After weighing all options and considering city decisions, the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners approved opting out of the Tri-County Health Department’s recent mask order for unincorporated areas of the County east of Watkins Road. This decision reflects the relatively sparse population and stable COVID case counts in that part of the County, and it aligns with local municipal decisions in this area. The entire County will remain under the Governor’s health order until at least August 15, 2020; areas east of Watkins Road will not have to wear masks once the Governor’s order expires.

The rest of the County will remain under the Tri-County Health Department’s order between July 24, 2020 and October 21, 2020. The Board strongly encourages all County residents to wear masks when they’re outside the home. The Board will continue to monitor this situation closely with Tri-County officials, and will make the appropriate adjustments to this policy should COVID case numbers change.