DENVER (KDVR) — The city and county of Denver announced on Sunday that they will be aligning with the revised CDC guidelines recommending that gatherings of 50 people or more be postponed or canceled for the next eight weeks due to the COVID-19 virus.
The public order was released Monday during a press conference.
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and other executive directors announced important updates to the City and County of Denver’s response to COVID-19. Some of the important updates include:
Restaurants and bars in Denver will be closed to on-site dining starting March 17 and last for approximately eight weeks. This does not include drive-thru, grab-and-go or delivery from restaurants.
Effective immediately, all gatherings of 50 people or more will be canceled or postponed.
Gyms and theaters are not under the closure order at this time.
Starting Monday, March 16, all city DMV locations are closed to the public until further notice. DMV staff will not be reporting to their branches until March 26.
There will be a grace period for expired vehicle registration and newly purchased vehicle through April 9.
Hancock said that now is not the time to be evicting people from their housing and the city plans to redeploy sheriff deputies to other areas of need.
The sheriff department will increase social distancing in the jails, meaning the city will not book certain low-level nonviolent individuals who are arrested.
The Mayor also said they are partnering with Denver Public Schools to ensure those who are 18-years-old and younger will continue receiving food assistance. There will be grab-and-go lunch at schools and 18 recreational centers through April 3.
The city is in the midst of negotiating with several area hotels to secure rooms for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The city has asked if you are young, healthy and showing no signs of symptoms of the virus, providers both large and small need volunteers to help.
Hancock also mentioned that since local businesses are being hard hit, Denver residents can look into multiple programs that will help with housing costs. Visit the city’s website for more information.