Category: Local News

10 new presumptive positive cases in Colorado
CDPHE confirms limited community spread of COVID-19 in Colorado

DENVER, March 11, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) identified 10 new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, based on overnight testing results. The 10 new presumptive positive cases are in Pitkin, Eagle, Gunnison, Denver, Jefferson, and Arapahoe counties. That brings the total number of presumptive positive cases to 27, with one indeterminate case that public health is acting on as a presumptive positive. The state lab has run tests on approximately 300 people in Colorado since testing started on February 28.

Based on the information CDPHE is receiving from presumptive positive cases, CDPHE has reason to suspect we are seeing limited community spread in Colorado. The Governor’s office will be holding a press conference at 5 p.m. tonight with more details. CDPHE has recommendations for ways to limit further community spread below.

Case 1:

Gender: Male

Age: 70s

County of residence: Eagle

Exposure: Under investigation

Case 2:

Gender: Female

Age: 50s

County of residence: Gunnison

Exposure: Under investigation

Case 3:

Gender: Male

Age: 50s

County of Residence: In Pitkin County, but resident of Australia visiting Aspen

Exposure: Travel, close contact with individuals

Case 4:

Gender: Female

Age: 20s

County of residence: In Pitkin County, but resident of Australia visiting Aspen

Exposure: Travel and contact with individuals

Case 5:

Gender: Female

Age: 70s

County of residence: Jefferson

Exposure: Travel

Case 6:

Gender: Male

Age: 70s

County of residence: Jefferson

Exposure: Travel

Case 7:

Gender: Female

Age: 50s

County of residence: Gunnison

Exposure: Under investigation

Case 8:

Gender: Male

Age: 40s

County of residence: Denver

Exposure: Travel

Case 9:

Gender: Female

Age: 80s

County of residence: Arapahoe

Exposure: Under investigation

Case 10:

Gender: Female

Age: 60s

County of Residence: In Pitkin County, but resident of Australia visiting Aspen

Exposure: Travel, close contact with individuals

Limited community spread (or transmission) means there are cases and outbreaks in certain communities where people became infected, and we are unable to identify the source. Limited person-to-person spread (or transmission) means a person in Colorado became infected from a known exposure to another person in Colorado.

For limited community spread, community-based interventions such as school dismissals, event cancellations, and creating employee plans to work remotely can help slow the spread of COVID-19. If there is ongoing spread in a community, local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials when appropriate, will make decisions about implementing community interventions based on the scope of community spread. Community interventions may be different for each community.

No matter where you live, everyone should practice daily preventive actions to reduce the risk of transmission, especially to people who may experience more severe illness. People in high-risk categories include: • Older people (over age 60), especially those over 80 years.
- People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease, or diabetes.
- Older people with chronic medical conditions are at greatest risk. Other ways people can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities: • Stay home when sick.
- Don’t shake hands in greeting — instead bump fists or elbows.
- When possible, increase the distance between people. Six feet is a distance that reduces the transmission of the virus.
- If there is active transmission between multiple people in your community, consider reducing the number of large group gatherings.
- Try to go out as little as possible.
- Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. • Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.
- If you have older or at-risk neighbors/family members check in with them frequently and see if they have any specific needs.
These measures could reduce the strain on local health care systems and help ensure that those who need treatment are able to get it.

State officials will share more information at a press conference at 5 p.m. today at the Governor’s Office at the state capitol. Media advisory to follow.

To ensure expedience on reporting presumptive positive cases, the state will provide overall testing statistics as soon as we are able on the website.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus.

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March 11, 2020
Colorado State High School Basketball Tournaments – UPDATE

A LETTER FROM COMMISSIONER RHONDA BLANFORD-GREEN TO HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS, FANS, COMMUNITIES

Dear Colorado high school basketball participants, coaches, fans, communities, and CHSAA supporters:

I am writing you today to keep an open line of communication from our office to you with regard to COVID-19 and our culminating championships.

We are in direct contact with relevant state agencies, as well as the host facilities, which would guide us in making any changes in the schedule to our state basketball tournaments. Last week, we let you know that our plan is to conduct the championship events unless directed by state agencies and/or facility administration of cancellations. On Tuesday, we reiterated that plan.

Per state guidance, and out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging those above the age of 60, or those in at-risk populations, to avoid large crowds, as data shows they are more susceptible to contracting the COVID-19, if exposed.

We will remain in contact with those monitoring the situation to make the best decisions on behalf of our students and our high school fans and communities.

Our student-athletes, high school fans and communities, are at the forefront of any decisions we would make moving forward, regardless of financial impact. We fully understand and believe in what our tournaments mean to our communities, and our goal is to uphold the experience of the participants and fans without compromising health or safety. We are open to all options going forward if a directive which impacts our state tournaments is made by state agencies.

We will continue to support the local administrative decisions made in the best interests of their school communities.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Blanford-Green

CHSAA Commissioner

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March 11, 2020
Colorado Cancellations due to COVID-19

March 12 – NCAR Mesa Lab closed to public. The facility is closing to the public and canceling education programs and tours of the exhibit areas beginning on the 12th. The closure will remain in place until further notice. The NCAR Explorer Series talks schedule for March 11 and 14 are postponed.

March 12 – Virtual Day of Action. Instead of meeting in person with lawmakers, cancer advocates will hold virtual meetings and make phone calls for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s annual Day at the Capitol.

March 12-14 – Women in CyberSecurity conference canceled. The organizer canceled the WiCyS 2020 conference at the Gaylord Rockies resort near Denver International Airport. They are working on alternate ways to gather and hope to have a plan by the end of March.

March 13 – Keggs & Eggs 2020 postponed indefinitely. Channel 93.3 postponed its annual Friday morning concert tied to St. Patrick’s day, saying it’s a precaution to slow the spread of the coronavirus. If you won passes, they will be honored at any rescheduled Keggs & Eggs.

March 13 – Denver St. Baldrick’s at Blake Street Tavern postponed. The organizers for this St. Baldrick’s event said they felt it was the only responsible course of action. Currently they hope to hold it on Friday, May 1 at the Blake Street Tavern.

March 13-15 – Irishfest Denver canceled. The organizer of the Ballpark neighborhood event say they are following the lead of the City of Denver and the organizers of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and are postponing the three days of activities. The organizers say they have events planned for the summer already and are looking at the possibility of an Irish-themed summer event.

March 14 – Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled. Just hours after Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency due to coronavirus, the city and organizers canceled the parade saying the decision was made out of an abundance of caution.

March 19 – Day of Action canceled. the colorado Education Association canceled a lobby day at the state capitol. It was designed to raise awareness about school funding. The CEA is working on a virtual day of action on March 19. A number of schools had previously canceled classes on the 19th because of teacher absences.

March 26-28 – NoCo Hemp Expo rescheduled. Organizers of the 3 day conference decided to move the dates of the expo to August to give participants a chance to move their schedules. It’s now set for Aug. 6-8 at the National Western Complex and the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel.

March 29-April 3 – National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic canceled. The VA says the decision was made out of an abundance of caution and it looks forward to next year’s clinic.

April 2 – High West Oyster Fest postponed. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar made the decision to postpone its eighth annual event on March 10. It was expected to draw 600 people to the EXDO Event Center. Jax says it is monitoring developments and hope to reschedule.

April 9 – Pearl Jam concert at Pepsi Center postponed. The band is skipping all of their spring tour dates, citing “a global health crisis” without mentioning the coronavirus. Pearl Jam says those April 9 tickets will be honored for the future date.

April 14 – Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day canceled. The ice cream chain has handed out the free cones on the second Tuesday in April since 1979 as a thanks to its customers. Ben & Jerry’s posted it made the decision to cancel the giveaway after some stores were told not to take part and the company wanted to stand in solidarity with them. The company says it will reschedule the day.

June 15-16 – Cybersecurity Symposium canceled. The National Cybersecurity symposium canceled the annual event expected to draw 1,000 to the Gaylor Rockies resort near DIA. It hopes to resume the symposium next year and is trying to arrange an online gathering.

