Face Covering FAQ

City of Durango Face Covering Order

• What is the face covering order? 
  • Order #2020-08 was issued by Interim City Manager Blake on May 22, 2020 pursuant to the emergency declaration from March 17, 2020. The Order is law within City limits.  
  • City Council voted unanimously to extend the face covering order indefinitely at the June 16th City Council meeting. Link to Council discussion - View signed order #2020-10 (PDF) - Ordenanza #2020-10 en español
  • November 23 - City Council passed an emergency ordinance supporting State orders requiring masks and providing other enforcement to decrease the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
    • View signed Ordinance #2020-0017
• 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 10 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. 

• Can I be fined for not wearing a mask?
  • The City will attempt to seek voluntary compliance through education and warning notices prior to the issuance of any citations, however, law enforcement can issue a fine of $50 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for a third and any subsequent offense.

• If employees at a local business are not wearing face coverings, how can a violation be reported? 
  • Please use the Public Health Order Violation Form 

• 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. 

• As a business owner or manager, where can I find standard signage to post in my business about this order? 
  • Please download and post this signage. 

• Where can I find more information about City of Durango services during the pandemic? 
  • Please visit DurangoGov.org/emergency for updates about City of Durango services. 

• Where can I find more information about health services in La Plata and Archuleta counties? 
  • Please visit SJBPublicHealth.org/coronavirus for information from San Juan Basin Public Health.