Governor Polis Updates COVID-19 June 2, 2020Quick Links to Stay Up to Date Topline Update We currently have 26,788 cases, 1,474 total deaths (1,228 are deaths due to COVID), and 4,419 hospitalizations out of 190,700 completed tests. We are thinking of these families and communities during these trying times. In terms of new cases, 7 of the last 14 days have a downward trend in the 7-day moving average of newly reported cases. And in terms of hospitalizations, 12 of the last 14 days have a downward trend in the 7-day moving average of new hospitalizations. This case data is broken down by various categories, is updated daily and can be found here. Recent Protests Honoring George Floyd Today, the Governor addressed the hurt and anguish so many community members and state and local officials have been feeling this past week. Like many of you, the Governor is outraged at the unjust murder of George Floyd. While we are all glad that the officer who kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, even while he cried out “I can’t breathe,” was arrested and charged, the Governor said that all others involved must be held accountable, because no one should be above the law. The reality is that this is much larger than the need to hold one officer or a few officers accountable. It’s about a pattern of injustice and unfair treatment that Black Americans and communities of color have endured, not only in our criminal justice system, but in every aspect of American life. We need to listen to the voices of those who are crying out for reform, and we need to take action. The Governor has a message for all of you who have put their lives on hold to protest hundreds of years of injustice: “I see you, hear you, and grieve with you.” More importantly, at all levels, we want to work with you and keep focus on the task at hand. It's unfortunate that the destruction of property committed by those who have turned to violence have distracted from the righteous messages of justice, equality, and reform. But property damage can be repaired, and it pales in comparison to the damage done to countless Black lives throughout American history -- a pattern that continues to this day. The responsibility to speak out cannot solely fall on the shoulders of Black Americans. The responsibility must be shouldered by us all -- White, Black, Brown, local, state and national leaders and our law enforcement community, many of whom have shared how angry they are by the actions of the Minneapolis officers. Not only because it was an unjust killing, but because it tarnishes our honest and hard working police officers and sets us back in our mission for reform. While these protests are ongoing, and rightfully so, the Governor reminds us that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. We should remember and remind our loved ones to wear a mask, keep a minimum distance of six feet, and stay at home whenever possible. The strength of our spirit as Coloradans will embolden us to take care of one another, and create a better, more just society together. Thank you for raising your voice. Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors As you know, Colorado has been in the Safer at Home phase since April 27. This week, the administration released new guidelines as part of Colorado’s Safer at Home -- and now, Safer in the Vast, Great Outdoors -- phase of our COVID-19 response. These new guidelines relax a number of additional restrictions on our economy and society. As the Governor has said before, we are going to have to find a safe and sustainable way to live with coronavirus until there is a vaccine or a cure. While staying at home is the lowest risk activity, being outside and keeping your distance from others is a good alternative. Gathering with others outside carries a higher risk, while gathering indoors carries the highest possible risk because of a lack of ventilation. We want to now encourage older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions to recreate outside as an alternative from staying at home , while still keeping social distance and wearing a mask. Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to enjoy our vast, great outdoors. While we are all still safer at home, we are also able to practice greater social distancing in our great outdoors than in confined indoor spaces. Furthermore, we are opening up playgrounds and swimming pools at limited capacity, which is welcome news for lots of Colorado kids and parents. We have also released draft guidance on reopening houses of worship, certain forms of outdoor recreation and personal recreation, and updates to the child care and personal services guidances. Americorps Contact Tracers Today, the Governor announced that the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will mobilize more than 800 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members to support the State of Colorado’s COVID-19 response through contact tracing and other associated work. 300 AmeriCorps NCCC members, based out of the Southwest Region Campus in Aurora, will start immediately. 350 VISTA Summer Associates will be hosted by the Community Resource Center in Denver and Conservation Legacy in Durango, both existing AmeriCorps VISTA projects, with 100-200 additional Senior Corps volunteers to join in Denver. With hundreds of contact tracers working in the state, we will have a much better response to the virus and we will be able to address outbreaks more quickly, which will reduce infections and save lives. Organizations are currently recruiting for the new positions announced today, the first of which begin on June 22. Those who serve as VISTA Summer Associates will earn a stipend and an education award at the end of their service. For more information on requirements and details on how to apply visit www.colorado.gov/servecolorado. |