COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information from the City of Golden

Jefferson County Board of Health Votes to Rescind PHO 21-006

During a public special Jefferson County Board of Health meeting held virtually on February 10, the Jefferson County Board of Health voted to rescind Public Health Order 21-006, the public health order requiring the use of masks in all public, indoor settings, including school and childcare settings, effective Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

You can read the full press release for more information.

Colorado launches new COVID-19 vaccine hotline

REMOTE, (Jan. 25, 2021): Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched a new call center for the public to ask questions specifically about the COVID-19 vaccine. Now through the end of January, the vaccine call center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Beginning Feb. 1, hours will extend to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new toll-free number is 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is partnered with Connect for Health Colorado® to provide Coloradans with a call center that has support services for COVID-19 testing and containment results. The “COVID Results” Call Center opened on Nov. 19, 2020 and has placed more than 228,000 calls.

The COVID-19 Call Center staff provide outbound call support to deliver COVID-19 test results. The call center is also open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and provides information and guidance in English and Spanish, as well as in other languages using an interpretation service.

State launches BinaxNOW rapid home test program for Colorado schools

As part of ongoing efforts to keep in-person learning as safe as possible, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has developed a new at-home COVID-19 testing program for teachers, staff, and selected students at participating schools. The program is intended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools by allowing symptomatic and exposed individuals to get tested quickly and easily.

Learn more in the press release below.

New CommUNITY campaign seeks to make help easier to find

Jefferson County Community Partners has launched the new CommUNITY campaign in an effort to connect people in need during the pandemic with community resources and assistance available under one easy-to-access hub.

Resources include food assistance, layoff support, unemployment assistance, work opportunities, housing, mental wellness support, childcare access, assistance for populations including pregnant women, children, and aging adults, and more.

The CommUNITY campaign also encourages neighbors to safely check in on each other and share information about services they may not know exist. Information is also available to connect locals to volunteer opportunities with one of the many community partners supporting those in need.

For more information and to access resources, visit www.jeffco.us/community or call 2-1-1. Information is available in English and Spanish at at www.jeffco.us/comunidad

An Important COVID-19 Message from the City of Golden

We’ve previously shared recommendations and best practices from public health agencies on protecting yourself from exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We encourage you to continue to pay attention to those recommendations and monitor advice from CDC and local health agencies, as guidance is changing based on the evolving nature of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition to the general guidance on protecting oneself from COVID-19 exposure, the City has been actively working with State and local public health officials and implementing recommended measures to help minimize the risk to the Golden community and to our employees. In addition, we have developed contingency plans for our critical operations should the COVID-19 situation further deteriorate.

Here are some of the actions we have taken to date:

(not in any particular order of importance):

Closures

  • City Hall is now open without need of an appointment. Please see our Status of City Services page for a detailed list of facilities and services that are open, will open soon, and what remains closed.
  • We are in contact with the Jefferson County Health Department and Colorado Department of Health and Environment to ensure we take action on closures of facilities when it is recommended. Please watch for updates that we will post on Facebook and here on Guiding Golden.

Public Safety

  • The Police Department is strongly encouraging everyone to utilize the online reporting tool, which can be found at: cityofgolden.seamlessdocs.com/f/GPDOnlineReporting. This online reporting tool is simple to use on your mobile device, tablet, or computer. You can even upload photos or documents directly from your phone. Online reporting is NOT to be used for EMERGENCIES, crimes in progress, or where suspect information is known. In case of EMERGENCY call 911 or for NON-emergencies call JeffCom Communications Center at (303) 980-7300.
  • The Golden Police Department is now on ACCIDENT ALERT until further notice in an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19 and maintain staffing for emergencies. During this time, police will generally not be dispatched to property damage collisions where the vehicles are movable, but there are exceptions. Please only ask for Police assistance if the accident involves the following: injury and/or death; suspected drug or alcohol use; hit and run; cars are blocking the roadway or causing a safety hazard; involves public vehicle or property.
    For those incidents that do NOT apply, an online report may be made through the online accident reporting tool.
  • The Golden Fire and Police Departments have implemented new protocols for responding to suspected cases of COVID-19 or other illnesses resembling COVID-19. Personnel will wear additional personal protective equipment. Our 9-1-1 dispatch center is advising responding crews of potential calls resembling COVID-19. In those cases, only one member of a responding crew will make initial contact with an individual for assessment while other members standby at a distance. This is a practice most public safety departments are implementing to prevent over exposure to first responders.
  • Golden Fire Department has been in touch with all of our nursing home and senior care facilities and has shared Golden Fire Department protocols as well as information regarding best practices. Golden Fire has discussed the importance of facility planning with each of these entities.
  • The Golden Police Department is working closely with the Sheriff’s Office and other police agencies to ensure adequate coverage arrangements are made should the situation deteriorate.

