City of Boulder revises ban on gatherings for people ages 18 to 22 amid safety concerns

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A new public health order is banning gatherings of any size in Boulder for people ages 18 to 22. The ban goes into effect Thursday, September 24 at 4 p.m. and will last two weeks.

“We must take stronger action to stop the spread of this virus in our community,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health executive director in a news release. “We have researched the actions we can take that would be effective while minimizing burden on those who have not been the source of increased transmission. We believe this strategy can achieve both goals.”

The new order comes as COVID-19 cases continue to surge in and around CU Boulder’s campus. With more than 1,200 confirmed cases, the campus is home to the largest outbreak in the state of Colorado.

Violating the order could result in a fine of $5,000 or up to 18 months in jail.

Since August 24, there have been 1,246 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in the City of Boulder.

A chart from the City of Boulder shows a sharp increase in the rate of COVID-19 cases among those ages 18 to 22

“Governor Polis knows that the better students do avoiding gatherings, the sooner they can get back to in person learning and the sooner they can resume their regular activities,” the governor’s office said in a statement. “We know this isn’t the school year that any of us imagined, but urgent action is needed to prevent further spread in the community.”

According to the public health order, anyone between the ages of 18 and 22 “anywhere in the City of Boulder” is not permitted to join any gathering of any size, even if it is outside.

The order, which you can read here, also identifies 36 addresses whose residents “have repeatedly engaged in activities that violate public health orders.” Residents at those addresses have been ordered to stay in their homes for 14 days. They are only permitted to leave if engaging in essential activities such as:

  • Seeking medical care, including COVID-19 testing
  • Obtaining necessary supplies using curbside pickup or contactless delivery only. Necessary supplies include food, pet supply, medical supplies, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of a residence
  • Engaging in outdoor activity exercise (e.g. walking, hiking, biking, running, etc.) alone, and able to maintain at least six (6) feet distance from all other persons at all times.

Those residents are also prohibited from using public transportation or rideshare apps, dining outside at a restaurant, or exercising outside with other people.

“We are appreciative of the responsive and targeted approach our partners are taking to address the recent increase in COVID-19 cases among college students in Boulder. We urge students and all other young people aged 18 to 22 to remember they are a valued part of this community – and have a responsibility as such to comply with public health orders. We know this is hard; however, this is a critical time to ensure the health, safety and vibrancy of this city we all love,” said Boulder City Manager Jane Brautigam in a news release.

The public order comes just a few days after CU Boulder announced it would be moving to remote learning only for at least two weeks.

For more information on Boulder’s public health order, click here.