Gov. Polis Provides Update on State’s Response to COVID-19, Urges Coloradans to Step Up & Do Their Part to Slow Spread of Deadly Virus
For Immediate Release
Monday, November 9, 2020
Conor Cahill |[email protected]
Gov. Polis Provides Update on State’s Response to COVID-19, Urges Coloradans to Step Up & Do Their Part to Slow Spread of Deadly Virus
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19.
“Colorado is issuing a requirement to wear a mask indoors for the next 30 days, and as hospitalizations increase everyone needs to do better by socializing only with those who you live with, wearing a mask and staying six-feet apart, so we can get our numbers under control. Early in the pandemic you heard me talk about using a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer -- and that’s exactly what we’re doing now,” said Governor Polis. “Each community in Colorado is experiencing this pandemic differently and we want to be precise in our methods. We also have significantly more information and better tools at our disposal than we did in March, and people know what to do, we just need to do it. Together, I know we can get our state back on track and save lives.”
Throughout the pandemic, the State has developed better understanding of how the disease is transmitted, including the efficacy of masks in preventing transmission. The State has also increased access to testing, like that available at one of the State’s free, quick and easy testing sites, increased its supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers and scaled up hospital capacity while consistently working to update safety guidelines and restrictions around the data and science.
As mask wearing is a scientifically proven way to help slow the spread of the virus and help save lives, the Governor announced that the State would be extending Colorado’s statewide mask order for an additional 30 days.
The Governor continues to urge all Coloradans to take three key steps to help save lives and prevent the spread of this deadly virus:
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Interact with only those in your household - This means all Coloradans need to do their best to avoid any social interactions with friends and family outside of their homes throughout the month of November.
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Keep your distance - Just because an individual is wearing a mask doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk if they are interacting with others in close proximity. Coloradans have to do a better job of staying six or more feet away from others.
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Wear a Mask - The numbers are clear. If an individual wears a mask, they have a much lower risk of getting or transmitting the virus.
Governor Polis emphasized that progress has been made in preventing and treating the virus, and discussed the recent announcement about a vaccine. Colorado submitted the State’s COVID-19 vaccine plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in October. Coloradans must continue to exercise caution and follow public health best practices.
In an effort to do its part to change the trajectory of this virus, state employees, with limited exceptions, in counties with orange or red level incidence will be working remotely through at least the end of November. The Governor also urged local governments and businesses across the state that can do the same to please do so to help slow the spread of the virus.
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