Boulder County lifted the group size restrictions on 18- to 22-year-olds Tuesday, allowing college-aged residents to follow the same restrictions as the rest of the county.

Last month, health officials restricted groups of 18- to 22-year-olds to one person, later increasing it to two people and then six people. Now, these residents will be allowed to join gatherings of up to 10.

Boulder County Public Health said this change is a result of improved compliance among college-aged people.

“We are so grateful to every young adult who made sacrifices to follow the gathering order,” said Jeff Zayach, executive director of BCPH. “Don’t let up! Cases are rising across age groups throughout the state.”

College students were largely blamed for the county’s COVID-19 rates, with the outbreak at the University of Colorado Boulder becoming the largest in state history with more than 1,600 presumed cases.

Several students have faced suspensions for violating public health orders and hosting parties. Zayach said two weeks ago, a fraternity threw a party with more than 200 attendees.

This decision comes at a time when Colorado is entering a third wave of the pandemic and COVID-19 cases are rising throughout the state in all age groups.

However, BCPH said its numbers are looking good among 18- to 22-year-olds, including the 14-day new case average, the test positivity percentage and the rates of consistent testing.

BCPH said the age group will still be held to strict standards.

CU students living on campus are tested regularly and testing is being expanded to off-campus students as well.

And students found to violate county public health orders will face “strict” disciplinary measures.

The full gathering order and the different levels of gatherings are available at boco.org/covid19GatheringsOrder.