Colorado, like much of the U.S., has been under a mask mandate since last July, but that may be going bye-bye in a couple of weeks.
Colorado will lift its statewide mask mandate April 4 and ease coronavirus protocols even as experts say it's not yet safe to do so.
Driving the news: Gov. Jared Polis' administration released a draft plan that takes a two-pronged approach to ease restrictions at the lower levels of the state's dial system and make it easier for counties to reach them.
It takes effect Wednesday, a year after Polis issued a statewide lockdown, and ultimately punts a mask requirement decision to local governments and businesses.
How it works: Under the proposed changes, face coverings would not be required in counties at Level Green except for ages 11-18 in school.
In addition, the state is easing capacity limits at other levels to reopen bars and allow more indoor dining.
The other side: Polis administration officials say it's warranted because more people are getting vaccinated.
"It’s all about a balance ... to slow the disease while attempting to limit the ramifications of closing down parts of the state and the impacts that come with that," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, the director of the state's public health department.