Story ID: 
Aspen Airport Introducing Covid Testing Requirements
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Pitkin County, which encompasses popular ski resorts, has instituted a travel affidavit policy that all travelers must complete.
Word Count: 230
Looking to avoid a surge in Covid cases over the busy holiday period, Colorado’s Pitkin County, which encompasses Aspen’s popular ski resorts, has introduced health regulations and an online travel affidavit form that all visitors must complete before arrival.

The regulations, which take effect December 14 and will last indefinitely, require all non-residents aged 10 and above who plan on spending one or more nights in the county to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test that was administered within 72 hours of arrival. Visitors must also confirm that all people in the affidavit were symptom-free for at least 10 days before travel. All travelers in the party must be included in the affidavit.

If a negative test result has not been received prior to arrival, travelers must agree to quarantine until they receive such a result. Alternatively, they may obtain a test at their own expense after arrival in Pitkin County, but they must quarantine until they receive a negative result.

In addition, all travelers must adhere to the county’s rule prohibiting gatherings of more than five people and people from more than two households. That includes all private residences, even if those present are masked and socially distanced.

Failure to comply with those requirements could result in a $5,000 fine.