DENVER (KDVR) — In a news conference on Friday morning, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock urged residents to stay home as much possible and to only go out for essential services.
“We are about to enter the hardest phase of the pandemic. If this virus continues to spread like it is right now, it won’t just mean another stay at home order,” Hancock said. “It will mean more easily preventable loss of life.”
Denver moves to Level Red on the state’s new COVID-19 dial at 5 p.m. on Friday. Indoor dining will close, capacity at several businesses is reduced and last call changes to 8 p.m. for outdoor dining.
“We know that indoor settings are more risky, although outdoor settings spread still can occur. So remember for the Denver face covering order, if you are indoors by yourself, you don’t need to wear one,” Executive Director of Denver Public Health and Environment Bob McDonald said.
“But if you are outdoors with anyone else outside of your household, we need you to wear those face coverings. That is a proven strategy.”
Three fixed site community testing locations have been operating in the Denver area and a fourth opens at Ruby Hill Park on Monday.
Denver will remain under the Level Red restrictions until the week ending Dec. 18, Hancock said.