Face Covering FAQ

Durango face covering graphic

State of Colorado Mask Order

Governor Jared Polis announced a Statewide mask order on July 16, 2020, directing Coloradans to wear a face covering while indoors. 

Coloradans older than 10 years old must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering or moving within any public indoor space. A public indoor space is defined as any enclosed indoor area that is publicly or privately owned, managed or operated to which individuals have access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, and that is accessible to the public, serves as a place of employment, or is an entity providing services. Public Indoor Space does not mean a person’s residence, including a room in a motel or hotel or a residential room for students at an educational facility. This includes wearing a face covering while using or waiting to use the services of any taxi, bus, light rail, train, car service, ride-sharing or similar service, or Mass Transportation Operations. Individuals 10 years old and younger, and those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering are exempt from this Executive Order.

Individuals performing the following activities are also exempt from the requirements of the Executive Order while the activity is being performed:

  • Individuals who are hearing impaired or otherwise disabled or who are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication;
  • Individuals who are seated at a food service establishment;
  • Individuals who are exercising alone or with others from the individual’s household and a face covering would interfere with the activity;
  • Individuals who are receiving a personal service where the temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
  • Individuals who enter a business or receive services and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes;
  • Individuals who are actively engaged in a public safety role such as law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel;
  • Individuals who are officiating at a religious service; or
  • Individuals who are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.

Read the full Executive Order. 

Learn more by reading the FAQ document and by visiting https://covid19.colorado.gov/mask-guidance. 

View the Governor’s presentation.

City of Durango Face Covering Order

  • What is the face covering order? 
  • Who is required to wear a face covering?  
    • Everyone is required to wear a face covering when in public where 6 feet of distance can not be maintained. Exceptions exist for persons 3 years of age or younger or those whom are unable due to an existing health issue or impairment.  
  • Where am I required to wear a face covering?  
    • Any publicly accessible place, either indoor or outdoor. This includes City owned or operated facilities, businesses where sales or services are being provided, on public transportation, and in any other public space such as parks, open space or elsewhere within the City where distancing can not be observed.
  • How will the Order be enforced? 
    • The City will attempt to seek voluntary compliance through education and warning notices prior to the issuance of any citations. Compliance with this Order may be enforced under Sections 1-16 and 9-9 of the City Code. In addition, the City may pursue suspension or revocation of a business license under Section 13-8 of the Municipal Code, or it may pursue any other legal remedy to secure enforcement. 
  • I own or manage a business and am still not clear on requirements for businesses to be able to open and operate under the Governor’s and local health orders. Where can I find information about that? 
    • You can find guidance for businesses, including a link to a self-certification form ensuring you have measures in place for social distancing, from San Juan Basin Public Health. 
  • Can a business refuse service to someone not wearing a face covering?  
    • Yes, however, reasonable efforts to promote compliance among customers should first be made. If someone becomes disruptive, or if there is fear for the safety of staff and others, please call the police at 911 in case of emergency or 970-385-2900 if it is a non-emergency. 
  • Where can I find more information about City of Durango services during the pandemic? 
  • Where can I find more information about health services in La Plata and Archuleta counties?