Statewide Facial Covering Mandate Extended
On Aug. 14, Gov. Jared Polis extended and amended an executive order mandating facial coverings. It will remain in effect for at least another 30 days. The amendment clarifies that individuals performing life rites are exempt from the face covering mandate while a life rite is being performed. “Life rites” include wedding ceremonies, graduations, funeral services, baptisms, bris ceremonies, and other religious ceremonies.
The order requires people in Colorado who are age 11 years and older to wear a covering over their noses and mouths when entering or moving within any public indoor space or while using or waiting to use public or non-personal transportation services. People who do not have to wear a mask include those who are 10 years old and younger and those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering. Children ages 2 and under should not wear masks or cloth face coverings.
This order follows an earlier order issued by Tri-County Health Department. The department also posted an additional clarification on the order.
The Aurora City Council on July 20 unanimously approved a resolution to renew the city manager’s disaster declaration. This enables the city to delegate enforcement authority of public health and executive orders related to facial coverings to other city departments aside from the Aurora Police Department.
The disaster declaration also allows the city to quickly implement necessary policies to address regulatory changes, directives or licensing restrictions contained in the executive orders or public health orders.
Research shows that people who have no symptoms can spread COVID-19. Wearing a non-medical face mask helps minimize the spread of the virus. Face coverings are a safe, inexpensive, effective and easy way to slow the spread of COVID-19, used in conjunction with other best practices such as social distancing, handwashing and staying at home while experiencing symptoms.
“I firmly believe that this mandate is the least invasive way to help slow the spread of this virus and ensure that we can continue to keep our businesses open and get kids back in the classroom where they belong,” Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said. “It’s going to take all of us to make this work, and we are confident that our residents and businesses will step up to meet this challenge.”
Businesses are required to post a notice about the executive and public health orders. Posters are available online to download at AuroraGov.org/COVIDPoster or at COVID19.Colorado.gov.
Residents who have concerns about the mandate not being followed may reach out to Tri-County Health Department’s call center at 303.220.9200. Concerns about business non-compliance may be sent to [email protected] or 303.739.7057. The city’s Tax and Licensing Division, Code Enforcement and Open Space and Natural Resources Division will educate residents and the public about these orders and will enforce the rules upon repeated violations.