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As Denver makes wearing masks official, some residents hope public health order goes smoothly

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DENVER — By now, many people have already been wearing face masks when going outside, but Denver’s new mandate makes it official.

Kristen Teutsch, who spoke to Denver7 after picking up groceries from Walmart, said she's in favor of the mandate.

"I like the regulation, I think it helps people to stay safer in public," Teutsch said.

The latest public health order for the City and County of Denver mandates people wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth while inside, or waiting to enter, businesses and other public spaces — including retail stores or health care facilities — as well public transportation. Anyone violating the order could face a civil penalty of up to $999, per violation.

After Denver7 visited three different stores across Denver, the majority of people seemed to be wearing face masks.

"I’ve seen a lot of people going in and out of here and everybody looks like they are wearing masks and complying with the new orders," Teutsch said.

For Jeff Johnson, he’s worried about his parents not wearing masks.

"My folks are coming up from Arizona, my mother needs a medical procedure and they don’t seem to be too concerned about this and they’re in their mid 80s and late 70s, and I really worry that they’ll be a little lax in preparation for this thing. I would hate to lose them to this," Johnson said.

As uncomfortable as wearing a face mask can be, they’re here to stay in Denver for an indefinite amount of time.