Ouray County officials shelved a proposal to require masks in outdoor spaces in Ouray and Ridgway, but made plans to maintain tighter restrictions than the statewide mask order, citing ongoing concerns about tourists gathering in high-traffic areas.

The decision came during a joint policy group meeting July 23 that included Ouray, Ridgway and county officials, following a recommendation against mandating masks outside from County Emergency Manager Glenn Boyd and Public Health Director Tanner King...