Protect Yourself and Others

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The state has a mandatory mask-wearing requirement for Colorado that went into effect in July 2020 and recently was amended in Executive Order D 2021 035 on February 4, 2021 until March 6, 2021. It may continue to be extended if necessary.

CDC also recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. Effective February 2, 2021, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

For more information, see the CDC's Masks website and review the recent studies on mask guidance.

Everyday Preventive Actions

Wear two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric for your cloth mask in public.
Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or if you use a tissue then discard the tissue and promptly wash your hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if hands are not visibly soiled.
Take extra precautions if you plan to attend or host a small gathering of fewer than 10 people to stay safe.

Isolation and Quarantine

Review the isolation and quarantine fact sheet to learn about when you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms to isolate yourself from contact with others; and, when you have been exposed to someone who is sick with COVID-19 symptoms, you are at risk for developing illness.

En español: Cuando este ENFERMO con síntomas de COVID-19, AÍSLESE para no estar en contacto con otros.

Home Care Advice for COVID-19

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, review the Home Care Advice for COVID-19 fact sheet to follow steps in helping to protect yourself and the other people around you.

En español: Consejos para el cuidado en el hogar para COVID-19

Wear Cloth Masks

The Colorado Mask Campaign encourages Coloradans to wear non-medical cloth face coverings when leaving the home for essential business. Learn more about the Colorado Mask Project at coloradomaskproject.com. Read the CDC Scientific Brief: Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2

Mandatory Mask Order

How to Safely Wear and Take Off a Cloth Face Covering

Cloth face coverings are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, both of which should be saved for health care workers and other medical first responders. Do not place a mask on a child younger than 2. Wear a cloth mask whenever going out in public.

Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
Make sure you can breathe easily
Do not touch the face covering, and, if you do, clean your hands
Wash after using

CDC Cloth Masks Resources

Create your own face covering in a few easy steps.
Learn about how using masks slows the spread of COVID-19.
Guidance on using cloth face coverings
Keep your distance to slow the spread - Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread

Take care of your emotional health

It is important during this time to take care of your physical health, you also need to pay attention to your emotional health. You can reduce your stress by taking positive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Take care of yourself by doing things to relax you, such as breathing deeply; listening to music; enjoying sports, hobbies or reading
Move your body/exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep
Check-in with your friends, co-workers, and family
Take breaks from the news and social media. Make sure that your information only comes from reputable sources, such as the CDC and CDPHE, as well as up-to-date information on our site here at www.tchd.org/coronavirus
Develop a COVID-19 disaster kit so that you will have the supplies you need if you or a loved one gets ill.
The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline is available for call or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is free and confidential. Call 1-800-985-5990 and press 2 or text: "TalkWithUs" to 66746; En Español: "Hablanos" to 66746

Take extra precautions for people at increased risk

Older adults (over age 60) and people who have underlying medical conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes, are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Consider avoiding crowds, avoiding non-essential air travel, limiting close contact when you’re out in public, and washing your hands often.
Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself
Review CDC webpages to learn more about people at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 and actions you can take based on your medical conditions and other risk factors.

Plan ahead

Learn more about how to be ready for many types of emergencies by reviewing CDC’s resources on emergency preparedness and response and getting your household ready for COVID-19.

Stay informed

Visit reliable sources like the CDC and CDPHE for the latest information, as well as, up-to-date information on our site here at www.tchd.org/coronavirus.