City Council enacted a mandatory face covering zone for the downtown area of Glenwood Springs effective Thursday July 30, 2020 until August 20, 2020. Face Coverings are required inside and outside while in the area.
Citing increasing case numbers specific to Glenwood Springs as presented by Garfield County Public Health, City Council enacted a mandatory face covering zone for downtown Glenwood Springs, amending Public Health Order 2020-2. The zone is effective July 30, 2020 until August 20, 2020 unless otherwise renewed. A new Public Health Order will be published upon amendment.
The mandatory face covering zone follows the boundaries of the existing smoking ban area. This area includes portions north of the Grand Avenue bridge in the Hot Springs district, as well as most of downtown on the south side of the Grand Avenue bridge. Map boundaries as attached.
Garfield County Public Health Specialist Mason Hohstadt presented information to Council at the Special Meeting Tuesday night on Glenwood Springs COVID-19 data that showed a 62 percent increase in cases since June 1st, 2020 with 99 cases from June 1 to present. Glenwood Springs City Council voted 4-2 in favor of the face covering zone, which will go into effect on July 30, 2020 and is set to expire on August 20, 2020 with review by Council.
The order requires face coverings for all members of the public while within the zone, excepting commuter pass through traffic. Exceptions for wearing face coverings is granted for the following persons:
- Persons aged two years and under; and
- Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition.
- Persons seated at a table in a restaurant and complying with other regulations related to restaurants.
Masks are available to downtown visitors at the Glenwood Springs Visitor Center located at 802 Grand Avenue downtown.
Additional information detailing face covering requirements within Glenwood Springs as mandated by State and Local Public Health Orders can be found at http://www.gwsco.gov/568/MasksFace-Coverings
“The ability to maintain social distance, even on a Monday night, in downtown Glenwood Springs right now is difficult. The restaurants and businesses are full and many people are out enjoying the wonderful downtown experience. We need to make sure that this environment is not only fun but safe for residents and tourists alike. This is just one more measure that is intended to keep our citizens healthy, and our economy vibrant and moving forward. Our community cannot put itself at risk for being shut down again,” said Mayor Jonathan Godes.
The CDC has reported that up to 25% of people infected with the coronavirus may be asymptomatic. The face covering is aimed at lowering the risk of the disease spreading through someone who may be sick but not realize it.
Face coverings can be bandanas, scarves, neck gaiters or other clothing that does not have visible holes and can stay in place without the use of one’s hands. People should wash their masks after every trip out of their homes either in a washing machine or with hot water in their sinks.
###