The Indoor Mask Requirement is for those ages 2-11 in schools and licensed childcare facilities effective Monday, Aug. 16.
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 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!
For more information, and ways to get vaccinated, visit Broomfield.org/COVID.