Colorado City to Mandate Face Masks, Violators Face up to a Year in Jail

The city of Englewood, Colo., has issued an emergency order requiring residents to wear a face mask in public, a mandate that grants violators the right to a trial but could result in up to a year in jail.

City Manager J. Shawn Lewis of Englewood, slightly south of Denver, issued the order, which was approved by the city council on Monday and will go into effect on Friday.

The city will require residents over five years old to wear a face mask covering both their nose and mouth while in business and government offices, health-care facilities, and on public transportation. Drivers of public transportation and vehicles for hire must wear a mask at all times while driving in Englewood. Businesses must require their employees to wear masks when they are around others, in a public space, or dealing with food products.

A first offense carries a $15 fine, and a second offense is punishable by a $25 fine. Those who plead not guilty are entitled to a trial, with a maximum penalty of $2,650 or up to 360 days in prison.