DENVER (AP) — Aspen has joined a few other Colorado communities in mandating that people wear masks in public.
The Aspen City Council approved a public health order Monday that requires face coverings inside businesses open to the public as well as outdoors whenever people can't stay at least six feet apart. The order goes into effect Wednesday and sunsets on May 27, but may be extended during the May 26 council meeting, according to the Aspen Daily News.
Violating the order could result in a penalty of $50 for the first offense, $250 for a second offense and a mandatory court appearance for any offense after that, including up to a $2,650 fine and one-year imprisonment, or both per day for each violation.
Children under the age of two and those for whom a face covering would cause "impairment due to an existing health condition" are exempt from the order, as are people working in a professional office who do not have any face-to-face interactions with the public, the order states.
Earlier this month, nearby Glenwood Springs mandated that face coverings must be worn by people doing any essential activities outside their home.
Wheat Ridge has also mandated masks for anyone entering a critical business. Hair stylists and their customers will be required to wear masks when salons and barber shops reopen.
Denver7's Óscar Contreras contributed to this report.
