BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) — Boulder County Public Health has issued two new public health orders to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially among people of traditional college age.
Two weeks ago, the health board issued a ban on all gatherings larger than two people for those between the ages of 18 and 22.
That order expired, and was replaced one basing gathering limits on testing results. At the low end gatherings could be limited to two people; if things are going well that limit could be increased to the maximum allowed by the state.
“The metrics that trigger changes in restrictions between levels are largely influenced by individual behaviors, so they create incentives for young adults,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health executive director.
A second health order issued Wednesday requires people living in group homes, including Greek life and other large shared dwellings, to continue under a stay-at-home order until Oct. 12 or until they have an approved Boulder County Health isolation and testing plan, whichever is later.
When the original order was issued two weeks ago, CU Boulder temporarily moved all classes online.
Tuesday, CU reported zero new positive test cases for the virus. The number of isolation spaces in use on the campus has also dropped to just 40. Two weeks ago that number was almost 200.
“First, I want to thank our students who have been complying with local and state public health orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19. I know this has been difficult,” said University of Colorado Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano. “We believe we have strong testing plans, and we know that individual behavior is the biggest determinant of success in the fight against the virus, so I encourage all our students, faculty and staff to keep up the good work as we transition back to in-person instruction by Oct. 14.”
Since the start of the semester in late August there have been almost 1,100 students who have tested positive.