CORRECTION: Clarifying that the Mask Order is in effect immediately and will last until August 15.
After spikes in COVID-19 rates across Colorado, and several counties and public health agencies instituting mask orders, Gov. Polis on Thursday issued a statewide mask order. The order is in effect immediately and will last until August 15. During Thursday's COVID-19 press conference, the governor also announced a two-week pause on approving county variances.
Under the new order, all Coloradans over the age of 10 must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering or moving within any public indoor space. This includes private businesses. Every individual coming in or out of an office, moving around an office, or in a common space of an office must wear a face covering. The order does not apply to individuals sitting at a desk, cube, or stationary workstation where the individual is not moving around or in close contact with someone else.
According to the order, any individual who knowingly enters or remains in a public indoor space in violation of the terms of the order may be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including but not limited to prosecution for trespass.
Importantly, for your offices and public spaces, the Mask Order:
Requires owners, managers, or operators of public indoor spaces to deny entry to anyone not wearing a mask;
Directs signs to be posted at entrances of mask requirement; and
Allows state and local departments or agencies to suspend a business' license to operate if they violate the Order.
Individuals performing the following activities are exempt from the requirements of the Mask Order while the activity is being performed:
Individuals who are hearing impaired or otherwise disabled or who are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication;
Individuals who are seated at a food service establishment;
Individuals who are exercising alone or with others from the individual's household and a face covering would interfere with the activity;
Individuals who are receiving a personal service where the temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
Individuals who enter a business or receive services and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes;
Individuals who are actively engaged in a public safety role such as law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel;
Individuals who are officiating at a religious service; or
Individuals who are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.