Denver, CO – In is 2:00 P.M. press conference, Mayor Michael Hancock said Denver would enforce its “Stay at Home” order as necessary.
Mayor Hancock just issued a “Stay at Home” order for all citizens in Denver. This is a major change in what Hancock said just a few days ago.
The order goes into effect at 5:00 P.M. tomorrow, and (for now) will last until April 10.
Park Rangers will be in Denver parks to ensure playgrounds are not used, and social distancing practices are followed. Police will be in the streets to ensure people are following social distancing rules.
It is unclear at this time whether or not action will be taken against citizens who refuse to comply. However, Rangers and Police will be out patrolling to ensure people are out for valid “essential” reasons.
Hancock claims this is about “voluntary compliance” but admits that “as a last resort,” they will use criminal or civil means if necessary for enforcement.
Enforced compliance is not voluntary, plain, and simple.
Liquor stores, breweries, and recreational marijuana dispensaries are not considered “essential” businesses under the order and will close, though medical marijuana dispensaries will remain open. Colorado Citizen Press is attempting to get a full list of exempt and non-exempt businesses at this time.
Update: Denver is amending the “Stay at Home” order to allow liquor stores and dispensaries to remain open if they practice “extreme physical distancing.” The announcement reportedly created a rush to liquor stores and dispensaries that put people at risk for contracting COVID-19.
If you work outside of Denver, Hancock said during the press conference, that would be “problematic” as they are ordering residents to stay home. If this is as bad as it sounds, even if you are lucky enough to have a “non-essential” job that is not shut down outside of Denver, you may not be allowed to make the commute.
Like Polis, Hancock is assuming authoritarian powers and subjugating the people under his rule.
Hancock says he has been in close communication with Governor Jared Polis regarding a “Stay at Home” order. It remains to be seen whether or not Polis will issue a similar order, but we expect it may happen this week.
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