NewsLocal News

Actions

Denver stepping up enforcement of mask order, city says

Posted at 4:11 PM, Jul 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-01 14:29:45-04

DENVER — City officials on Friday said they'll be stepping up enforcement of the statewide mask mandate, including citing people who aren't complying and ticketing businesses if too many customers aren't wearing a face covering.

The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment and the Denver Sheriff Department are working to monitor compliance of the order, with extra attention paid to evening hours and weekends.

Enforcement teams will monitor the use of face coverings but also the posting of required signage at businesses, social distancing, capacities, and whether or not businesses are complying with the state's 10 p.m. last call order.

If more than 10% of a business' customers aren't wearing a mask, the business could face a ticket, the city said.

Masks are not required while eating in a restaurant but are required in all other indoor spaces, with few exceptions.

Denver officials earlier Friday said they've seen "encouraging signs" in Denver's COVID-19 case data, with a dip in cases in recent days, but they warned residents to remain cautious.

Since May, the city has issued 30 citations related to public health orders, mostly for mask violations. During that same period, the city has issued 12,416 warnings.

A citation includes a mandatory court appearance and a fine up to $999 per violation or up to 300 days in jail.