Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) has issued a public health order effective 6:00 a.m. on April 13, 2020, that requires critical retailers to implement social distancing practices, including requiring portions of the workforce to wear a face-covering while performing duties where direct contact with members of the public occurs.
The intent of this order is to protect employees and customers and is the latest step to try and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.
“For the most part, our residents are doing a great job with the use of masks. However, many have expressed frustration; they walk into a store wearing their mask and see very few of the employees doing the same. Some of the retailers are implementing a mask policy and some are not. This order creates a necessary standard for our county that will help close potential gaps, which will help further reduce our risks for contracting COVID-19,” Jeff Kuhr, Mesa County Public Health Executive Director, said.
Under the order, which is an amendment to Colorado’s stay-at-home order, there are requirements directing retailers to limit the number of customers allowed in stores, and implementing measures to keep the public at least six feet apart while conducting essential business.
The order is in effect until April 26, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., but could be extended.
Click here to read the full order.