Water

  • There is no immediate risk to Golden’s public water supply from COVID-19. Nevertheless, we have been in touch with public water experts and will be prepared to implement recommendations, if any, made by public health officials and the public water industry. City of Golden staff have prepared to continue to operate our water treatment facility remotely should we encounter staffing challenges.

Budget

  • We recognize there will be an obvious economic impact created by the COVID-19 outbreak. Department Directors are limiting all non-essential City expenditures until further notice. The City has adequate reserve funds for these types of emergencies, but nevertheless, conservative spending is prudent until the budget impact of COVID-19 is fully understood.

Communication

  • The City maintains close contact with county officials to coordinate actions.
  • Initially, we posted COVID-19 information on the City of Golden’s homepage, but have since moved all updates and information here to this page.

Cleaning Guidelines

  • We’ve implemented enhanced cleaning protocols in city facilities. Our employees will be wiping down work stations and high-touch points in public areas several times throughout each day.

What you can expect moving forward:

  • We will continue to monitor public health agency recommendations on public gatherings and other guidance specific to government agencies. If there are changes to City operations or specific actions that impact the Golden community, we will notify the community of these actions.
  • We will provide updates to the Golden community on a regular basis moving forward.

How you can Help:

  • Be diligent about your own hygiene practices and follow CDC and public health recommendations for limiting the spread of COVID-19. Limiting the reach of COVID-19 is a community effort!
  • Pay attention to and have an awareness of changing guidance and recommendations from CDC and public health officials. The spread of COVID-19 is a very fluid, fast-changing situation and recommendation may change often.
  • Check on the well-being of your neighbors, especially the elderly, to ensure they have the resources and supplies they need to sustain a lengthy period of time at home.

Many of our local small businesses may struggle to make ends meet during these uncertain times. To the extent you can support them without compromising safety, please do so! Go to VisitGolden.com for a list of take-out and delivery restaurants in Golden and ways to Shop Local without leaving home.

Jefferson County Board of Health Votes to Rescind PHO 21-006

During a public special Jefferson County Board of Health meeting held virtually on February 10, the Jefferson County Board of Health voted to rescind Public Health Order 21-006, the public health order requiring the use of masks in all public, indoor settings, including school and childcare settings, effective Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

You can read the full press release for more information.

Colorado launches new COVID-19 vaccine hotline

REMOTE, (Jan. 25, 2021): Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched a new call center for the public to ask questions specifically about the COVID-19 vaccine. Now through the end of January, the vaccine call center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Beginning Feb. 1, hours will extend to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new toll-free number is 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is partnered with Connect for Health Colorado® to provide Coloradans with a call center that has support services for COVID-19 testing and containment results. The “COVID Results” Call Center opened on Nov. 19, 2020 and has placed more than 228,000 calls.

The COVID-19 Call Center staff provide outbound call support to deliver COVID-19 test results. The call center is also open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and provides information and guidance in English and Spanish, as well as in other languages using an interpretation service.

State launches BinaxNOW rapid home test program for Colorado schools

As part of ongoing efforts to keep in-person learning as safe as possible, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has developed a new at-home COVID-19 testing program for teachers, staff, and selected students at participating schools. The program is intended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools by allowing symptomatic and exposed individuals to get tested quickly and easily.

Learn more in the press release below.

New CommUNITY campaign seeks to make help easier to find

Jefferson County Community Partners has launched the new CommUNITY campaign in an effort to connect people in need during the pandemic with community resources and assistance available under one easy-to-access hub.

Resources include food assistance, layoff support, unemployment assistance, work opportunities, housing, mental wellness support, childcare access, assistance for populations including pregnant women, children, and aging adults, and more.

The CommUNITY campaign also encourages neighbors to safely check in on each other and share information about services they may not know exist. Information is also available to connect locals to volunteer opportunities with one of the many community partners supporting those in need.

