New restrictions mean changes for restaurants, gyms, and private and public gatherings
Denver is among 20 counties moving to a more restrictive level on the State’s updated COVID-19 dial starting today
“We are working hard to strike a critical balance of preserving lives and livelihoods,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said.“ Following the State’s public health order, socializing only with those in our households, and continuing to wear masks and socially distance will get us through these critical weeks ahead.”
Some of the new restrictions include:
- Indoor dining at restaurants is closed.
- Outdoor dining may continue, with last call for on-site alcohol service now 8 p.m.
- Alcohol sales at liquor stores and grocery stores and curbside and delivery now ends at 10 p.m.
- Indoor events and venues are now closed.
- Public and private gatherings are now limited to people from the same household.
- Offices, gyms and other settings are now limited to 10% occupancy.
- Retail remains limited to 50% occupancy.
- Spectators at high and college athletic events remain prohibited, with a ban on adult and youth recreational sports still in place as well.
The new order does not change restrictions from the previous order at churches or personal services, like hair and nail salons.
View a detailed list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
“In the past two weeks, thousands of our neighbors have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Denver. That is a shocking and record increase. They are the highest numbers we have seen since the previous peak in May. And the suffering will get worse if we don’t get serious. We absolutely don’t want to go into another lockdown situation. But it is up to all of us to prevent that from happening. Together we can turn this around,” says DDPHE Executive Director Robert McDonald.
The state will re-evaluate Denver County’s COVID-19 metrics by Dec. 18. If transmission levels continue to escalate, the state may impose further restrictions sooner. But if cases, hospitalizations and the positivity rate show significant declines, the state could move Denver back to a less restrictive level.
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Fact Sheet – Denver Level Red Public Health Order
Updated: 11.20.2020
Overview
- New “Red Level” restrictions take effect at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20.
- The State will re-evaluate Denver’s metrics and status on the dial the week ending Dec. 18.
- No personal gatherings except with people from the same household
Restaurants, Liquor Stores and Recreational Marijuana
- Indoor dining is temporarily closed
- Outdoor/open-air dining remains open for tables from the same household
- Last call for outdoor restaurant alcohol service is 8 p.m.
- On-premises alcohol consumption at restaurants and bars must stop at 10 p.m.
- Alcohol takeout and delivery closes by 10 p.m.
- Liquor store sales and delivery closes by 10 p.m.
- Recreational marijuana remains open until 10 p.m.
Retail and Offices
- Critical and non-critical retail, including indoor malls, are limited to 50 percent occupancy
- Offices are limited to 10 percent occupancy
Gyms, Fitness Centers and Yoga Studios
- Gyms and fitness facilities are limited to 10 percent occupancy, 10 people per room, or outdoors in groups less than 10. Reservations are required.
Sporting Events
- No spectators at high and college athletic events
- Adult and youth recreational sports are banned
Houses of Worship
- Level Red same as Orange for life rites: 25 percent occupancy or 50 people per room
Events & Venues
- Indoor events banned
- Outdoor events are limited to 25 percent occupancy or 75 people
Enforcement
- If the City issues citations, penalties can carry up to a $999 fine or 300 days in jail.