 [Courtesy Denver Post]Denver officials said Friday they will implement a 10 p.m. curfew beginning Sunday for residents and nonexempt businesses in a last-ditch effort to curb rising COVID-19 cases and avoid another citywide stay-at-home order. “This is the last effort and everyone needs to comply with these orders,” Public Health Director Bob McDonald said during a news conference with Mayor Michael Hancock. Several metrics tracking the virus’ spread already sit above levels that indicate the need for a stay-at-home order, McDonald said. That’s the next step, and an entirely possible one, should the curfew fail to work, he said. That curfew, called a “Home by 10 Order,” will last 30 days and will look a little different than a traditional curfew, said Mike Strott, spokesman for Hancock. The largest difference is that the order comes from the city’s Department of Public Health and Environment rather than Hancock’s office. Hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies and critical manufacturing businesses, among others, are exempt, McDonald said. Restaurants must close to in-person dining but can stay open to offer drive-through, curbside and delivery services, Vigil said. Spectators are prohibited from non-professional sports, like high school and post-secondary sporting events, Vigil said. And adult and youth recreational sporting activities are now prohibited. The order also stops alcohol sales after 10 p.m., Hancock says. Drinking tends to lead to people taking fewer precautions and gathering in larger groups, he said. Those found in violation of the order can face a fine up to $999 or up to 300 days in jail, McDonald said. However, up to now, such heavy fines or jail time have not been used. Officials won’t check door-to-door for compliance. The order will be temporarily lifted on Thanksgiving day, Hancock said. However, he urged people to still avoid large groups, noting that his own traditional large family gathering is canceled this year and he’ll see his family online instead. The Home by 10 Order is essentially the last major step city officials can take before leaning on yet another stay-at-home order, which many fear would devastate the languishing local economy, Strott said. State health officials also could impose such an order on Denver, should the spread of the virus worsen further. For more information Home by 10PM Public Health Order |