. Without being vaccinated and only wearing masks, people achieve 50 percent protection from the disease. This protection is increased with vaccines. Those who have been vaccinated have a 95 percent protection in terms of hospitalizations and the probability of death. We hope that all people decide to get vaccinated,” said Polis.

Small Business Requirements

The governor explained that local businesses may require the use of masks from all customers. “We Coloradans are courteous, and we will attend to the request made by local merchants. I will continue to carry the mask with me and when asked I will put on my mask. Many local businesses, such as supermarkets, may require it. Wear the mask when required by a local business. Let’s respect that,” remarked the governor.

Immunity

People achieve immunity within two weeks after receiving the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna. If people received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, they will also be immunized after two weeks of being vaccinated. In Colorado, more than 5 million vaccines have already been administered. “We are vaccinating those 12 and older, seven days a week, without an appointment,” Polis said.

The Exception

Children 10 and under are not required to wear masks. Evidence indicates that children in this age group are less likely to transmit COVID-19 than older children and adults. Additionally, children in this age group who have contracted the disease have mainly had mild symptoms.

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