DENVER — The City and County of Denver announced that it's lifting a public health order that requires face coverings in schools and child care facilities after Friday, Feb. 25; Denver Public Schools (DPS) said they would end mask requirements the same day.
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) cited rapidly decreasing cases and high vaccination rates in Denver. Nearly 80% of people in Denver, ages 5 and older, have been vaccinated and more than 40% have received their booster shot, DDPHE said in a release.
“With the current decline in severe cases and the high rates of immunity that we’re seeing, it is safe to lift the school mask mandate at this time,” said Dr. Sterling McLaren, Denver’s chief medical officer. “The best way to protect children is to make sure they stay up to date with their vaccinations and ensure that the adults around them are vaccinated as well.”
Face coverings will still be required on public transportation per federal guidance, DDPHE said.
The Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires face coverings for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated staff, residents and visitors in jails, homeless shelters and emergency medical and other healthcare settings, according to the release from DDPHE.
DPS piggy-backed on the DDPHE announcement saying they will let their mask order expire on Feb. 25 as well.
"I am so tremendously grateful to the entire DPS community for coming together during the pandemic to follow the guidelines set forth by our health agencies and to do our best to adapt to changes, always while helping to ensure the healthiest conditions in our buildings for our scholars, our educators, and each other," DPS Superintendent Alex Marrero said. "If you or your family members have not yet been vaccinated or boosted, please do so as soon as possible, as it remains the best way to protect our children, families, and neighbors."
Marrero said the district "will continue to work closely with our health partners, and we will remain flexible and diligent as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve."
Denver Board of Education Vice President Tay Anderson said he has "deep concerns" with ending the mask order.
"While I looked forward to this day, I must express my deep concerns with ending our mask mandate before the end of the school year," Anderson said on his blog. "I still believe that out of an abundance of caution, our mask mandate should stay in place throughout the remainder of the semester."
DDPHE said face coverings are still strongly recommended for those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised.
DDPHE continues to work with CDPHE on outbreak, quarantine and isolation guidance for schools, DDPHE said. More information is expected in the next week, according to the department.
The City of Denver did not extend its indoor mask mandate, which ended Feb. 4. City and county leaders announced the decision Jan. 31.
Troy Pope contributed to the reporting of this story.
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