For more information and to access resources, visit www.jeffco.us/community or call 2-1-1. Information is available in English and Spanish at at www.jeffco.us/comunidad

An Important COVID-19 Message from the City of Golden

We’ve previously shared recommendations and best practices from public health agencies on protecting yourself from exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We encourage you to continue to pay attention to those recommendations and monitor advice from CDC and local health agencies, as guidance is changing based on the evolving nature of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition to the general guidance on protecting oneself from COVID-19 exposure, the City has been actively working with State and local public health officials and implementing recommended measures to help minimize the risk to the Golden community and to our employees. In addition, we have developed contingency plans for our critical operations should the COVID-19 situation further deteriorate.

Here are some of the actions we have taken to date:

(not in any particular order of importance):

Closures

  • City Hall is now open without need of an appointment. Please see our Status of City Services page for a detailed list of facilities and services that are open, will open soon, and what remains closed.
  • We are in contact with the Jefferson County Health Department and Colorado Department of Health and Environment to ensure we take action on closures of facilities when it is recommended. Please watch for updates that we will post on Facebook and here on Guiding Golden.

Public Safety

  • The Police Department is strongly encouraging everyone to utilize the online reporting tool, which can be found at: cityofgolden.seamlessdocs.com/f/GPDOnlineReporting. This online reporting tool is simple to use on your mobile device, tablet, or computer. You can even upload photos or documents directly from your phone. Online reporting is NOT to be used for EMERGENCIES, crimes in progress, or where suspect information is known. In case of EMERGENCY call 911 or for NON-emergencies call JeffCom Communications Center at (303) 980-7300.
  • The Golden Police Department is now on ACCIDENT ALERT until further notice in an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19 and maintain staffing for emergencies. During this time, police will generally not be dispatched to property damage collisions where the vehicles are movable, but there are exceptions. Please only ask for Police assistance if the accident involves the following: injury and/or death; suspected drug or alcohol use; hit and run; cars are blocking the roadway or causing a safety hazard; involves public vehicle or property.
    For those incidents that do NOT apply, an online report may be made through the online accident reporting tool.
  • The Golden Fire and Police Departments have implemented new protocols for responding to suspected cases of COVID-19 or other illnesses resembling COVID-19. Personnel will wear additional personal protective equipment. Our 9-1-1 dispatch center is advising responding crews of potential calls resembling COVID-19. In those cases, only one member of a responding crew will make initial contact with an individual for assessment while other members standby at a distance. This is a practice most public safety departments are implementing to prevent over exposure to first responders.
  • Golden Fire Department has been in touch with all of our nursing home and senior care facilities and has shared Golden Fire Department protocols as well as information regarding best practices. Golden Fire has discussed the importance of facility planning with each of these entities.
  • The Golden Police Department is working closely with the Sheriff’s Office and other police agencies to ensure adequate coverage arrangements are made should the situation deteriorate.

Water

  • There is no immediate risk to Golden’s public water supply from COVID-19. Nevertheless, we have been in touch with public water experts and will be prepared to implement recommendations, if any, made by public health officials and the public water industry. City of Golden staff have prepared to continue to operate our water treatment facility remotely should we encounter staffing challenges.

Budget

  • We recognize there will be an obvious economic impact created by the COVID-19 outbreak. Department Directors are limiting all non-essential City expenditures until further notice. The City has adequate reserve funds for these types of emergencies, but nevertheless, conservative spending is prudent until the budget impact of COVID-19 is fully understood.

Communication

  • The City maintains close contact with county officials to coordinate actions.
  • Initially, we posted COVID-19 information on the City of Golden’s homepage, but have since moved all updates and information here to this page.

Cleaning Guidelines

  • We’ve implemented enhanced cleaning protocols in city facilities. Our employees will be wiping down work stations and high-touch points in public areas several times throughout each day.

What you can expect moving forward:

  • We will continue to monitor public health agency recommendations on public gatherings and other guidance specific to government agencies. If there are changes to City operations or specific actions that impact the Golden community, we will notify the community of these actions.
  • We will provide updates to the Golden community on a regular basis moving forward.

How you can Help:

  • Be diligent about your own hygiene practices and follow CDC and public health recommendations for limiting the spread of COVID-19. Limiting the reach of COVID-19 is a community effort!
  • Pay attention to and have an awareness of changing guidance and recommendations from CDC and public health officials. The spread of COVID-19 is a very fluid, fast-changing situation and recommendation may change often.
  • Check on the well-being of your neighbors, especially the elderly, to ensure they have the resources and supplies they need to sustain a lengthy period of time at home.

