What Denver’s stay-at-home order means for you
Here are answers to common questions about Denver’s new “stay-at-home order.
When does it take effect?
The stay-at-home order takes effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday. It will last until April 10, unless it’s extended by the mayor.
Who is affected?
People, organizations and businesses within the city limits, though employers deemed “essential” will be allowed to operate. Working from home is encouraged for workers at “nonessential” businesses in Denver.
What are the exceptions?
Going to the grocery store, health care appointments, the pharmacy or outside to exercise. People also can deliver food and necessary supplies to others, or visit others’ homes to provide care. People who are sick and those who are at high risk of severe illness should stay home except to seek medical care.
The mayor emphasized that people should maintain 6 feet of separation from other people when they are engaged in any activities outside home, including at work for essential employers.
What about restaurants?
Restaurants can continue offering take out, drive-through and delivery service for food and drinks, as previous orders by the mayor and governor have allowed. Residents can leave home to pick up food.
What about exercise?
In their neighborhoods and at
Denver’s parks and mountain parks. Those will remain open for walking, running, cycling and hiking, but the new order says picnics, games and other group activities won’t be allowed. Golf courses and playgrounds will be closed.
Is this order mandatory?
For people within Denver, yes.
How will it be enforced?
City officials are hoping for voluntary compliance. But Mayor Michael Hancock said the city would “enforce, as necessary — whenever and however we have to,” with several city agencies on heightened alert.
What about travel?
People in Denver are allowed to travel to work for essential employers and for allowed activities. Cabs, ride-hailing services and other kinds of transportation, including public transit, are exempt from the order, as are air travel and cargo operations.
Who are essential employers?
A host of government, health care, infrastructure and business employers are considered essential and can remain open.
A partial list of business exemptions: the food industry, including convenience and pet supply stores; banks; hotels and motels; hardware stores, dry cleaners and laundromats; houses of worship and social services providers that assist the needy; telecom and internet service providers; oil and gas companies; the news media; skilled trades, including plumbers, electricians and others that provide home maintenance and repair; professional services providers whose assistance is necessary to comply with the law; and the construction industry.
How does this affect nonessential businesses?
Businesses that aren’t exempt will have to shut down all facilities within city limits, but their employees can continue to work from home. There are exceptions for on-site work, including for minimal administrative and security functions, as well as those that are necessary to process online orders and to provide support for employees.
Can day cares stay open?
Child care providers are exempt under limitations that include keeping each child in the same group of 10 or fewer each day, with each group in a separate room. Each child care provider must be detailed to one group only.