Denver, you're going to have to start wearing face masks when you're out

Denver has issued an order requiring residents to wear face masks or face coverings while in public.

The public health order will go into effect May 6 and will last until further notice, the city announced on Friday. The order will require residents to wear face-covering while inside of, or waiting in line to enter, certain businesses and facilities, according to the city's release. The locations will include retail or commercial businesses, bus stops of facilities offering health care services.

During a Thursday Zoom call with elected officials, Mayor Hancock said people will be able to comply by either wearing a face mask or face coverings, like a bandanna. People who can't wear masks due to health reasons would be exempt from the order.

"For a while, this is going to be part of our culture," Hancock said during the call. "You guys are probably a lot like me, when you're out in public and see people not wearing masks, you're kind of alarmed."

Hancock added that residents will be issued warnings for violating the order, though a civil citation carrying an up to $999 fine is possible. However, Hancock said the city isn't trying to fine or arrest people, but focus instead on getting residents to comply.

"Residents need to take this face covering order seriously, as they did with the stay at home order," the city's release stated. "Multiple agencies will be involved in enforcement, with the goal of compliance and keeping everyone safe through education."

This story had been updated.