Denver to Officially Lift Mask Mandate

Denver will drop its “mask or vax” mandate starting this Friday, as cases of the coronavirus fall, though schools and public transportation are expected to continue to require mask-wearing and social distancing where applicable. The amended mask mandate was made public on December 28, 2021.

Denver Mayor Micheal B. Hancock said Monday that the current public health order would expire at the end of this week, and would not be renewed at this time. However, he and Denver Department of Public Health and Environment Executive Director Bob McDonald said masks will continue to be required at schools and child care facilities and public transportation.

Private businesses may still require mask-wearing, or proof of vaccination, as it is their right to do so. Many of Denver’s LGBTQ bars have been checking vaccinations at the door and are expected to continue this practice.

Ball Arena will still require people ages 12 and up to provide proof they are fully vaccinated or have gotten a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event. Everyone ages 2 and up will still be required to wear a mask while indoors and in any admission lines. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts will continue to require people to show proof of vaccine unless they are under age 5, in which case they will need a negative test within 72 hours of the event.

“We’re at a very important pivot point in this battle,” Hancock says.

More than 78 percent of Denver residents were fully vaccinated as of Monday, and the mayor claims the virus would be something “We’re going to have to manage and learn to live with.” The newer and more contagious Omicron variant has added to increased herd immunity, with both vaccinated and unvaccinated people contracting the virus.

“This is still a public health emergency and will remain so as long as there are spikes, surges, and variants that threaten to overwhelm health care systems,” Hancock says.

McDonald said modeling from the state indicates that lifting the face-covering requirement this week would have “little change” on the trajectory of the number of cases and hospitalizations in Denver and in the metro area, which have fallen sharply in recent weeks.

“As a city, we’ve repeatedly taken steps to protect one another and save lives, and we are grateful to all Denver residents who have done their part to comply with past public health orders,” McDonald says in a public press conference. “We are confident our residents will continue to make the right decisions when it comes to their health.”

As of January 10 in Denver, there was a seven-day average case rate of 1,998 cases per 100,000 of COVID-19. That number fell to 588 per 100,000 as of January 29 and continues to fall as of Monday, McDonald said. Officials suggest people remain to be cautious, especially if they remain unvaccinated.

Want info on where to get vaccinated against COVID-19, or receive booster shots? Visit the Colorado Public Health and Environment information page, and help stop the spread of the coronavirus.