San Juan Basin Public Health amended its Face Covering Advisory, originally issued April 11. The re-issued advisory is an important step to slow the spread of the disease caused by coronavirus as local businesses and worksites take steps to re-open with precautions.

In partnership with SJBPH, La Plata and Archuleta County Emergency Operations Centers will distribute free face coverings to their business community partners to encourage customer use.

Through SJBPH’s amended Face Covering Advisory, all employees who interact with customers are required to wear face coverings, and businesses are strongly encouraged to require face coverings for customers.

It is important for customers to support the work these businesses have completed to protect their employees and patrons by wearing a face covering while shopping.

Critical businesses which have been open throughout the state Stay at Home period now have until Friday to self-certify that they are following proper infection prevention practices. Non-critical businesses in La Plata County must self-certify their operations prior to opening.

Information on how to make face coverings and properly care for them can be found at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

Businesses can self-certify at forms.laplata.co.us/Forms/BusinessCert.