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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!

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

FAQ:

Why issue mask requirements for ages 2-11 in schools and licensed child care facilities now?
As the delta variant quickly spreads, it’s critical to put proactive protections in place ahead of school starting to 1) keep students in school 2) avoid significant hospitalizations and deaths in our community.

Why didn’t the requirement for masks extend to unvaccinated students 12 and older, teachers, staff and visitors to those buildings?

In Broomfield, many of those groups have initiated or completed their vaccine:.
- 12-15 year olds - 71.9%
- 16-19 year olds - 76.9 %
Broomfield’s major school districts already require teachers and staff to wear masks.
The intent of this order is to protect the vulnerable population—our unvaccinated children.

What data informed this decision?

The percentage of COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant has more than doubled since May when the variant became widespread in Colorado, moving from 40% of all cases to 98.98% of all cases.
An increase of COVID-19 cases in youth, with 12.3% of all COVID-19 cases in Broomfield impacting those 0-9 in July, compared to 8.9% in May.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks are a key tool in the layered approach to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

How does the delta variant impact where are we on the Dial?

The Simplified Dial Framework (Public Health Order 2021-02), expires on August 16 and will not be reissued due to changing COVID-19 factors requiring a more flexible approach moving forward.

Who needs or qualifies for an additional shot?

People whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Read who qualifies and more information

Do your part to end the pandemic by getting vaccinated if you can. Find a vaccination opportunity today at Broomfield.org/COVIDVaccine.

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: