DENVER — In a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as addressing local protests following the death of George Floyd.
Pandemic response
Gov. Polis issued an amended “Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors” executive order Monday. The governor is encouraging Coloradans to continue staying home or outside away from others as much as possible, and continue wearing masks when leaving the house.
The state has released draft guidance for the reopening of houses of worship, outdoor recreation, and personal recreation, including playgrounds, gyms, organized sports, and outdoor pools. Stakeholders have until noon Wednesday to provide feedback on the draft guidance. The final approved guidance will go into effect immediately after it is released on Thursday.
>> Read draft guidance for houses of worship
>> Submit feedback
>> Read draft guidance for outdoor recreation
>> Submit feedback
>> Read draft guidance for personal recreation
>> Submit feedback
The state has also issued updated guidance for child care and personal services. That updated guidance goes into effect Thursday.
When the updated guidance goes into effect, personal services facilities will be able to accommodate up to 50 people at a time or a maximum of 50% of the posted occupancy, whichever is fewer. That’s an increase from the current limit of 10 people in a facility at a time.
Starting Thursday, childcare facilities will be able to operate at their stated license occupancy. That is a change from the current limit of 10 children per group at child care facilities.
Guidance for short-term rentals went into effect Monday.
Protests
Protests in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis continue in cities throughout Colorado, including Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
On Saturday, Polis approved Mayor Michael Hancock’s request for Colorado National Guard assistance to respond to protests in Denver.
Governor Jared Polis says he will not be joining protesters and will be using his leadership role by listening.
“We need to listen… to the voices of those who are crying out for reform. We need to take action. And to those who are peacefully protesting, I want you to know that I see you – I hear you – I grieve with you.. and more importantly – I want to work with you,” said Polis.
