Mask Order In Denver And Neighboring Counties Extended Through February 3

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DENVER (CBS4) – Denver and neighboring counties are extending the order requiring everyone 2 and older to wear a face covering indoors, or show proof of vaccination, through Feb. 3.

An illustration photo taken on January 18, 2021 shows an FFP2 face mask in Salzburg, Austria, during the ongoing novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. - Austria will extend its third lockdown at least until February 8, 2021 due to the variant of the coronavirus initially spotted in Britain, which is gaining ground, the government said on January 17, as discontent increases. Austria has decided to impose from January 25 a social distancing rule of two meters between each person in public places, instead of one meter until now. Wearing FFP2 masks will also become compulsory in stores and on public transport. (Photo by BARBARA GINDL / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by BARBARA GINDL/APA/AFP via Getty Images)

If a business or venue can verify that at least 95% of people within the facility (including employees and customers) are fully vaccinated, then face coverings will not be required.

"As the Omicron variant continues to spread during this holiday season, and hospital capacity remains strained, we simply cannot afford to let up now," Mayor Michael B. Hancock said.

"After the public health order went into effect in November 2021, Denver's one-week average positivity rate dropped to below 5%, but it has quickly started to rise in the last two weeks," officials stated. "Cases and hospitalizations are expected to continue to increase as community transmission of the Omicron variant becomes prevalent. "

Officials are also encouraging everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster dose.

"Boosters provide the highest level of protection against the Omicron variant and prevent against serious illness and hospitalization," officials stated. "Everyone 16 years and older should get a booster dose six months after receiving the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine."

While breakthrough cases are possible, vaccination protects against severe illness and hospitalization. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, boosted Coloradans are 47 times less likely to be hospitalized than unvaccinated Coloradans.