Vaccine Mandate In Denver: What To Know

DENVER, CO — A coronavirus vaccine mandate was issued Monday for all City and County of Denver employees, contractors and volunteers. A mandate was also issued for private-sector workers in high-risk settings.

The workers are required to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 30.

Mayor Michael Hancock made the announcement as cases spike in the city.

“Denver is now experiencing the most infectious strain of the virus – the Delta variant, which is responsible for 90 percent of new cases statewide,” Hancock said.

“To achieve the highest level of protection and recovery from the pandemic, especially among high-risk and vulnerable groups, we need to maximize vaccinations as quickly as possible, and mandates will do just that.”

The mandate includes employees in nursing homes, homeless shelters, hospitals and correctional facilities.

All school employees — not just Denver Public Schools employees — will also be required to get vaccinated.

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Denver's daily infection rate jumped from an average of 15 cases to nearly 70 Monday, public health officials said. Hospitalizations and deaths are increasing.

Over the past six months, 96 percent of the people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Colorado were not fully vaccinated, state public health officials said.

“The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment has continuously monitored available data to ensure our guidance is based on science and sound public health principles,” said Bob McDonald, the agency's executive director.

“Given what we know today, I strongly believe that controlling the spread of the virus and its variants through timely and thoughtful mandated vaccinations, especially as we enter the colder fall and winter months, is necessary. By further increasing the number of vaccinated residents, we’re able to protect children and those who can’t get vaccinated, limit hospitalizations and ultimately save lives.”

Masks will continue to be required, regardless of vaccination status, in healthcare settings, homeless shelters and correctional facilities.