Governor Polis Provides Update on COVID-19 Response & Vaccination Progress

Press Release

Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado's response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the State's efforts to vaccinate Coloradans.

"Colorado is another month closer towards ending this pandemic. More Coloradans will be able to access the vaccine this month as we make it possible for Coloradans aged 65 and up, as well as our educators, to receive the vaccine while other states are struggling with distribution," said Governor Polis. "Colorado is also set to hit a key target of vaccinating at least 70% of Coloradans aged 70 and up by the end of this month, who are our most vulnerable population accounting for the most deaths and hospitalizations related to this deadly virus."

Yesterday, Governor Polis personally delivered 12 at home COVID tests to teachers across the state. Colorado, through a partnership with Binax, will deliver 1 million COVID tests to teachers every month to ensure the State's educators have the resources they need to stay safe as they teach Colorado's students. Last weekend, Governor Polis visited five vaccination clinics across the Denver metro area, and virtually visited a vaccination clinic in Glenwood Springs.

Governor Polis shared an update on where Coloradans can receive the vaccine. Health care providers Denver Health, Centura Health, UCHealth, Kaiser Permanente, Boulder Community Health, Vail Health, SCL Health, Health One, and Salud Family Clinic have established hotlines and websites where Coloradans currently eligible for the vaccine can sign up. For more information, please visit www.cocovidvaccine.org or call Colorado's vaccine hotline at 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

Governor Polis also provided an update on SCL Health's mass vaccination event this weekend at the National Western Complex for Coloradans aged 70 and up. The event, which will vaccinate 5,000 Coloradans, seeks to specifically reach the State's most underserved communities. The event is currently at capacity and walk-ins can't be accommodated.

For those who were not able to register for the SCL Health event this weekend, you can register your contact information to receive notifications as future vaccine appointments and other mass vaccination events become available. Please visit www.sclhealth.org/vaccineform to enter your information.

Governor Polis announced that the Biden administration will be providing between 5,000 and 10,000 additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to pharmacies in the state. Gov. Polis also discussed an announcement from the Biden administration related to a retroactive 100% FEMA reimbursement to states since the beginning of the pandemic. The Governor has urged the new administration and previous administration to take this action.

Governor Polis also announced the launch of a COVID awareness campaign by the Colorado Tourism Office. The "Do Colorado Right" campaign aims to encourage both in-state and out-of-state winter travelers to avoid risky behaviors during the pandemic as they visit the State's ski resorts and other destinations for the current winter and upcoming spring seasons. The campaign, which features Olympic Gold Medalist snowboarder Red Gerard and "Bachelor" contestant Ben Higgins, among others, seeks to spread the message that everyone should stay six feet apart, wear a mask, and practice social distancing.

Governor Polis also extended an Executive Order related to learning pods. The Governor also amended and extended an Executive Order allowing for the operation of alternate care sites in Colorado due to COVID-19. The amendments remove references to the Denver Convention Center, as it is being decommissioned as an alternate care site. St. Anthony's and St. Mary-Corwin will continue to serve as alternate care sites.

View today's presentation and press conference.

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