Gov. Polis Issues Executive Order To Close All Colorado Ski Areas

Gov. Jared Polis issued an executive order Saturday for all Colorado ski resorts to close for one week amid the spread of the new coronavirus. Many resorts had already announced closures before the order was issued.

“Never would I have believed that a global pandemic would force the temporary closure of our world-class ski resorts," Polis said in a statement. "I have been skiing since I was four years old. Our family has had a place in Vail for three decades. And, like so many Colorado families, we were planning a ski trip with our kids over their spring break next weekend.

"Beyond being a major part of our way of life, skiing supports our workers and businesses. For those of us who treasure living our lives outdoors, sacrificing our fun is the easier part; but for those who depend on employment in our Colorado high country, the uncertainty of how long they will be out of a job is terrifying.

"It is with a profound sense of pain and grim responsibility that I take the agonizing action that this moment demands. I take solace in knowing that while we will be temporarily closed for business, we will be saving the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands of Coloradans in the days and weeks ahead.”

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During several news conferences over the past week, Polis said that Colorado's ski resorts were a "hot spot" for the COVID-19 outbreak.

Other information on COVID-19:

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• Colorado Colleges Hold Classes Remotely Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
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