June 7-11 & June 19-23 – Keystone Symposia canceled. The symposia brings medical researchers from around the world together at a variety of locations. The group canceled all North American meetings in March and April and all meetings scheduled outside North America through June 2020.

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March 11, 2020
Repeat child rapist from Aurora sentenced to prison

An Aurora man received a sentence of 12 years to life in prison for raping two Aurora girls in 2018.

Arapahoe District Court Judge Andrew Baum sentenced Ble Ghislain Kore, 25, after a jury convicted him Dec. 10, 2019. He was found guilty of sexual assault – use of force (Class 3 felony) and sexual assault – overcoming a victim’s will (Class 4 felony). On Feb. 27 Baum imposed a sentence of 12 years to life on the Class 3, and 6 years to life on the Class 4, to be served concurrently.

“Kore is the Webster’s definition of ‘predator.’ He went to a school looking for innocent victims to satisfy his sexual urges. He plucked one girl, then another, off the street. And he raped both of them. Same day,” said District Attorney George Brauchler. “No sentence would have been too long for what he did. I am impressed with the courageous victims here. Without them, we may not have been able to hold this repeat rapist accountable.”

On Sept. 13, 2018, the defendant approached a juvenile walking home from Overland High School. He approached the victim saying to get into his car, as he knew who she was and that he had someone watching her mother. Concerned for her mom, she got in the car and he drove to the guest parking lot of her apartment complex where he raped her. She was scared because he knew where she lived.

Later that afternoon, the defendant drove up to another juvenile walking in the parking lot at Overland High School and asked for her phone number. When she tried to walk away, he demanded she get in his car. He drove her to another parking lot near the school and raped her.

The two victims did not know the defendant or each other.

The Aurora Police Department investigated the incidents and connected them due to the similar descriptions of the car and defendant. In addition, the DNA of the defendant was found on both juveniles.

“This defendant is the monster of every parent’s nightmares,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Danielle Jaramillo, who prosecuted the case with Senior Deputy District Attorney Jake Adkins. “He specifically targeted children.”

Jaramillo asked for maximum sentences served consecutively, making the prison time 18 years to life.

“Both of these girls are survivors – they are brave and courageous,” she said in her sentencing argument. “Trial is a horrible thing for them to go through, and these girls deserve justice.”

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March 11, 2020
CDPHE to open first drive-up testing center at State Lab in Lowry
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will open the state’s first community testing center for COVID-19 at the state lab tomorrow at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11.

This will be a drive-up testing center at 8100 E. Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230 for patients meeting the requirements listed below. This week, the center will be open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m Wednesday – Friday. CDPHE will post next week’s schedule on our website when it’s available.

In order to be tested at the state’s community testing center, individuals must have an order from their doctor confirming they meet the testing criteria and need to be tested, and photo identification that matches the name on the doctor’s order.

Depending on test volume, individuals will be contacted directly with their results within 72 hours. While waiting for their test results, individuals should stay at home. Those who receive positive test results may be issued isolation orders.

People who come to be tested should know and do the following:
- Bring a written or electronic copy of the doctor’s order. Individuals should not go to their doctor’s office but should call to get an emailed or faxed copy of the order.
- If there are multiple people in one vehicle, each person to be tested must have their own doctor’s order.
- Bring a form of photo ID (driver’s license, school ID, work badge, etc.) that matches the name on the doctor’s order.
- Individuals will drive through a secured area and will remain in their vehicles throughout the entire testing process.
- Even though we highly discourage it, members of the media may be present. State health department staff are working with the media to protect patient privacy.
- Be prepared for long wait times. No restrooms will be available.
- Bring water and other items to be comfortable while waiting.
- Testing is free. Proof of insurance is not required.
- Telephonic interpretation will be available for speakers of other languages.
This testing center will help the state test as many people as possible and improve the public health response by identifying and isolating those who are ill. This approach also helps to protect older adults and people with compromised immune systems.

The lab’s capacity for testing has increased. Right now, the lab has enough test availability for several days and will continue to receive additional tests from the CDC.

