Gov. Polis extends mask mandate for another 30 days

Governor Jared Polis announced August 14 that the statewide mask mandate has been extended for another 30 days.

The mandate was set to expire the weekend of August 15. It will now expire 30 days from Friday, August 14.

Polis also amended the executive order mandating masks to allow for some exceptions: individuals performing "life rites" do not have to wear masks during the ceremonies.

Life rites include events like weddings, graduations, funerals, baptisms, bris ceremonies, and other religious events.

Polis first issued to statewide mask mandate July 16.

The full executive order issued August 14 can be read below:

D 2020 164

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Amending and Extending Executive Orders D 2020 039, D 2020 067, D 2020 092, D 2020 110, and D 2020 138 Ordering Individuals in Colorado to Wear Non-Medical Face Coverings

Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor of the State of Colorado and, in particular, pursuant to Article IV, Section 2 of the Colorado Constitution and the relevant portions of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act, C.R.S. § 24-33.5-701 et seq., I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive Order amending and extending Executive Orders D 2020 039, D 2020 067, D 2020 092, D 2020 110, and D 2020 138 ordering individuals in Colorado to wear a medical or non-medical face covering due to the presence of coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado.

I. Background and Purpose

On March 5, 2020, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) public health laboratory confirmed the first presumptive positive COVID-19 test result in Colorado. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has continued to climb, and there is community spread throughout the State. We have seen over 37,000 infections and lost over 1,700 Coloradans. I verbally declared a disaster emergency on March 10, 2020, and on March 11, 2020, I issued the corresponding Executive Order D 2020 003, as amended by Executive Orders D 2020 018, D 2020 032, D 2020 058, D 2020 076, D 2020 109, D 2020 125, and D 2020 152. On March 25, 2020, I requested that the President of the United States declare a Major Disaster for the State of Colorado, pursuant to the Stafford Act. The President approved that request on March 28, 2020.

My administration, along with other State, local, and federal authorities, has taken a wide array of actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, prevent further spread, and protect against overwhelming our health care resources. While we have seen indications that our efforts to “flatten the curve” are working, transmission of the virus continues to threaten Coloradans’ way of life and livelihoods and current data shows a recent increase in COVID infections. As we take steps to return Coloradans to work, we must continue to take measures to facilitate reopening the economy while protecting public health by taking steps to incorporate best practices to protect individuals from infection.

We have learned that widespread mask use is a low cost and highly effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections by as much as 65%. Broad adoption of mask wearing in Colorado may have significant economic benefits by allowing the State to prevent re-closures of businesses and schools and, ultimately, return to our normal lives more quickly. A recent study from Goldman Sachs concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from taking a 5% hit to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At this time, thirty-nine Colorado counties and municipalities already have mandatory mask orders in place.

Under Executive Order D 2020 110, mask wearing is mandatory for employees, contractors, and others providing services for Mass Transportation Operations and Critical Businesses as well as for State and county employees and the individuals they serve at Government Offices and Facilities. These requirements remain intact with this Executive Order. This Executive Order amends and extends Executive Orders D 2020 039, D 2020 067, D 2020 092, D 2020 110, and D 2020 138 to protect Coloradans by requiring individuals in Colorado to wear a non-medical face covering over their nose and mouth, subject to several Exceptions.

II. Amendment

Executive Order D 2020 110, as amended by Executive Order D 2020 138, is further amended as follows:

1. Insert the phrase “life rite or” between the words “a” and “religious” in paragraph II.M.7.

III. Duration

Executive Order D 2020 039, as amended and extended by Executive Order D 2020 067, D 2020 092, D 2020 110, D 2020 138, and this Executive Order, shall expire thirty (30) days from August 14, 2020, unless extended further by Executive Order. In all other respects, Executive Order D 2020 039, as amended and extended by Executive Orders D 2020 067, D 2020 092, D 2020 110, and D 2020 138 shall remain in full force and effect as originally promulgated.

GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this fourteenth day of August, 2020.

Jared Polis

Governor