COLORADO SPRINGS — Gov. Jared Polis provided an update Tuesday afternoon on the state's response to COVID-19.
Polis said the state is seeing significant outbreaks among 18 to 25-year-olds, especially among college students and those attending CU Boulder. He also said there's been an increase in COVID-19 cases to those older than 25.
"This is a warning sign for us just as we had a warning sign in July," he said. "...We need to be a little better."
He encouraged mask wearing, social distancing, and spending time outdoors in small groups versus large groups.
State Epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said there has been a "substantial increase" of COVID-19 transmissions in the last week. The rapid increase is being seen among the young adult populations, but even among other age groups there is "rapid acceleration."
She said within the last two weeks, testing has been increased in the state. On top of that, the percentage of positivity is also increasing. She also mentioned the state is working to figure out guidance for Halloween to pass along to parents.
Polis announced today that there is an amended order regarding evictions that requires a notice for tenants of their rights under the CDC in light of recent federal evictions.
Polis addressed the impact of COVID-19 on Native Americans and Alaskan natives where they are experiencing 40% more deaths as a result of the virus. He said majority of these populations live in urban environments in Colorado, such as Denver and Colorado Springs.
Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera said Denver Indian Health and Family Services will assist and educate these populations to equip them to combat the virus.
This press conference follows the governor's amendment to the state's last call order. Before Monday, a statewide last call order restricted all bars to stop serving by 11 p.m. due to COVID-19 crowding concerns.
But as of Monday night, there's a new order in place. Under the new order, each county's position on thestate's COVID-19 dial will determine how much control a county has over restrictions, including what time last call can be.
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