Statewide Facial Covering Mandate Extended
On Aug. 14, Gov. Jared Polis extended and amended an executive order mandating facial coverings. It will remain in effect for at least another 30 days. The amendment clarifies that 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 order requires people in Colorado who are age 11 years and older to wear a covering over their noses and mouths when entering or moving within any public indoor space or while using or waiting to use public or non-personal transportation services. People who do not have to wear a mask include those who are 10 years old and younger and those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering. Children ages 2 and under should not wear masks or cloth face coverings.

This order follows an earlier order issued by Tri-County Health Department. The department also posted an additional clarification on the order.

The Aurora City Council on July 20 unanimously approved a resolution to renew the city manager’s disaster declaration. This enables the city to delegate enforcement authority of public health and executive orders related to facial coverings to other city departments aside from the Aurora Police Department.

The disaster declaration also allows the city to quickly implement necessary policies to address regulatory changes, directives or licensing restrictions contained in the executive orders or public health orders.

Research shows that people who have no symptoms can spread COVID-19. Wearing a non-medical face mask helps minimize the spread of the virus. Face coverings are a safe, inexpensive, effective and easy way to slow the spread of COVID-19, used in conjunction with other best practices such as social distancing, handwashing and staying at home while experiencing symptoms.

“I firmly believe that this mandate is the least invasive way to help slow the spread of this virus and ensure that we can continue to keep our businesses open and get kids back in the classroom where they belong,” Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said. “It’s going to take all of us to make this work, and we are confident that our residents and businesses will step up to meet this challenge.”

Businesses are required to post a notice about the executive and public health orders. Posters are available online to download at AuroraGov.org/COVIDPoster or at COVID19.Colorado.gov.

Residents who have concerns about the mandate not being followed may reach out to Tri-County Health Department’s call center at 303.220.9200. Concerns about business non-compliance may be sent to businesslic@auroragov.org or 303.739.7057. The city’s Tax and Licensing Division, Code Enforcement and Open Space and Natural Resources Division will educate residents and the public about these orders and will enforce the rules upon repeated violations.

Aurora remains under state's Safer-at-Home guidelines

The state of Colorado announced a new Protect-Our-Neighbors framework June 30 that allows communities that meet certain criteria to have less stringent restrictions than under Stay At Home and Safer At Home. Counties and regions interested in qualifying for Protect Our Neighbors must submit a mitigation and containment plan to the state for review and approval. At this time, Aurora remains under the Safer-At-Home guidelines unless the counties where Aurora resides pursues and is granted this designation.

At this time, critical businesses remain open, and non-critical businesses are open with restrictions. Businesses must follow best practices for reopening. Visit the state's website or Tri-County Health Department's website for details. Tri-County Health Department has developed tools for businesses, including a checklist, to use while planning for reopening. And the state has this guide with risks and benefits of everyday activities. 

Visit this page for the latest information on city facilities and services.

Because COVID-19 remains in Colorado, residents are advised to stay home as much as possible, practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently and avoid touching your face, wear a face covering or mask when you leave home, and connect with neighbors and loved ones virtually.

Visit the What you need to know page to learn more about COVID-19 and things you can do to protect yourself and others.

Tri-County Health Department's Frequently Asked Questions document can provide some additional guidance on the Safer-at-Home order. To stay up to date on any additional orders or guidance at the local level, go to Tri-County Health Department's website. 

Thank you, Aurora, for doing your part, observing public health guidelines, reaching out to neighbors and friends, lifting up front-line health care workers and first responders, and supporting local businesses during this time.

What Does Safer at Home Mean?
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State of Colorado Executive Orders

Visit this link for a list of state of Colorado executive orders and public health orders with details about what the orders mean and who they affect.

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Status of City Facilities and Services

As plans for reopening some city facilities move along, we update the status of city facilities and services. Please check often.

In March, the city of Aurora declared a state of disaster in response to COVID-19 to preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of its residents. This followed a state of emergency declaration that allowed the city to expedite additional emergency resources to support the city's Office of Emergency Management and gives the city flexibility to procure additional essential resource, if needed. 

The city would like to reassure our community that we are working closely with federal, state and local public health agencies to closely monitor the situation with COVID-19 (coronavirus). We are taking action to keep our community and staff safe.

It’s critical for residents to prepare, be proactive and learn about best practices to protect your health. Health officials recommend preventive actions like social distancing and increased handwashing and disinfecting to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

A cross-departmental team is meeting regularly to evaluate city operations. Check back to this website regularly for updates.

Aurora City Council Actions

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