Denver is expected to announce a new mask mandate on Tuesday, Nov. 23, sources tell CBS4. The mandate would require masks in all indoor public spaces.
Specifics about the mandate have not been released.
The move comes as other Denver metro area counties are asking the state to implement an indoor mask mandate. Jefferson County asked the governor to impose that face mask order state-wide, but will now consider reinstating a mandate on its own. Boulder and Larimar counties have already reinstated mask orders.
The health departments representing Adams and Arapahoe counties might take the same approach. Gov. Jared Polis has resisted reinstating a mask mandate or capacity limits on businesses.
Dozens Of Mask Mandate Complaints Filed Across Denver Metro Area
As mask mandates continue in some Colorado counties, complaints of violations are coming into area health agencies. Denver Public Health Inspections reports 60 businesses allowing people in indoor public spaces without face coverings so far; Tri-County Health has received 70 for Arapahoe and Adams County; Jefferson County reports just a handful.
CBS4 visited a shopping mall in Jefferson County which has a mask mandate. On the doors the signs reads, “Do not enter this facility without wearing a mask.”
One shopper, Katie Sosa said, “I think it’s kind of irresponsible not to wear your mask given that you might infect somebody else.
She had a mask, and many others did not have them on inside. No one appeared to challenge them, and they were able to enter stores.
“The mandate does require that they post signage saying that masks are required to enter a business, and we expect everyone who enters a business will wear a mask,” Dr. Dawn Comstock, the Jefferson County Executive Director in the Department of Public Health said.
She says their effort though is to educate and provide guidance not to punish. Speaking of signs, CBS4 found one at a liquor store wrongfully claiming masks are optional.
“I am wondering why your sign says ‘Mask is optional,’” CBS4’s Rick Sallinger asked.
The owner told CBS4 she doesn’t want to confront people without masks. She also said she knows most of her customers are vaccinated.
In Denver dozens of complaints have already been lodged against businesses. Danica Lee, the Director of Public Health Inspections, said they do act on those in violation of the mandate.
“We will issue an order during that first contact either remotely or in person.”
She says after that, repeat violations can bring a fine. Last week hundreds in Jefferson County protested against a mask mandate many said they would just go elsewhere to shop.
