Pitkin County indoor mask mandate for everyone 2 and older

PITKIN COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Pitkin County officials announced a mask mandate for everyone two and older, regardless of vaccination status, inside public buildings.

That mandate went into effect Thursday. County Public Health Director Jodan Sabella told 9News this measure is to protect the community, especially given how many tourists frequent the area.

Sabella says the mandate also gives the county the best chance at preventing local hospitals from becoming overcrowded and lowering the need for social distancing.

Pitkin County officials told 9News they are following Boulder County's lead. Since implementing a mask mandate, Boulder County's seven-day rolling average has decreased. However, the county still has a high level of transmission.

Any businesses interested in being exempt will need to prove it's a fully vaccinated facility.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pitkin County has a high level of COVID-19 transmission.