Denver’s loosening its COVID-19 restrictions again

As of 9 a.m. Saturday, things will start to look a little more normal around here.

The dinner rush at Angelo's Taverna, in Denver's Capitol Hill neighborhood, just a few days after dining inside was allowed again. Jan. 5, 2020.

Ana Campbell

Feb. 05, 2021, 4:08 p.m.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Denver will be allowed to open just a little more, thanks to improving COVID-19 numbers.

The city will move from orange to yellow on the state’s COVID-19 dial. What does that actually mean? Restaurants are allowed to increase capacity from 25 percent indoors to 50 percent or 50 people (150 people in some cases). Last call will move from 10 to 11 p.m., gyms can operate at 50 percent capacity (or 50 people, whichever is fewer). And offices and retail business may operate at 50 percent capacity, though people are still encouraged to work from home.

After peaking at 10 percent in December, the average positivity rate in Denver is now 3.9 percent. Couple that with declining hospitalizations and Mayor Michael Hancock said it was time to give ourselves preliminary pats on the back.

“I want to congratulate the people of Denver for their tremendous and tireless efforts to help us reduce the spread of the virus in our community and get us one step closer to putting this pandemic in the rear-view mirror,” Hancock said in a statement announcing the new rules.

Don’t start planning your last-minute Super Bowl party yet: The limits on personal gatherings remain the same, which are no more than 10 people from two households.

Ms. Lisa emcees a Healing Words Open Mic event in Sunnyside. March 24, 2023.

Words to Power’s Open Mic gives teens a space to air it out and be heard for a change

"The youth are speaking but people are not listening."

Pelicans at the Cherry Creek Reservoir. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

You can take your boat out on Cherry Creek Reservoir starting Saturday

All you need to know about getting out on the water.

Dazzle Denver's new location at the Denver Performing Arts Complex downtown. March 29, 2023.

Dazzle’s new location will feature artwork from local artists preserving the history of Colorado Jazz

The delay in opening has opened up opportunities for local partnerships led by Owner and President, Donald Rossa.

The Denver Public Schools Board of Education closes a special session on violence and safety. March 23, 2023.

What we know about the decision to reintroduce armed officers to DPS schools

What the Denver Public School board's decision from last week does and the schools where parents and students can expect to see police.

A light rail train pulls into RTD's Peoria Street station in Aurora. Aug. 10, 2021.

Service disruptions could be coming to an RTD line near you

Maintenance will affect the E, H and R lines, along with separate L line disruptions until October.

The University of Denver women's gymnastic team's Ava Mabanta flies through the air during a practice on campus. March 28, 2023.

DU gymnastics’ scores are up and the program is breaking records just in time to host NCAA regionals this weekend

It's the first step on the road to a national championship.

Denver Green School students pose for a photo during a field trip to the Park Hill Golf Course. Dec. 6, 2022.

Park Hill Golf Course’s future reimagined — by sixth graders

The kids were much better behaved than some adults as they discussed what they believe could be done with the 155-acre plot of land.

Denver's west side under many inches of snow. Dec. 29, 2022.

West Denver neighborhoods will be shaped for the next 20 years by the area plan City Council approved this week

The plan encompasses Barnum, Barnum West, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park and West Colfax.

A security guard watches over a parking lot at East High School after a shooting there on March 22, 2023.

What Denver mayoral candidates on the ballot say about safety in Denver Public Schools and youth violence

Parents and students called for more gun safety laws and security measures liked armed officers in schools in the aftermath of the East High School shooting.

A Denver Elections worker collects ballots from a dropbox on Lincoln Street in Denver. Oct. 26, 2022.

What happens if candidates in the mayoral and city council races fail to get more than 50% of the vote?

In a crowded field with no frontrunner, getting above 50% would be an impressive feat.

Note: The 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 statewide elections included races for governor.

Denver’s municipal election turnout has long been pretty bad. Maybe things will be better this year?

Do you have a good strategy to get your friends interested in democracy?

At-large candidate Will Chan stands in LoDo. Feb. 9, 2023.

Candidates in the at-large city council race have received racist, homophobic harassment

One filed a police report after receiving over a dozen hateful letters in the mail.

Princeton Avenue in Hampden South has been slimmed down with paint and poles to help make the street safer for cyclists. Aug. 18, 2022.

Another round of the very popular e-bike rebates will be available Tuesday

Denverite's claimed almost 900 rebates last time in less than half an hour.

Kelly Brough (right) speaks during Denverite's People's Forum mayoral debate at the Carla Madison Rec Center. March 7, 2023.

A very Denverite mayoral questionnaire: Kelly Brough

We asked candidates about the Park Hill Golf Course conservation land easement, Denver's future, sweeps and more.

Candidates answer yes/no questions during Denverite's People's Forum mayoral debate at the Carla Madison Rec Center. March 7, 2023.

Gut check: Has Denver’s Fair Elections Fund done what it’s supposed to?

About a dozen committees have spent more than $3 million on all of Denver’s municipal races, mostly in support of candidates.

The skeleton of a fin whale hangs in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science's main hall. March 1, 2023.

What is a whale baleen and why is its skeleton at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science?

It likely dates back to the 1800s.

A sidewalk ends on Josephine Street by East High School. Aug. 24, 2021.

Here’s your chance to have your say on Denver’s sidewalks

The city is taking applications for a task force on Denver Deserves Sidewalks.

East High School shooter’s interest in ghost guns derailed a once-promising academic outlook

The 17-year-old student was bright with an interest in engineering, but his attitude toward guns led to repeated tense encounters with law enforcement and school officials.

Denver Public Schools teachers, faculty and students march into the Colorado State Capitol as they protest gun violence and push for new laws to address the problem. March 24, 2023.

Thousands rallied for gun legislation for the third time this month

DPS is supporting five bills this session to address the issue.

Sangre de Mexico performs during the Festival del Mole and Frida Kahlo celebration on Morrison Road. July 9, 2022.

Pozole Fest returns to Westwood this weekend

“Food is an expression of culture."

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