One day after moving to Level 3 status because of the spiking COVID-19 rate, the City of Denver announced Wednesday night it is adjusting its rules on gatherings.

From now on, gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people from no more than two households, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment announced in a news release.

This is both more and less strict than Denver’s previous rules. Previously, the city restricted gatherings to a maximum of five people — but had no limit on the number of households represented.

Only five counties were excluded from the 10 people/two household rule when the state announced it late last week: Gilpin, Gunnison, Mesa, Moffat and Rio Blanco. 

Churches, critical businesses, events and other pre-approved activities are exempt from this regulation. 

On Tuesday, Denver moved from Safer at Home Level 2 to Level 3, which imposes stricter guidelines on restaurants, bars, gyms and retail stores.

Gov. Jared Polis originally declared a state of emergency due to the rise in cases of the novel coronavirus on March 10. Since then health and government officials have been monitoring the fluid situation, and have been updating guidelines and regulations as needed.