New Indoor Mask Order Issued In Denver

DENVER, CO — Denver is reinstating its indoor mask mandate as high rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue in Colorado, Mayor Michael Hancock announced Tuesday. The mandate is set to take effect Wednesday, and last until Jan. 2.

Everyone ages 2 and older is required to wear a mask in most public spaces, the mayor said.

If a business or venue doesn't want to implement mask rules, they must verify that those who enter are vaccinated, Hancock said. At least 95 percent of people who are inside the business must be fully vaccinated, the new order states.

Jefferson, Adams and Arapahoe counties also issued indoor mask orders, which also take effect Wednesday. Boulder County's order is already in effect.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all understood that managing this pandemic was not something any one of us could do by going it alone,” Hancock said.

“While the rate of vaccination is high in Denver and across the metro area, unvaccinated individuals are causing our hospital capacity to become dangerously strained, and regional protective actions have become necessary to reduce this dangerous pressure on our hospitals.”

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The mask mandates will include some exemptions, such as those who have medical conditions or religious rites that prevent them from wearing masks.

Denver's new order doesn't change face covering requirements in schools and childcare facilities, where masks have been required since August.

Under a previous statewide order, proof of vaccination will still be required for unseated, public events of more than 500 people in metro Denver.

“Reducing infections now is imperative to alleviating strain on our regional hospital capacity,” said Bob McDonald, executive director of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.

“With the high rate of infection across Colorado, face coverings are a tool to help curb the spread of the virus and provide an extra layer of protection for those who are vaccinated. “We must act now to ensure hospital beds are available for anyone in need.”