COVID-19 vaccine mandates for Denver employees, contractors

Federal, state, and local governments are now taking a stronger approach by requiring certain employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccination or otherwise regularly test negative for the virus. This article discusses the current status of vaccine mandates and recommendations for contractors working for and with the city and county of Denver.

Tracking moving targets

Contractors for the city and county of Denver are now subject to not one, but up to three vaccine mandates. The mandates are issued by health departments for Denver, the state, and the federal government. Keeping up with the multiple mandates, however, and the moving targets due to revisions and updates, can seem daunting.

For example, on August 2, 2021, Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) issued a public health order (PHO) requiring vaccinations that included contractors performing work for Denver (except at the Denver International Airport). Weeks later, on August 31, Colorado issued its sixth amended PHO 20-38 that requires vaccinations for contractors working on state projects and their employees.

On September 1, DDPHE amended its August 2 PHO to more clearly articulate that contractors and subcontractors for Denver were within the order’s scope. On September 3, Denver rescinded and replaced its August 2 PHO with Colorado’s August 31 PHO 20-38.

More guidelines will likely be released by Denver and/or Colorado along with a revised PHO on or before October 1. Below is some helpful information to provide greater clarity for Denver city and county contractors.

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