Masks are required within Southern Ute reservation boundaries, according to a new order issued by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

The order, which applies to tribal members and the general public, makes masks mandatory in public indoor and outdoor spaces in an effort to reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus. The tribal government issued its order July 17, a day after Gov. Jared Polis made masks mandatory throughout Colorado. In some areas, the order is more stringent than Colorado’s mask law.

“The decision to issue this order was made to protect our tribal elders, our most vulnerable tribal members, and every tribal member and staff person possible,” said Christine Sage, tribal chairman.

Within the reservation, everyone ages 2 and older must wear a face covering. Colorado’s law applies to anyone 11 years old or older (people 10 and younger are not required to wear masks). While Colorado’s law is scheduled to expire Aug. 15, the tribe’s order will continue until further notice.

Both Colorado and the tribe require people to wear masks in public or private indoor spaces, even when people are maintaining a 6-foot distance. The only areas that are excluded from the orders are personal residences and motel or hotel rooms.

The Southern Ute government requires people to wear face coverings in outdoor public spaces when other social-distancing measures are not possible. Polis’ executive order does not require people to wear masks outdoors, unless people are waiting for public transportation services.

People are exempt in these situations:

When someone is hearing impaired or communicating with someone who is hearing impaired and/or needs to see the mouth for communication.When people are exercising alone or with others from the same household.When people are seated at a food service establishment.When people are receiving a personal service and must temporarily remove the face covering.When someone must remove his or her mask for identification purposes.When someone is officiating a religious service or giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.Staff members at public indoor spaces cannot provide services unless customers wear face coverings. No individual will be allowed in a tribal building or on tribal property unless there is compliance.

“Should any individual not comply, that person would be reminded of the mask requirement,” said Lindsay Box, SUIT spokesperson. “If there are repeated violations, enforcement would be required through the tribal code.”

smullane@durangoherald.com