The City of Denver will extend the stay-at-home order until May 8, according to a news release.

Mayor Michael B. Hancock made the decision in consultation with metro-area mayors, he said on Twitter. 

“Extending our stay-at-home order will give us more time to do the things necessary for our community to re-open safely and in stages,” Hancock tweeted. “So, we need a little more time to scale up testing & tracing, & provide our (residents and businesses) w/ the kind of specific guidance they are asking for.”

Previously, Denver had extended its order until April 30. Denver required that all events and gatherings of more than 10 people be canceled or postponed until May 11, according to a March 20 city news release, and that requirement also will be extended.

“Residents should anticipate that the city's public health order covering restrictions on large gatherings and events, which is set to expire on May 11, will be extended later this week to a date to be determined,” another city news release said.

In March, the city closed restaurants and bars, except airport concessioners, to on-site seating until May 11.