Many of our local small businesses may struggle to make ends meet during these uncertain times. To the extent you can support them without compromising safety, please do so! Go to VisitGolden.com for a list of take-out and delivery restaurants in Golden and ways to Shop Local without leaving home.

  • State of Colorado guidance for organized sports

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    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) today released guidance for organized sports including organized youth recreational and adult amateur leagues, club sports, interscholastic, and other organization-sponsored athletics. The guidance includes information for each phase of the State’s new dial framework, released yesterday and addresses key topics like facility considerations, spectators, as well as tournaments, transportation, and travel.

    Participating in sports, in any capacity during this pandemic, holds an inherent risk of possible infection for participants and risk of transmission to other individuals, such as their household members. Stakeholders must consider the risks and benefits of participation in their plans for resuming organized sports.

    Adherence to public health guidelines is essential to minimize risk and disruptions to athletic activities. In addition, The risk of COVID-19 spread can be different depending on the type of activity which is based on:

    • Number of people a player or coach interacts with;
    • Type of physical interaction;
    • Length of time of the close interaction;
    • Sharing of equipment across multiple players;
    • Environment of play (e.g. indoors, outdoors); and
    • Layers of protection that are in place, including:
      • face coverings,
      • physical distancing,
      • hand hygiene,
      • cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, etc.

    Physical exertion, including sports, involves forced exhalation, which may increase the risk of transmission, similar to that seen in singing or playing certain musical instruments. Therefore, increased physical distancing of participants and spectators beyond a minimum of 6 feet is reasonable. Infection control measures applied collectively, such as screening, physical distancing of coaches and spectators, hand hygiene, and facial coverings where appropriate are especially important given that many sports involve close contact of individuals at various times during training or competition.

    Teams that desire to practice and compete without disruption are strongly advised to take these recommendations seriously. Athletes, teams, and organizations should hold each other accountable to follow guidelines and ensure compliance with infection control measures during and beyond play. Behaviors and decisions of participants outside the sports setting may impact the ability of the entire team to participate in training or competition if a single athlete or coach becomes exposed or ill.

    These guidelines can be applied to other settings where physical activity and forced exhalation occur, and parks and recreation staff (or their equivalent) and state sporting governing bodies are encouraged to enforce these guidelines.

    Sports settings such as professional or collegiate entities should adhere to the specific guidelines for their governing body and specifications in public health orders. Sports with school age kids need to follow the school case investigation/outbreak guidance.

    The full guidance is available online. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

  • JCPH Announces New Office of Pandemic Response, Expands Resources to Control the Spread of COVID-19 in Community

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    Jefferson County, Colo. – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) announced today the official launch of a new team, the Office of Pandemic Response (OPR), as part of the county’s long-term COVID-19 response and recovery strategy. The OPR’s main purpose will be to control the spread of COVID-19 in the community through at least the next two years by providing community impact support, conducting infection prevention and response, and collecting and assessing epidemiological information for everyone in the county.

    “We are very encouraged to bring this new Office into our tool box to help in the continued fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Mark B. Johnson, JCPH Executive Director. “Having this dedicated team of experts to focus solely on response and recovery efforts, building on what we have learned over the last six months, will help reduce the burden of this virus and save lives.”

    As with many organizations, the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and organizations has greatly impacted day-to-day operations, and JCPH is no exception. Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, JCPH has adapted its focus to keeping residents and visitors to the county safe from the new virus — with little increase in staffing and limited dedicated resources.

    Led by Christine Billings, Emergency Preparedness and Response Supervisor and Incident Commander for Jefferson County’s COVID-19 response, the OPR will be incorporated into JCPH’s existing Emergency Preparedness and Response program — including approximately 15 new hires as well as many current staff who will work across various programs. Day-to-day activities will include implementing outbreak response tasks; organizing and administering community testing sites; conducting case investigations and contact tracing; collecting and providing public information; and providing overall education regarding safe practices and life-saving habits. Activities will also be adapted over time to reflect the most current and unique needs of Jefferson County.

    “Having an expanded team of dedicated public health experts, combined with the resources they need to do their jobs, is going to help our county greatly in this fight against COVID-19,” said Billings. “Our team has worked extremely hard over these last several months, but the OPR will really ensure we have the tools necessary to increase our support to the community as we work through the response and recovery process.”

    Per the scope of agreement, the OPR will function through December 2022, operating under a $4.2M grant from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, via the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE).

    Learn more about how COVID-19 is currently affecting Jeffco, what you can do to help slow the spread, community resources and more at www.jeffco.us/coronavirus.

  • New guidance released to help schools respond to COVID-19 cases and outbreaks

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    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released updated guidance for detecting, reporting, and responding to cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 in schools and child care settings.

    Over the past week, the department undertook substantial stakeholder engagement activities to gather input on how to make the guidance as helpful as possible for the start of the school year. Stakeholders that provided input included school districts, school nurses, teachers union representatives, local public health agencies, and counties. More than 70 representatives were involved in this process.

    The new guidance includes information for child care and pre-K settings. It also includes tools that can help parents, students, teachers, staff, and schools determine who needs to stay home from school. This includes:

    This case and outbreak guidance, in addition to the school opening guidance, CDE’s toolkit for the 2020-21 school year, and guidance from local public health agencies will provide districts with the information they need to start the school year in a way that makes sense for their local communities. CDPHE will update guidance as additional data and information becomes available.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

  • JCPH Issues Public Health Order 20-008 Requiring Mask-Wearing in Outdoor Public Settings

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    County order remains consistent with state, region in most other areas

    Jefferson County, Colo. – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), at the direction of the Jefferson County Board of Health issued a new Public Health Order 20-008 (PHO 20-008) that requires everyone in Jeffco ages 11 and older to wear a mask or cloth face covering when in public settings — both indoors and outdoors — when unable to maintain 6-foot social distancing. Currently, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) mask order primarily applies to indoor settings. PHO 20-008 seeks to further protect our residents by requiring use of face coverings in outdoor settings as well. PHO 20-008 is effective July 24 at midnight until further notice.

    “After an extensive discussion during our Board of Health meeting held on July 21, which included public comment from community members, the Board unanimously agreed it was important to implement a local mask order that best protects our residents based on the science and evidence currently available to us,” said Greg Deranleau, President of the Jefferson County Board of Health. “We know there is great benefit to wearing a mask outdoors when it’s difficult to keep 6 foot distance between yourself and others who don’t live with you, and we want this prevention strategy to be as effective as possible. Mandating masks outdoors is also consistent with the requirements set by other local public health agencies in the Denver Metro Area.”

    This new order is a core part of JCPH’s proactive efforts to quickly curb the recent acceleration in COVID-19 cases in Jeffco. As of today, the county has surpassed its two-week case limit set forth in its first variance. The limit set by CDPHE in Jeffco’s first variance is 580 cases in a two-week period; from July 11-24 we have had at least 584 total cases (confirmed and probable). That means we must implement a mitigation plan that gets our cases back below the limit or we risk losing our variance.

    PHO 20-008 does not require face coverings when in private residences, or in a personal vehicle when traveling alone or with members of your household. The order also provides exceptions for medical conditions, certain work conditions, first responder unforeseen emergencies, children 10 years of age younger, and for other situations in which CDPHE has explicitly permitted the removal of a face covering. Face coverings should not be worn by young children under age 2, anyone who cannot medically tolerate wearing it, or anyone who is unable to remove it without assistance.

    “We deeply thank our Jeffco residents for working with us during this time and for continuing to take the steps needed to slow the spread of this disease,” said Dr. Mark B. Johnson, Executive Director at JCPH. “We know it has been a long, hard summer, and we hope that by working together we can keep our businesses open and community safe in a sustainable way. Remember to keep caring for one another and doing your part.”

    For more information about face coverings, including tips for how to wear them, how to clean them and more, visit https://www.jeffco.us/4056/Mask-Guidance or https://covid19.colorado.gov/mask-guidance.


    About Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

    Overwhelming evidence shows that the virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets, including microscopic droplets, or aerosols. Therefore, anything we can do to keep spit, saliva, snot, phlegm and moist breath from traveling from an infected individual to a susceptible individual will help decrease spread. There are three commonly accepted ways of doing this: increasing distance between a person with the virus and another person, putting barriers between the faces of the two people, and cleaning any objects on which the person with the virus may have deposited droplets. That’s why guidance from public health includes increasing social (physical) distancing; using masks, face shields, Plexiglas barriers, etc.; and practicing personal and communal hygiene. If we can accomplish these three interventions of separation and cleanliness, we can greatly limit the spread of this virus.

  • Jefferson County Taking Steps to Reduce COVID-19 Case Increase with Goal of Avoiding Business Closures

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    Jefferson County, Colo. – Despite several public health orders over the last few weeks and concerted efforts, Jefferson County has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases – from 388 cases (probable and confirmed) during the weeks of June 27-July 10, to just over 580 total cases for the weeks of July 11-24, meaning the county has surpassed its two-week case limit set forth in its first variance. As a result, the county must implement a mitigation plan to bring these numbers within the threshold limit or risk having its variance rescinded.

    “At this time, we are looking at how we stem this tide of increased COVID-19 cases, while allowing businesses and other entities to remain open for residents and visitors and not cause any more pain to our economy,” said Dr. Mark Johnson, Executive Director of JCPH. “Due to an overall rise in virus cases around the nation and state, many areas are already having variances rescinded, which is causing another closure of certain types of businesses that are still feeling the economic effects of the state’s first Stay-at-Home Order.”

    Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) has been constantly looking at ways to mitigate the rise of COVID-19 cases in Jefferson County so we can keep our local variance. One such mitigation strategy is Public Health Order 20-007 enacted on July 20, which ensures that venues have a solid plan in place before holding larger events with more than one designated activity. This order requires venues of large events to provide JCPH a plan, and have it approved in writing, outlining virus safety precautions they plan to take to ensure compliance with the state’s PHO 20-28.

    Another mitigation strategy is Public Health Order 20-008, a new face covering order issued today that expands on the state’s mask order and requires everyone ages 11 and older in Jeffco to wear a face covering when in indoor and outdoor public settings. JCPH is currently working to release other recommendations for areas of mitigation for our community.

    “Most counties in Colorado are seeing an increase in positive cases and we are doing what is needed so that we don’t lose the great progress our community has made over the last several months,” said Johnson. “We want to remind everyone of the importance of wearing face coverings, the need to practice excellent hygiene and the need for social distancing to be able to continue doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 to protect our community and our businesses.”

    The original Jefferson County variance, granted on June 8 by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, allowed for more lenient capacity limits for group gatherings across all venues, including places of worship. It also allowed re-opening of shopping malls, fitness centers, brewpubs, distilleries and other venues. The original local variance allowed for indoor gatherings of 50 people, or 50% occupancy, while outdoor settings allowed for 125 people. School graduations were allowed to take place as a part of that variance, with a plan approved by JCPH. To see the annotated Jefferson County variance next to the state’s Public Health Order, and information about how this variance loss could affect you or your business, see our Safer-at-Home web page.

    Find more information about COVID-19 cases and other local data on the Case Summary web page.

    About Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

    Overwhelming evidence shows that the virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets, including microscopic droplets, or aerosols. Therefore, anything we can do to keep spit, saliva, snot, phlegm and moist breath from traveling from an infected individual to a susceptible individual will help decrease spread. There are three commonly accepted ways of doing this: increasing distance between a person with the virus and another person, putting barriers between the faces of the two people, and cleaning any objects on which the person with the virus may have deposited droplets. That’s why guidance from public health includes increasing social (physical) distancing; using masks, face shields, Plexiglas barriers, etc.; and practicing personal and communal hygiene. If we can accomplish these three interventions of separation and cleanliness, we can greatly limit the spread of this virus.

  • JCPH COVID-19 Update — What’s New — July 16, 2020

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    • As of July 16, the CDC reports there have been 3,483,832 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. There have been 136,938 deaths in the U.S. to date.
    • There have been 38,726 cases of COVID-19 in Colorado and 1,745 deaths among cases (1,615 deaths due to COVID-19) (CDPHE).
    • There have been 3,217 cases of COVID-19 in Jefferson County (confirmed and probable) and 218 total deaths (JCPH).
    • To date, JCPH has processed 437 orders from health and medical partners for PPE: 323 orders were filled by JCPH and 114 orders were sent to the Jefferson County EOC and the State EOC. We have distributed over 49K N95 masks, 55K surgical masks, 132K gloves, 8,500 gowns, 4,000 face shields and other PPE to help protect our healthcare workers while they are providing care to patients. These materials were provided to first responders, hospitals, ancillary care partners, home health providers, midwives, dental practices, emergency eye care practices, orthodontics and our vulnerable populations who receive services in their homes. (Note: We are unable to accommodate PPE requests from the general public).
    • On July 14, 2020, JCPH issued Emergency Public Health Order 20-005 ordering all individuals in Jefferson County to wear face coverings with certain limited exceptions, in an effort to protect and preserve the public health. Shortly after JCPH Order 20-005 was issued, the Governor of Colorado issued a state-wide Face Covering Order, Executive Order D 2020 138 (EO D 2020 138), which applies to all individuals and businesses in Jefferson County, and which contains restrictions that are substantially similar, though not identical, to JCPH Order 20-005. Executive Order D 2020 138 becomes effective on July 16, 2020 at midnight. To avoid confusion, JCPH will rescind Public Health Order 20-005. All individuals and businesses within Jefferson County should follow the face covering requirements set forth in the state’s EO D 2020 138.
    • Governor Polis amended and extended an Executive Order suspending certain statutes allowing the operation of alternate care sites in Colorado.
    • This week, Governor Polis highlighted the Paycheck Protection Program and $129 billion available for small businesses that need aid. Businesses can apply until August 8, and can visit choosecolorado.com for more details.
    • We strongly encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested. Community members can find testing information, including information about who should get tested, the importance of getting tested and a current list of free test sites, on JCPH’s Testing Page at www.jeffco.us/testing.
    • Use the Colorado COVID-19 Symptom Support tool to share your symptoms to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Colorado and get connected to resources to help you feel better.
  • Governor Polis Announces Statewide Mask Order

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    DENVER - Governor Jared Polis today announced a Statewide mask order, directing Coloradans to wear a face covering while indoors. This Executive Order goes into effect at midnight tonight. The Governor also provided an update on the State’s response to COVID-19.

    “Wearing a mask is an easy and highly effective way to significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The more we wear masks, the safer we will be and the stronger our economy will grow,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Unfortunately, this pandemic is far from over, cases are up, and we have to find a way to live sustainably while protecting ourselves and those around us. Masks are the ticket to the Colorado we love and a critical part of supporting Colorado’s economy and prosperity. The best way to support Colorado workers and businesses right now is to wear a mask. I’ve said this from the beginning, and it’s still true today: together, we will get through this.”

    The Governor was joined by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, and State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy at the announcement.

    Coloradans older than 10 years old must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering or moving within any public indoor space. A public indoor space is defined as any enclosed indoor area that is publicly or privately owned, managed or operated to which individuals have access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, and that is accessible to the public, serves as a place of employment, or is an entity providing services. Public Indoor Space does not mean a person’s residence, including a room in a motel or hotel or a residential room for students at an educational facility. This includes wearing a face covering while using or waiting to use the services of any taxi, bus, light rail, train, car service, ride-sharing or similar service, or Mass Transportation Operations. Individuals 10 years old and younger, and those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering are exempt from this Executive Order.

    Individuals performing the following activities are also exempt from the requirements of the Executive Order while the activity is being performed:

    • Individuals who are hearing impaired or otherwise disabled or who are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication;
    • Individuals who are seated at a food service establishment;
    • Individuals who are exercising alone or with others from the individual’s household and a face covering would interfere with the activity;
    • Individuals who are receiving a personal service where the temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
    • Individuals who enter a business or receive services and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes;
    • Individuals who are actively engaged in a public safety role such as law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel;
    • Individuals who are officiating at a religious service; or
    • Individuals who are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.

    To protect workers, customers, and the community, no business serving the public in a Public Indoor Space may provide service to a customer or allow a customer to enter or move within that Public Indoor Space, unless the customer is wearing a face covering. “Any individual who knowingly enters or remains in a Public Indoor Space in violation of the terms of this Executive Order may be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including but not limited to prosecution for trespass,” reads the Executive Order.

    Counties that certify for Protect Our Neighbors may choose to become exempt.

    The Governor also announced that the State is going to put a two-week pause on issuing any new variances to counties in the State. CDPHE is having conversations with counties who already have variances but have fallen out of compliance by recording higher levels of the virus than permitted by their variances. These counties must take urgent mitigation steps to suppress the virus or they risk losing their variances. This is the prudent thing to do at this moment in time as Colorado gathers more data about the behavior of this virus.

  • Jeffco Issues Emergency Public Health Order Requiring Face Coverings

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    Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) issued an Emergency Public Health Order effective today, July 14 at 5 p.m. that requires Jefferson County residents and visitors to wear a mask or cloth face covering when in public settings when unable to maintain 6-foot social distancing. The Order does not require face coverings when in private residences, or in a personal vehicle when traveling alone or with members of your household. A hearing will be held during the scheduled Jefferson County Board of Health meeting on July 21 with a discussion on whether to amend or extend the Order.

    In Jefferson County, there has been a large increase in COVID-19 cases since mid-June. During the week of June 14, we saw 76 new cases, our lowest number of cases per week since the beginning of March. For comparison, last week (week of July 5) we saw 230 new cases, a three-fold increase. Hospitalizations have also begun to rise again, both in Jefferson County and across the Denver Metro Area.

    There is a growing body of scientific research that shows the use of cloth face coverings helps prevent the transmission of COVID-19, especially from people who are contagious but do not have symptoms. Additionally, face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in a community when they are widely used by people in public settings.

    Many residents and community partners have urged the department to issue a mask order, and this move is also supported by many local businesses who believe this action will help to avoid a retreat in the county's economic opening.

    Golden City Council also passed an ordinance last week mandating the use of face coverings.

  • Emergency Ordinance Expands Mask Requirements in Golden

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    Golden, Colo. ­— July 10, 2020 — Golden City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance during their meeting last night, which expands current mask requirements to include indoor and outdoor areas of the city. This goes into effect today. Council made this decision in an effort to protect the community against COVID-19 and keep businesses open.

    Ordinance 2140 requires face coverings for anyone working or visiting a building that’s open to the public. The order also requires masks in public areas outside, unless you can maintain six feet of separation from others. This includes streets, sidewalks, parks, trails, etc.

    Exemptions to the mask order include:

    • Children 3 and under
    • People with existing medical conditions that make mask-wearing unsafe to their health
    • Anyone undergoing a medical procedure (ex. Dentist or doctor appointments)
    • When you are seated and eating or drinking
    • Schools
    • Organized sports leagues that are already in compliance with health guidelines

    In Golden, follow the Golden Rule and wear a mask to protect others!

    This Ordinance expires on Aug. 14 unless City Council votes to extend it. They will re-visit the mask ordinance monthly and make adjustments as necessary based on current health guidelines and pandemic concerns.

    Additionally, Council directed staff to look for ways to re-open Clear Creek for limited recreation. Until safe solutions can be identified and implemented, access to the creek will remain closed.

  • Golden Takes Bold Action to Protect Community Over Holiday Weekend

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    Golden, Colo. ­— July 1, 2020: In anticipation of large crowds gathering along Clear Creek in Golden for the holiday weekend, the City of Golden is closing off all access to the creek within city limits. Pursuant to City Council direction at a special session last night, the City Manager will issue an administrative order closing access points to Clear Creek. “Last weekend’s crowds along the creek gave us deep concern in seeing large gatherings, no social distancing, and very few people wearing masks,” said Golden City Manager Jason Slowinski. “The July 4th holiday weekend typically brings even bigger crowds to Golden. With the rise in COVID-19 cases in neighboring states where many visitors come from, we want to make sure we are not adding to the problem here in Colorado.”

    Residential streets near the creek will be blocked, allowing for local access only. Temporary fencing will block all access points to enter Clear Creek, however the trail will still be accessible. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy all the things Golden has to offer,” said Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg. “This was a difficult decision for us to make, but in these unprecedented times, we have to do what we believe is best for the health of our community.”

    City Manager Slowinski will post an administrative order today, requiring masks on all public property.

    Additionally, Council will hold another special session on Wednesday, July 8 to consider an emergency ordinance requiring face masks. A previous resolution strongly suggested that people wear masks and encouraged businesses to mandate masks within their buildings, but we’ve learned over the past few weeks that more is needed. “Masks provide freedom for people to be able to travel around,” said Councilor JJ Trout. “Masks give the ability for folks to continue to be able to go to businesses, to hopefully once again enjoy the creek, all while protecting each other.”

    Golden businesses are still open and we still welcome visitors. Parts of Washington Avenue (the main downtown street) will be blocked to vehicle traffic so that restaurants and retailers can take full advantage of outdoor seating opportunities. “Crowding along Clear Creek is the biggest problem spot we’ve seen, which is why it is the focus of these decisions,” said Slowinski. “We understand closing off access to the creek won’t solve all the problems we face with protecting ourselves and others against the spread of the virus. But it may help keep our city from becoming a hot spot.”

    The creek will stay closed until further notice. City Council directed staff to research safe ways to allow for recreation along the creek. They will discuss at the next regular City Council meeting on Thursday, July 9.

Page last updated: 25 May 2022, 09:23 AM