With COVID-19 rules lifting, here's where you're supposed to wear a mask in Larimer County

This article was updated on May 4 with information about the state's most recent mask mandate issued May 2.

With Colorado's COVID-19 dial officially retired — and control over pandemic restrictions back in the hands of the state's counties — some questions may linger about what that shift means for masks.

Let's uncover some answers, shall we? 

Colorado eased its mask mandate. What does that mean for me?

On May 2, Colorado further eased its statewide mask mandate allowing for an exception to the mask rules for fully-vaccinated individuals, but that exception will not apply in Larimer County, which has stricter mask rules in place.

Per the amended state mask mandate, masks are still required in preschool and K-12 schools, child care centers and children's camps, congregate care and nursing facilities, health care settings, group homes, prisons, jails, personal service settings and public areas of state government facilities.

For counties with more than 35 cases per 100,000 people, masks are required in indoor public spaces for groups of 10 or more unvaccinated people (or individuals of unknown vaccination status).

(Larimer County had an average 7-day incidence rate of 163 cases per 100,000 people on May 4.)

Masks aren't required in public indoor spaces with more than 10 people present if at least 80% of people present have proof they are fully vaccinated, according to the state's most recent mandate. 

That exception does not apply in Larimer County, which created its own stricter restrictions after the state phased out its COVID-19 dial.

"At this time, the Larimer County order does not have exceptions for vaccinated individuals," county health department spokesperson Kori Wilford said May 3.

Track COVID-19 in Colorado:Local and statewide case information for April 2021

Counties had the option to place their residents under stricter restrictions when the state's dial was phased out, like Larimer County did, but some Colorado counties opted to not issue mask mandates that go beyond what the state requires, including neighboring Weld County.

Larimer County's health department issued an amended countywide mask mandate April 16, the same day the state's dial was retired. The 30-day order requires face coverings be worn by anyone age 11 and older in public indoor spaces, including local businesses.

The county mandate can be extended, rescinded or amended after it expires, according to the order.

When is a mask not required indoors in Larimer County? 

In Larimer County, a mask is not required indoors if:

• It impairs your health
• You're in a single, fully enclosed room with no members from outside your household
• You are undergoing a procedure that requires access to your mouth or nose
• You are seated and actively eating or drinking at a restaurant
• You're asked to lower your mask for identification purposes during a sale or transaction
• You're actively giving a speech
• You need to temporarily remove your face mask while participating in a life rite or religious service
• You're age 10 or younger

Do I need to wear a mask outdoors in Larimer County? 

With the exception of masks being required while waiting for public transportation, neither the state nor Larimer County has issued a full mandate requiring outdoor masks during the pandemic. It is strongly recommended, however, that you wear a mask if you're unable to keep 6 feet of distance from someone outside your household, whether you're indoors or outside.

The latest on outbreaks:Larimer County reports 21 new COVID-19 outbreaks, including day care centers, schools

Erin Udell reports on news, culture, history and more for the Coloradoan. Contact her at ErinUdell@coloradoan.com. The only way she can keep doing what she does is with your support. If you subscribe, thank you. If not, sign up for a digital subscription to the Coloradoan today.