Gov. Polis announces update to Colorado’s mask order

DENVER (KRDO) -- A day after new guidelines were released that loosened COVID-19 mask requirements, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is announcing a change to the state's mask order that allows fully vaccinated people to ditch the mask in most settings.

We learned from Polis' office late Thursday that the state would be updating its mask order to resemble the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's new guidelines.

Polis called masks a "poor man's vaccine," while citing their reported 50% effectiveness, compared to the 95% efficacy offered by some of the COVID-19 vaccines.

"So we are thrilled with the recent CDC guidance," Polis said, while adding that Thursday broke the threshold of 5 million vaccines in Colorado.

Polis touted Colorado's ranking in vaccination rates among other states and said we've reached a threshold "not enough to end the pandemic," but enough to loosen restrictions for those who have been vaccinated.

"We're going from mask-wearing requirements to mask-wearing suggestions and guidance," Polis said. He added that mask requirements may still be in place in places like jails, hospitals, and schools until June 1.

However, Polis said vaccinated teachers won't need to wear masks in class anymore, along with students 16 and up who have been vaccinated.

Polis added that after June 1, there won't be a public health order surrounding events that have 500 attendees or more.

We'll have more information when it's made available.