Governor Polis COVID-19 Update

April 8, 2020

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Topline Update

As of today we have 5,655 cases, 193 deaths, and 1,162 hospitalizations out of 29,199 completed tests. We are thinking of these families and communities during these trying times.

Stay-At-Home-Order extension

In the light of new evidence that shows that social distancing measures are having an impact on reducing the spread of coronavirus, Governor Polis has extended the statewide stay-at-home order for an additional two weeks until Sunday, April 26.

We need to keep up the good work, keep doing our part to slow the spread of this virus and save lives. As the Governor said on Monday evening: The better job we do of staying in, the sooner we can go back out, and the sooner we can return to societal and economic normalcy. These closures and disruptions will be temporary. But once you lose a life, you lose it forever.

The Governor announced today a new online resources for Coloradans in the form of stayathomeco.colorado.gov which includes free resources to support Coloradans while they are at home, from wellness, to services, to education, to entertainment and more.

Upcoming Religious Holidays

With the Easter, Passover, and Ramadan, holidays coming up, Governor Polis also offered guidance on how Coloradans can exercise their faith in a safe way that will comply with the stay-at-home order and help save lives.

The administration recently released guidelines for places of worship when for recording online streaming of your services with a small crew:

  • No more than 10 people gathered at one time. 

  • Your staff should still be kept to the least amount of people possible;

  • Observe strict social distancing - six foot distance between one another.

  • Each person should wear a protective face mask covering. 

  • Those with symptoms SHOULD NOT come to help or listen for risk of spreading coronavirus;

  • And those who are in that vulnerable age group -- 60-plus -- or who have a respiratory or auto-immune condition should still stay home.

  • Ask folks to wash their hands regularly for 20-seconds;

  • And consider providing hand sanitizer and asking about signs of illness prior to admitting. 

  • Sanitize all equipment and use the CDC’s and CDPHE’s cleaning guidance.

Those guidelines have also included guidance for venues offering drive-up services. Some local health departments have said this is not allowed -- you should follow their guidance. For those who are able to organize for the holidays for this one time, you should closely follow the guidance: 

  • Use electronic means for audio; when possible - attendees should use personal devices to hear audio.

  • Attendees must remain in vehicles and should not socialize through their windows.

  • There should be no food and no opportunity for physical interaction or gathering.

  • Restrooms must be cleaned according to guidelines and only one person can use them at a time. 

While we are encouraging leaders to offer online services or drive-in services in order to serve their congregations, we want to thank faith leaders for holding smaller services (10 people or fewer) to safely accommodate worshippers at a six foot distance between one another. 

You can view those guidelines that the Governor announced today here.

Protecting Vulnerable Communities

Governor Polis also made a number of announcements about vulnerable communities during this time.

 Polis said that those suffering from domestic abuse are free to leave their homes under this order if they feel unsafe. This order is not an excuse for abusers to further traumatize domestic partners or dependents. No one should be made to feel unsafe in their own home, and anyone who fears for their safety or the safety of their children should leave to seek assistance. 

If you feel unsafe or know someone who does, please contact the Domestic Violence hotline: 800.799.7233.

Furthermore, Governor Polis announced that more than 250 Colorado National Guard members have been mobilized and are on State Active Duty to help the State Emergency Operations Center and the City and County of Denver to shelter people in Denver experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The administration will continue to support local efforts to ensure the health and safety of the homeless population at this time.