Guidance for Face Masks in Optometry
Currently, there is state, local, and federal guidance related to face masks and vaccination status. When determining your office mask policies, COA members should review all three (summarized below).
Local: In Colorado, counties are allowed to implement regulations at the local level. Please consult your local public health agency for any existing local mandates and orders.
State: On 5/31/21, Governor Polis issued an amended Public Health Order. As more individuals are vaccinated, this order further reduced restrictions for individuals, businesses and activities. Please review section IA(f) on pages 2-3:
1. Face coverings are required for certain individuals, age twelve (12) and older, in the following settings:
f. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated patients, visitors, and personnel in emergency medical and other healthcare settings (including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, urgent care centers, clinics, doctors' offices, and non-urgent care medical structures).
The COA is also still referencing the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) COVID-19 guidance for their licensees (issued 5/22/21). Their guidance stressed: As allowed under state law, owners, operators, and managers of any business or service may, at their discretion, continue to require individuals entering or within their locations to wear face coverings or show proof of full vaccination.
Federal: the CDC still recommends health care personnel (HPC) wear face masks at all times while they are in the health care facility, fully vaccinated HPC can dine and socialize together in break rooms and conduct in- person meetings without source control or physical distancing. If unvaccinated HCP are present, everyone should wear source control and unvaccinated HCP should physically distance from others.
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