To respect and protect patient privacy, we ask that members of the media do not go to the area while testing is occurring between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It could discourage patients from getting tested. In order to be accommodating, CDPHE suggests that media who are planning to film exteriors of the lab should do so only when testing is not going on.

Again, to protect patient privacy, we kindly ask that members of the media do not go to the facility while testing is occurring.

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March 11, 2020
Two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 identified in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) state lab identified two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, based on testing results from this afternoon. To ensure expedience on reporting out presumptive positives, the state will provide overall testing statistics as soon as we are able on the website.

The positive cases are:

Case #1 • Sex: Male
- Age: 50s
- County of residence: Jefferson
Case #2 • Sex: Female
- Age: Teenage
- County of residence: Denver
Local public health agencies are leading these investigations and will provide additional details as necessary to protect public health. The investigations are ongoing.

An update: Earlier we reported a presumptive positive case as a woman in her 40s from Gunnison County. She is from Denver County with ties to Gunnison County.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus

Se registran 2 nuevos presuntos casos de COVID-19 en Colorado

DENVER, Marzo 10, 2020: El laboratorio del Departamento de Salud y Medioambiente de Colorado (CDPHE) identificó 2 nuevos presuntos casos de COVID-19, basados en exámenes llevados a cabo durante la tarde. Para asegurar la rapidez en los casos presuntamente positivos, el estado proveerá todas las estadísticas de las pruebas en la medida de lo posible en este website.

Los casos son:

Caso #1
- Hombre en sus cincuentas
- Condado de residencia: Jefferson
Caso #2
- Adolescente sexo femenino
- Condado de residencia: Denver
Las agencias de salud pública están llevando a cabo estas investigaciones y proveerán detalles adicionales para proteger la salud pública. Estas son investigaciones en curso.

Actualización: un presunto caso positivo originalmente identificado como una mujer en su cuarentas reside en el Condado Denver y no en el Condado Gunnison como se reportó originalmente. Tiene conexión con el condado de Gunnison.

Manténgase informado en la página colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus
March 11, 2020
ACEP Introduces Stop the Spread: A Patient Guide to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is providing guidance for patients to minimize their risk of getting or spreading the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. A new resource from ACEP, Stop the Spread: A Patient Guide to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), provides tips on how to minimize the risk of contracting the virus—including whether you should wear a face mask—and how to determine whether patients should visit an emergency department.

“We are in the middle of flu season, which means emergency departments are already strained. To make sure that everyone can get the care they need, it’s important to know when to go to the emergency department if you think you have COVID-19,” said William Jaquis, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP.

Older patients and those with chronic or pre-existing conditions have the highest risk of serious cases or complications. If you think you are sick with COVID-19, consider your symptoms. Call your doctor if you’ve been in contact with someone who already has COVID-19 or has traveled to an affected region and with 14 days you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath.

If your symptoms are mild, contact your primary care physician to discuss your best options for care. Call 911 or visit your closest emergency department if:
- You’re experiencing a medical emergency,
- You’re sick enough that you need to go to the hospital, especially if you recently started experiencing shortness of breath, or
- You’re sick and you are a high-risk individual, such as an older patient or a person with an already weakened immune system.
The situation with the outbreak is evolving daily, and while the federal government has taken steps to significantly expand COVID-19 testing, it will take time for the health care system to ramp up its testing capabilities and locations

“Your local emergency department may not yet have the COVID-19 test. Your primary care physician can decide if you meet the criteria and help determine where to get tested if necessary,” said Dr. Jaquis.

As anticipation grows for more widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in the U.S., emergency physicians are on the frontlines caring for those affected. ACEP has a series of resources for patients, policymakers and emergency care teams. Visit www.acep.org/COVID19 for physician resources including clinical guidance and best practices, checklists and the National Strategic Plan for Emergency Department Management of COVID-19. The latest patient information is available at www.emergencyphysicians.org/COVID19.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org.

