Gov. Polis Extends State Of Disaster Emergency In Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis has extended Colorado's state of disaster emergency to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. The governor signed a new executive order for the extension, which will provide additional resources for the state and allow the deployment of the Colorado National Guard.

The extension will also ensure that health care facilities have sufficient resources and ensure the "safety and well-being of COVID-19 patients who no longer require inpatient hospitalization but still require some medical care and observation while recovering from COVID-19,” the order reads.

Under the order, an additional $12.6 million will go to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the Colorado Department of Public Safety will receive an additional $6.7 million.

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“Coloradans have done a great job wearing masks when leaving the house, staying physically distant from others, and washing our hands but we are only a few short steps ahead of the virus and we need to do better. The data is now starting to show a reversal of some of our gains, the 3-day moving average for cases is now going up in our state,” Polis said in a statement.

“This emergency extension helps Colorado further support our response efforts and remain prepared in the face of this global pandemic. I encourage all Coloradans to stay vigilant and we will get through this together.”

The new order will remain in effect for 30 days and can be extended or rescinded.

Polis also signed an executive order that calls for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to issue a public health order that requires employees, contractors and others who work in mass transportation or a critical business to wear face masks when in contact with customers. An exception can be made if a mask inhibits an employee's health.

“While we are doing our best to help people access public services virtually from the safety of your home, customers needing in-person services at our state and county government facilities will now also be safer by ensuring that those around them wear facial masks and I continue to encourage other businesses to make the right decision to protect their employees and customers by putting in place and enforcing mask requirements,” Polis said.

Two other executive orders were also signed:

• An extension that aims to help increase the Medicaid home health workforce and eliminate cost-sharing for coronavirus testing and treatment for Medicaid enrollees.
• An extension that allows the Colorado Department of Corrections the ability to manage inmate intake to help control the spread of COVID-19.