A new public health order that banned gatherings of any size in Boulder for people ages 18 to 22 has been updated due to safety concerns. The ban went into effect Thursday, September 24 at 4 p.m. and is scheduled to last two weeks.
The public health order was issued by the City of Boulder. Almost immediately, people raise concerns about what the ban on gatherings would mean for the safety of students on campus and in the City of Boulder, especially when it comes to walking alone at night.
The amended order now allows for gathering of up to two people, but no more than that. According to a press release from the city, CU Boulder students who do not feel safe walking alone on campus may call the CU Police Department (CUPD) at 303-492-6666.
"Students are also encouraged to download the Guardian app, which is free for CU Boulder students and allows them to set friends and family as guardians who can watch them virtually as they walk," the release reads.
The original public health order was issued 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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
- Any activity required by law. For example, jury duty, moving a car to avoid a parking ticket, etc.
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.
