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Public Health - COVID-19

Posted on: August 13, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Broomfield Public Health Issues Indoor Mask Requirement for Those Ages 2-11

The Indoor Mask Requirement is for those ages 2-11 in schools and licensed childcare facilities effective Monday, Aug. 16. Read more for FAQs, data that informed this decision and how to ask questions and learn more.

Together through this pandemic, the Broomfield community has stepped up to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Now is the time to rally again to protect the health and safety of those unable to get vaccinated, and at much higher risk of contracting and spreading the delta variant - including children 11 and younger.

Broomfield Public Health Issues Indoor Mask Requirement for those ages 2-11 in schools and licensed childcare facilities effective Monday, Aug. 16.

What Does This Mean in Broomfield:

Masks are required indoors for anyone age 2-11 in schools and licensed childcare facilities.
Masks are recommended, but not required, for adults in schools and licensed childcare facilities.
Masks are recommended, but not required, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in all other indoor public settings.

Why Are Masks Required in Schools and Licensed Childcare Facilities?

Youth under the age of 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. Masking is one of the best ways to curb transmission and protect the unvaccinated.
Requiring masks in schools and licensed childcare facilities will help limit quarantines and outbreaks that disrupt in-person learning.
The medical community supports masking as a way to protect children who are unable to be vaccinated; the CDC and the Colorado chapter of the American Association of Pediatrics recommend masking in schools.
Over 98% of COVID-19 cases currently in Colorado are due to the Delta variant, which is highly infectious and especially concerning for those who are not vaccinated, including youth.

While the community had hoped the new school year would start without the requirement of masks, this is a necessary mitigation strategy to protect youth until they can be vaccinated. If you are eligible to get a vaccine, please do your part and get vaccinated! Find a vaccination opportunity today at Broomfield.org/COVIDVaccine.

Read more FAQs on PHO 2021-03 here.

Please see the following updates, frequently asked questions, and connection details for Monday’s live COVID-19 Q&A with the Public Health Department.

Join the COVID-19 Council Update today, Monday, Aug. 16 at 4 p.m. to listen to Broomfield Public Health and Environment discuss current COVID-19 information and to ask your questions. Prior weeks webinars are available at Broomfield.org/COVID. You can join the webinar:

Via Desktop, Tablet or Mobile Device: