DENVER — Mayor Michael Hancock said Thursday he expects to issue a mandate next week requiring Denver residents to wear face masks in public.
Hancock told Denver7 that he expects to have a detailed news conference sometime next week to "lay out the new landscape for Denver" and that he expects to announce the mask mandate at that time.
Hancock has previously said his office was working on a potential mask mandate. Last week he said he asked the public health department and city attorney’s office to draft an order requiring people to wear masks, as nearby Wheat Ridge has done at essential businesses. He said he expected an order to be issued sometime soon. Meanwhile, he said people in Denver should wear a mask or face covering if they are outside anywhere.
Denver extended its stay-at-home order through May 8, next Friday, though Hancock said the order is not expected to be extended beyond that.
There hasn't been a state order requiring the wearing of masks, though several counties and towns have issued mandates or were discussing similar measures:
Aspen: Requires face coverings in city businesses. Violating the order could result in a penalty of $50 for the first offense, $250 for a second offense and a mandatory court appearance for any offense after that, including up to a $2,650 fine and one-year imprisonment, or both per day for each violation.
Boulder: Employees and customers required to wear mask or facial covering every time they enter a business
Glenwood Springs: Anyone doing activities outside their home must wear face covering. Expires May 1 (Friday).
Larimer County: County health department requiring all businesses to have employees and customers wear face coverings/masks. Includes Estes Park.
Routt County (Steamboat Springs): Employees and customers required to wear a mask. Up to $5,000 fine and possible jail time.
Wheat Ridge: Employees and customers required to wear mask or facial covering every time they enter a business. Masks are not required for anyone with a medical condition where a mask might interfere with breathing and could put their health at risk.
Fort Collins: City council discussed an order Tuesday night, though Larimer County already has order in place.
Longmont: City council discussed the issue this week. A decision expected by end of week.
