Denver no longer will require masks to be worn in outdoor settings as it prepares to loosen COVID-19 restrictions on Friday.
However, the county mask mandate will still require face coverings to be worn in indoor settings and when people are using public transportation.
The changes to the mask order, which go into effect immediately, come as Denver officials will move the county to Level Blue on the state’s color-coded dial, which is used by public health officials to set COVID-19 policies. The county is currently a step higher at Level Yellow and still meets the case criteria for the higher level.
Colorado public health officials plan to turn over control of COVID-19 public health measures to local officials on Friday, meaning that in many counties restrictions will be lifted despite the fact that the state is seeing coronavirus cases and hospitalizations increase.
Most counties in the metro area, including Jefferson County, have announced plans to take a phased approach by moving to Level Blue, which reopens restaurants and gyms at full capacity as long as social distancing is maintained at least 6 feet. The changes will also allow bars to roepen at 25% capacity.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
