View of Maroon Bells peaks, Colorado, in winter

Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area near Aspen, Colorado. Photo Credit: Lana2011 (iStock).

A Colorado county just tightened their COVID-19-related restrictions to make gathering in a group of more than five a misdemeanor, carrying a possible fine of up to $5,000. 

Pitkin County, home to the mountain towns of Aspen and Basalt, is cracking down on social gatherings ahead of Halloween weekend due to the "quick and steady" climb in COVID-19 cases. The mountain county announced stricter guidelines for personal gatherings on Friday, limiting gatherings to five people with no more than two separate households.

According to Pitkin County, the five-person rule applies "even if gathering masked, social distanced, and/or in outdoor spaces."

Individuals could be fined up to $5,000 and serve up to 18 months in jail for failing to comply with the order, according to the public health order. 

The public health order, which does not apply to restaurants or other establishments with mandated guidelines, is effective immediately and will continue until further modified or rescinded by future order. Read the full order here

Several other counties across the state, including Denver, Adams, and Boulder, have already enacted strict public health orders in regard to gathering sizes.

Meanwhile, statewide the gathering limit is set at no more than 10 people from two separate households in a continued effort to slow the rise of COVID-19 cases.

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