City of Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, Colo. – Upon review of the latest data from public health officials, the City of Glenwood Springs issued a public health order for all individuals two years of age or older to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering, inside, or moving within any public indoor space within the city limits. The order will become effective on December 29, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice. This public health order will be reevaluated in January 2022 with advisement from local public health professionals and hospitals. Exemptions and exceptions can be read in the public health order.
The city-wide mask order is intended to help reduce community transmission amongst surging local cases. According to public health officials, the Omicron variant is more contagious than any previous variant and is now the leading form of COVID-19 in the United States. Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties have seen dramatic increases in COVID-19 case rates recently. The test positivity rate in Garfield County has doubled in the last week from approximately 8% to 16%.
“Reducing infections is a critical regional concern because we are seeing a dramatic increase in cases and the Omicron variant is so infectious,” said Assistant City Manager Jenn Ooton. “Requiring masks indoors is one of several precautions we can take to combat COVID and we encourage folks to continue utilizing other strategies like getting tested, getting vaccinated, and staying home if you’re sick.”
In addition to wearing masks indoors in public spaces, the City would like to strongly recommend that businesses and other entities follow best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Masks, frequent handwashing and staying at home if sick are effective strategies to help reduce spreading illness. Testing is available at multiple locations through Roaring Fork, including: free COVID testing, state testing site in Rifle on Sundays 12 – 4 p.m. at 195 W. 14th St., at medical provider offices throughout Garfield County, and for purchase at big box stores.