Manitou Springs signs emergency order requiring masks outdoors near other people
MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The small tourist town of Manitou Springs is taking a step further than the governor's statewide mask mandate by requiring people to wear masks even outdoors if they're within six feet of another person.
Manitou Springs announced its own mask mandate a few days before Gov. Jared Polis enacted the statewide order, but city officials added the outdoor stipulation to the final resolution signed on Monday.
The goal is to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and a survey taken in Manitou Springs showed that 80% of respondents expressed concern over the lack of mask usage in town. The sidewalks have been bustling with people walking between shops every weekend for the past month and a half, and many people without masks are seen not adhering to social distancing guidelines.
The order is effective immediately and adds to the statewide order requiring masks in all indoor public spaces. Children under the age of 10 are exempt, as are persons who cannot medically tolerate a face covering or those with hearing difficulties.
According to the city, violations of the order will be handled by code enforcement and could net a fine of $25 for first offense, $50 for a second offense, and possible arrest for trespass if a person fails to leave a business.
