Governor Polis Provides Update on COVID-19
DENVER - Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic today. Gov. Polis was joined by Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Colorado’s lead epidemiologist, Jill Ryan, Executive Director of CDPHE, and Kate Greenberg, Colorado’s Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Colorado needs to step up to save lives now. We have a short window of time to get the deadly virus under more control before the holiday season and protect our families, ourselves, and to avoid economic setbacks,” said Governor Polis. “Getting this virus under control requires you to reduce your social interactions, stay at least six feet apart from others, wear a mask, and wash your hands regularly. These cases aren’t going to change magically on their own. Every Coloradan has made sacrifices during this pandemic and that should strengthen our resolve to do everything we can now, during the most challenging period of the pandemic.”
Governor Polis and Director Jill Ryan discussed the dial framework which the state unveiled in September further to provide transparency, clarity, and predictability for Coloradans and local government officials as they work to protect their communities and reopen their economies. This tool provides a real-time, visual representation of a Colorado community’s success in containing the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Polis and Director Ryan also announced that the State is partnering with CDPHE to launch a new, statewide media campaign called “Step Up, Colorado” in English, and “Echale Ganas, Colorado” in Spanish. This campaign emphasizes the importance of Coloradans wearing their masks and keeping their distance whenever they are around others. The Governor urged everyone to “step up” to help spread the word and encourage all Coloradans to protect each other from COVID-19. Click the image to watch more or here.
The Governor provided an update on wildfires. This August, Dan Gibbs, Executive Director at the Department of Natural Resources, gave us all a firsthand account of what it was like to fight on the front lines of the Grizzly Creek Fire. Director Gibbs was recently called to help fight the Cameron Peak Fire northeast of Estes Park. The Governor thanked Director Gibbs and all the other men and women who are on the front lines of the multiple fires around our state. Gibbs has been a Type II wildland firefighter for 13 years.
Gov. Polis and Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg made an exciting announcement about the Colorado Farm & Food Systems Respond & Rebuild Fund. Colorado agricultural producers are eligible for grant awards up to $12,500. Farmers’ markets, food hubs, processors, and other intermediaries that support producers are eligible for up to $50,000. Grant dollars were made available through CARES Act funds.
“COVID-19 has had serious impacts on agriculture and underscored how vital our food systems are,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “It is critical that farmers, ranchers, and processors receive financial support to ensure their operations continue in the wake of this unprecedented pandemic. The Department of Agriculture has been fighting for them every step of the way and will continue to do so as we build a more resilient future.”
Colorado was one of the few states in the country to hold a State Fair this year. The respond and rebuild grants will be administered by the independent Colorado Farm & Food Systems Respond & Rebuild Fund. Applications are open now and will be accepted through Monday, November 9, 2020. Apply here.
Watch today’s news conference. View today’s presentation.
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