Commissioner tweeted the news on Thursday afternoon.
One day after the Tri-County Health Department, which encompasses Douglas, Arapahoe, and Adams County, announced mandatory mask requirements for the three counties, Douglas County is saying goodbye.
In a tweet on Thursday afternoon, Lora Thomas, a Douglas County Commissioner wrote, “My fellow commissioners and I have directed staff to leave (TCHD) and develop a public health dept to meet the needs of our residents. We will also opt out of a mandatory mask order from (TCHD)."
My fellow commissioners and I have directed staff to leave @TCHDHealth and develop a public health dept to meet the needs of our residents. We will also opt out of a mandatory mask order from @TCHDHealth @AbeLaydon @douglascountyco @TubbsShow
— Lora Thomas (@LoraThomasCO) July 9, 2020
Douglas County Commissioners, Courtesy of douglas.co.us
The commissioner also mentions that Douglas County will be opting out of the mask order, which stipulates that face coverings are required in public places and businesses where 6 feet of distance isn't possible.
The mask mandate passed by a vote of 5 to 4, and it was clear that Douglas County was against the restrictions.
Dr Douglas @TCHDHealth did not recommend a masking order for @douglascountyco Our cases are very low. Voluntary masking is at 75%. Adams county and Aurora were areas recommended for masks. We are inundated with calls, emails, demanding that we opt out. We are listening. https://t.co/4QlR6AYpx9
— Lora Thomas (@LoraThomasCO) July 8, 2020
No response has been put out yet from the Tri-County Health Department. Douglas County is supposed to give more information on how it plans to form its own health department soon. According to a press release on douglas.co.us, the Couny Attorneywas directed to issue a formal statement to the Tri-County Health Department about the opt out and withdrawal.
“Regarding the mask mandate opt-out, our remarkably favorable public health data, paired with the community’s current 75% mask-wearing voluntary compliance observed by TCHD, and based on Dr. Douglas’ recommendation that a mask mandate was not necessary for Douglas County, led us to this conclusion,” Commissioner Abe Laydon gave as reasoning for the move.
What do you think about Douglas County's decision? Let us know in the comments.
