On June 30, 2021,the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Released the 4th Amended Public Health Order 20-38 effective July 1, 2021. You can find an announcement from El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) here.
Per the Public Health Order (PHO), face coverings are no longer required for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated individuals in child care or school settings.
Schools and child cares are alsono longer required to follow the CDPHE guidance for Cases and Outbreaks in Schools and Child Care. However, COVID-19 remains a reportable condition in the State of Colorado, requiring the reporting and isolation of positive cases to your Local Public Health Agency (EPCPH). More information on reportable conditions can be found here. This reporting requirement is in line with the regulations that require reporting of other communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and pertussis.
CDPHE also recently updated their outbreak definition which now states a confirmed outbreak in a school or child care setting is “five or more cases of COVID-19, of which at least one case has had a positive molecular amplification test or antigen test, among students/teachers/staff from separate households with onset within 14 days in a single classroom/activity or other close contact in the school setting (including transportation to- from- school and affiliated events).” The updated case and outbreak definition document is attached.
El Paso County Public Health still encourages best practices to decrease the spread of COVID, beyond the minimum reporting and isolation requirements. Best practices can be found on the CDPHE and the CDC websites (found here).
COVID-Related Reporting or Inquiries –
- To report a positive case of COVID or an exposure, during business hours (Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM):
- Phone – (719)578-3220
- Fax – (719)575-8955
- To report a positive case of COVID or an exposure, after hours (24/7):
- Phone – (719)235-2278
- To e-mail any of the above: