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. The order has since been extended and amended. See the updated order and guidance at covid19.colorado.gov/mask-guidance  

 City of Durango face covering order

  • Face covering order updates
    • May 18, 2021: City Council adopted Resolution #2021-26 allowing the emergency mask ordinance to lapse effective May 18, 2021. The resolution encourages vaccinations, and urges residents and visitors alike to comply with other health or mask orders and honor requirements individual businesses may have for wearing masks. Face coverings continue to be required on transportation networks, including Durango Transit, in Durango-La Plata County Airport and on commercial aircraft, per TSA rules.
    • May 4, 2021 - City Council has extended the mask ordinance until May 18, 2021 for further discussion at the regular City Council meeting. Meeting agenda and information is available at DurangoGov.org/meetings
    • March 16, 2021 - City Council passed emergency ordinance #2021-0007 extending #2021-01. The order expires May 14, 2021 unless extended.
    • Jan. 19, 2021 - City Council passed emergency ordinance #2021-01 extending #2020-0017.
    • Nov. 23, 2020 - 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
    • June 16, 2020 - City Council voted unanimously to extend the face covering order indefinitely. Link to Council discussion - View signed order #2020-10 (PDF) - Ordenanza #2020-10 en español
    • May 22, 2020 - Order #2020-08 was issued by Interim City Manager Blake pursuant to the emergency declaration from March 17, 2020. The Order is law within City limits.  
  • 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.
  • 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?