Boulder Releases Holiday Public Health Guidelines

BOULDER, CO — Boulder officials have released guidelines, tips and public health order reminders for celebrating the holidays safely as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Officials are reminding residents that Boulder County remains under Level Red — only one step below a stay-at-home order under the state's COVID-19 dial.

"If you must go into public, wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth, wash your hands frequently and keep at least 6 feet of distance from people not in your household," the city's guide reads.

The city issued the following guidance:

• Community members should stay at home as much as possible.
• Only interact in person with people from your household, meaning those who normally live and sleep under the same roof.
• Wear a facial covering and keep your distance while grocery shopping for your holiday feast. Plan ahead and limit to one trip.

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• Most indoor activities are prohibited or strictly limited, and outdoor activities are encouraged as an alternative.
• Restaurants will be limited to offering takeout food and outdoor dining with only groups from the same household.
• Some other businesses, such as offices and gyms, will be limited to 10 percent capacity.

The city also offers a series of tips for enjoying the holidays:

• The safest way to celebrate the holidays this year is to spend it with only the people in your household.
• Don’t feel like cooking? Support local restaurants by ordering free delivery through the Restaurant S.O.S. program.
• Host a virtual meal with friends and family who don’t live with you or swap photos of prepared dishes.
• Sledding or other outdoor activities in your local community with members of your immediate household.
• Put your masks on, grab a thermos of hot cocoa, and head out for a stroll to check out your neighborhood holiday decorations.
• Shop local for gifts, then mail or deliver them to your neighbors, friends, and family in a way that doesn’t involve face-to-face contact. You can video chat with them later as they open their presents and watch their faces light up in real-time.
• Live-stream a ceremony held by your faith group.
• Make treats and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch).
• Tune into a holiday performance, or hire a performer to sing carols for your neighbors from a moving, safely-distanced vehicle with amplified sound.
• Have a movie day and play games with people in your household.
• Learn how to practice Hygge, a concept that emphasizes coziness, warmth and simple living.
• Watching the ball drop on TV on New Year’s Eve.
• Have other ideas? Share them with the city.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also offers ideas and guidance on how to safely celebrate winter holidays safely.

>> Read Boulder's full public safety guide here.