COLORADO, USA — Gov. Jared Polis on Friday extended Colorado's statewide mask mandate for another 30 days.
“Our data has shown that mask-wearing has contributed to our great success thus far in reducing the spread of the virus and helping more and more of our economy re-open rapidly including our schools," Polis said in a statement to 9NEWS on Wednesday. "Therefore we expect the mask order to stay in place and support localized efforts to continue mask-wearing and raise awareness about the importance of avoiding large groups. Masks and social distancing continue protecting the lives of Coloradans during this pandemic.”
The mandate, put into place at midnight on July 17, was set to expire this weekend and will now run through Sept. 13. It requires face coverings be worn in indoor public places.
The order applies to anyone over the age of 10. People who have medical issues or disabilities that preclude them from wearing masks are exempt from the mandate.
People who refuse to wear a mask in required areas could face civil or criminal penalties, such as being prosecuted for trespassing. If a business doesn’t comply, it risks losing its license
However, the current order was amended to say individuals performing "life rites" are exempt from the face-covering mandate while a life rite is being performed. “Life rites” include wedding ceremonies, graduations, funeral services, baptisms, bris ceremonies and other religious ceremonies, the governor's office said in a news release.
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