Denver Issues New COVID-19 Public Health Order: What To Know

DENVER, CO — Denver is updating its coronavirus guidelines under a new public health order, officials announced Thursday.

The new requirements take effect immediately, and will remain until July 31, public health officials said.

Updated provisions include:

• Indoor events with more than 2,000 people will no longer require prior approval by Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. All indoor and outdoor events can now operate at full capacity with no restrictions.
• Face coverings are no longer required in Denver in any setting for children between the ages of 3 and 11.
• To align with the state order, masks are no longer required for unvaccinated people 12 and older in schools or Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle offices.
• Face coverings are still required for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated staff, residents, and visitors in jails, homeless shelters, and emergency medical and other healthcare settings.
• Daily rapid testing or once-weekly PCR testing is encouraged for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated staff in prisons, jails, homeless shelters, and emergency medical and other healthcare settings.

A federal mandate remains in effect that requires masks on public transportation, including public transit networks, airplanes, buses, trains, taxis, Ubers, Lyfts and in public-facing court settings.

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Masks are recommended for unvaccinated Denverites in indoor public settings. They are asked to avoid large crowds, practice social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as possible, Denver public health officials said.

Around 73 percent of Denver residents 12 years and older have received their first vaccination dose, and 66.8 percent have been fully vaccinated, officials said.

“As we continue to hear of severe cases of illness and even death from COVID-19, it only serves as a reminder that these tragic outcomes are nearly all preventable now,” said Bob McDonald, executive director of Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.

“Vaccination remains the best way to stop the spread of the virus and limit the severity of infections. Anyone who is fully vaccinated is also protected against coronavirus variants including the Delta variant. Vaccination is easier than ever. Vaccines are free, documentation is not required, and many locations offer walk-up appointments.”

>> Learn more about how to get vaccinated in Denver here.