Colorado eases mask rules and COVID-19 protocols

The state-level rules that no longer apply include:

• Mask requirements, which counties can lift after approval from state public health officials.
• Distancing or capacity limits at restaurants, offices, gyms and retail stores.

The only remaining statewide restrictions cap capacity at bars, indoor events and group sports at 50% or 500 people, whichever is less.

State of play: The new orders also reduced restrictions at other levels and made it easier for counties to reach them.

• For Level Blue counties, bars can open for the first time.

The big picture: The shift is Polis' first move toward putting counties in control of public health restrictions for good.

• The new order remains in place until mid-April when the state will retire the "dial" guidance entirely.

• The statewide mask order stands until April 3, and Polis is considering whether to eliminate it.

Between the lines: Polis never wanted to implement the stay-at-home order that came a year ago Thursday nor the other pandemic restrictions on businesses.

• Since then, he's moved as quickly as possible to lift the limits and touted his decision to reopen the state's economy before most states.

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