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March 11, 2020

Three presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 identified in Colorado today

Three presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 identified in Colorado today

DENVER, March 10, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) state lab identified three presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, based on testing overnight. To ensure expedience on reporting out presumptive positives, the state will provide overall testing statistics as soon as we are able on the website.

The positive cases are:

Case #1

Sex: Male
Age: 30s
County of residence: Eagle

Case #2

Sex: Female
Age: 40s
County of residence: Gunnison

Case #3

Sex: Male
Age: 50s
County of residence: Arapahoe

Local public health agencies are leading these investigations and will provide additional details as necessary to protect public health. The investigations are ongoing.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus

Se registran 3 nuevos presuntos casos de COVID-19 en Colorado

DENVER, Marzo 10, 2020: El laboratorio del Departamento de Salud y Medioambiente de Colorado (CDPHE) identificó 3 nuevos presuntos casos de COVID-19, basados en exámenes llevados a cabo durante la noche. Para asegurar la rapidez en los casos presuntamente positivos, el estado proveerá todas las estadísticas de las pruebas en la medida de lo posible en este website.

Los casos son:

Caso #1

Hombre en sus treintas
Condado de residencia: Eagle

Caso #2

Mujer en sus cuarentas
Condado de residencia: Gunnison

Cas0 #3

Hombre en sus cincuentas
Condado de residencia: Arapahoe

Las agencias de salud pública están llevando a cabo estas investigaciones y proveerán detalles adicionales para proteger la salud pública. Estas son investigaciones en curso.

Manténgase informado en la página colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus

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March 11, 2020

CU Bouler’s Letter to student, faculty and staff regarding COVID-19

CU Boulder’s Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano sent the following letter to students, faculty and staff March 11.

Dear students, faculty and staff:

The University of Colorado Boulder has faced many challenges in its nearly 150-year history. Generations of CU Boulder students, faculty and staff have worked together and supported each other. I thank you in advance for all that you have done and will do, and I ask that we show care and compassion for each other as we confront the challenges that COVID-19 poses in our community. We will get through this together.

Today, I am announcing several campus actions to help limit COVID-19 risk on our campus. We will continue to fulfill our mission by ensuring that students are able to meet their educational requirements and faculty are able to continue their research and scholarship, and the campus will remain open to allow that to occur. We will continue to operate campus facilities, including residence halls, dining halls, the University Libraries, student recreation centers, the Center for Community, Wardenburg Health Center and the University Memorial Center. But, as local, national and global public health recommendations shift to include mitigation of transmission, we are proactively taking steps to protect the campus and the community.

The campus is taking the following actions, which will be in effect until further notice.

Remote Teaching and Learning

CU Boulder has already encouraged its faculty to teach remotely. Beginning Monday, March 16, the campus will transition to remote learning for the remainder of the semester. Faculty will determine how best to use technology, such as Canvas and Zoom, to enable students to complete their educational requirements. This is consistent with what several other institutions are already doing.

Remote Work

The campus is encouraging employees to work remotely whenever possible. By Monday, March 16, supervisors should identify student workers, researchers and staff who can work remotely, meaning their work can be done partially or entirely away from campus. Supervisors should determine, in consultation with their employees, whether it is feasible for them to work remotely and, if so, the manner in which they will perform their responsibilities. As soon as a supervisor provides authorization, an employee can work remotely, recognizing that supervisors may need to evaluate campus needs and an employee’s work requirements on an ongoing basis.

Domestic and International Travel

While we previously limited international travel, effective immediately, the campus is suspending all university-funded travel–foreign or domestic. Travel sponsors can apply for exceptions to this restriction by filling out the following domestic and international travel exceptions form. The campus will grant permission when the travel serves a significant need, and the risks of travel can be mitigated.

Education Abroad

Effective immediately, the university is suspending Education Abroad-sponsored programs in the Czech Republic, France, Japan and Spain through the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. Students and their program providers are being notified. Earlier this semester, CU Boulder suspended programs to China, South Korea and Italy through summer 2020. These decisions are based on travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other considerations as needed. Education Abroad has created a list of Education Abroad FAQs on the coronavirus.

