Englewood is making it mandatory for the public to wear face coverings when visiting businesses and riding public transportation.

On July 6, the Englewood City Council directed the city manager to issue an emergency order on the matter.

The order goes into effect July 9 and is aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19. According to the order, the goal is to protect individuals and avoid a rapid increase of cases, which could incite the state to take more extreme measures, like business shut-downs.

The order applies to all residents ages 6 or older.

Specifically, the order says residents must wear a mask when:

• Inside or in line to enter a retail business, commercial business or government service;

• Receiving health care services, such as those at hospitals, clinics and walk-in health facilities;

• Waiting for or riding public transportation.

Under the order, public transportation operators and ride-sharing service drivers are required to wear a face covering when they are driving their vehicle in the city.

Retail and commercial businesses and entities providing government services have been ordered to require their workers to wear face coverings, both at the workplace and in many instances when they are working off-site, such as when they interact with a member of the public for off-site job duties.

The city has authorized its police department and code enforcement authorities to enforce the order. Enforcement will begin July 10 at 8 a.m.

The order states that a written warning may be issued to an individual violating the order for the first time. Those charged with an offense under the order will be charged $15 for their first offense and $25 for all subsequent offenses.