Governor Polis Provides Update on State’s Response to COVID-19

Thursday, July 30, 2020

DENVER - Governor Jared Polis today provided an update to Coloradans on the state’s response to COVID-19.

“Scientists and researchers are still learning new things every day about this novel virus and there is mounting evidence that persistent damage can occur to the lungs, brain and heart. So I continue to encourage my fellow Coloradans to do their part to slow the spread of the virus for the sake of our own lives, the lives of our loved ones and our economy,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Wear masks, wash your hands, avoid large-scale gatherings and make smart decisions so we can crush this virus.”

Governor Polis began today’s briefing by honoring the life of his former colleague and civil rights hero Congressman John Lewis. 

Governor Jared Polis announced today that in addition to providing medical-grade masks to public school teachers this Fall, the State will also provide masks for private school teachers across the state. The State announced a specific partnership with the Colorado Archdioceses of Denver to provide 2,000 masks per week to their 48 schools. 

Governor Polis also announced that the Attorney General’s Office has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Live Entertainment, the company responsible for the dangerous, large-scale events in Weld County this past weekend.

The Governor highlighted a variety of the potential long-term health effects that people who have contracted COVID-19 are seeing including damage to the lungs, brain and heart. The Governor implored Coloradans to continue protecting themselves and others by practicing social distancing requirements, wearing masks and washing hands.

The Governor announced that IKEA is making one of the largest contributions to date to the Colorado COVID Relief Fund, nearly $1 million. The company is calculating the unemployment claims submitted by their employees and donating that money back to the Relief Fund. To date, the fund has raised more than $22 million and distributed $16.4 million to more than 750 organizations serving Coloradans in all 64 counties. On August 8, the fund will be accepting a sixth round of grants. The Fund will be accepting tiered applications for coordinated organizations, up to $100,000. The Governor encouraged Coloradans to donate and help meet the needs of all Coloradans, and also encouraged organizations that are in need of funding to apply for funds in Round Six.

 

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