Events

Effective immediately, multi-day university-sponsored gatherings or those with more than 150 attendees are suspended until further guidance is issued. Event sponsors may request their events still be held and can request exemptions via the campus events exception form.

We will be providing further guidance and direction about how to implement each of these decisions in the coming days. Please continue to reference the latest information at colorado.edu/coronavirus.

The safety of our community is our top priority. We realize that our COVID-19 policy guidelines will cause disruption—and that you will have additional questions based on the above information—but the risk of not acting outweighs the inconvenience of these temporary measures.

I appreciate your patience and cooperation. We are grateful to staff for their tremendous efforts on our behalf during these challenging times, especially our front-line staff who serve in health care, custodial, food service, transportation and other areas on campus. Your work is critically important at this time, and we greatly value you and your contributions.

Philip DiStefano,

Chancellor

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March 11, 2020
Gov. Polis Provides Update on State’s Response to COVID-19
Gov. Polis declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The declaration will help ensure resources are available to the state to combat COVID-19.

“Our top priority is protecting public health and our vulnerable populations which is why we are taking swift bold action. Our administration’s response will be guided by the science and lessons learned from the countries and states that this virus arrived in first” said Governor Jared Polis. “We will continue to be proactive and working around the clock to protect public health and safety with an eye towards preventing the need for more drastic measures that result in social disruption.”

“In order to slow the spread of the disease, some of the most effective measures we can take as a state is to test more people so that those who test positive can be isolated from the general population as we continue to stress the need for personal action such as staying home when sick, keeping their kids home when they’re sick and diligently washing your hands,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “We thank everyone who has been involved with this containment effort for their tireless efforts and works to ensure the people of our state are safe.”

Details of the executive order:
- Directs Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to engage in emergency rulemaking to ensure workers in food handling, hospitality, child care, health care, and education can get paid sick leave to miss work if they exhibit flu-like symptoms and have to miss work awaiting testing results for COVID-19.
- For workers who test positive and lack access to paid leave, the Governor is directing CDLE to identify additional supports and wage replacement such as access to unemployment insurance. These steps are especially important for those who work with vulnerable populations like older Coloradans and those with underlying health issues. When those workers lack access to paid sick leave, it poses a great risk to our ability to protect the public.
- Directs DPA to engage in emergency rulemaking regarding state employees. The administration wants to ensure that state functions continue to run smoothly. For employees who may be put either in quarantine or isolation and can work from home, they should do so. If these workers fall ill and cannot perform their duties, they will be able to use paid leave, and the state will be flexible with that paid leave. For impacted employees who cannot work remotely, such as correctional officers, assisted living staff, etc., the administration is working to ensure paid leave options for those who are ill to ensure that those workers can continue to put food on the table while protecting public health.
- Directs the Department of Revenue to temporarily allow Coloradans over the age of 65 – a vulnerable population – to extend their driver’s licenses online to avoid having to congregate at DMVs at this time.
- Starting tomorrow, the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment will be opening a drive-up lab at their facility in Lowry to test anyone who has a note from their doctor stating that they meet the criteria for testing. Let me repeat because this is important, you must still have a doctor’s order to get tested at the new drive-up lab. That facility is located at 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230.
The Governor issued the executive order verbally. The Governor encouraged the private sector of Colorado to voluntarily offer paid sick leave so that we can collectively do our part to contain the virus.

The Governor was joined by Rachel Herlihy, State Communicable Disease Epidemiologist, CDPHE, Scott Bookman, Incident Commander, CDPHE, Mike Willis, Director, Colorado Office of Emergency Management, Stan Hilkey, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Joe Barela, Executive Director of the Department of Labor and Employment today at the state capitol.

Yesterday, the Polis administration took action to ensure Coloradans can get tested for COVID-19 without financial fear. Last week, the Governor directed all state agencies to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan. This is a plan that the state has used in the past to respond to a variety of incidents, including natural disasters like fires and floods, and it is designed to ensure we have the resources and systems in place to respond to COVID-19.

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March 10, 2020