Disregarding public health orders could mean jail time and a hefty fine for one mountainous country in Colorado amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The violation of public health orders in Pitkin County now carries the highest violation in Colorado.
Law enforcers in Mountain County, including those in Aspen, Snowmass Village and Basalt, will now issue tickets for offenses for a serious violation of public health, such as large parties and gatherings.
Violation of offenders is considered a Class 1 offense, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and / or a fine of $ 500 to $ 5,000.
“Sending a letter a week later with the words ‘Do not do it again’ is not as clear as a ticket stuck in a hand the night it happened,” said Assistant Chief of Police Bill Linn of Aspen, said in a recent interview with The Aspen Times.
Focusing on the need to strengthen the security of pandemics, officers will patrol to look for signs of large gatherings such as noise complaints.
“We are not spying on you,” reads a joint press release from the Upper Valley Law Enforcement Agencies.
The increase in enforcement of public health orders comes with a significant increase in COVID-19 transfer rates, which led to the mountain country moving back into the red restrictions last week.
The new public health order went into effect on Saturday, Jan. 17, in Pitkin County, banning indoor dining at restaurants and increasing the monitoring of public health requirements at ski resorts. Accommodation bookings are also limited to one household per unit.
Despite having one of the highest COVID-19 prevalence rates in Colorado, Pitkin County has had a steady decline in rates for nearly a week now.
Visit https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/ for more information.