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Aspen Public Radio will keep you informed on the latest information about the coronavirus here in Colorado and the Valley.

Governor Polis Will Lift Stay-At-Home Order On April 27

Pitkin County Incident Management Team

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Governor Jared Polis discussed lifting the stay-at-home order on April 27. He also discussed next steps as health and safety restrictions change in the coming days and weeks.

“Coloradans in every corner of our state have stepped up and taken responsible steps to help bend the curve of this pandemic and we are grateful for these shared efforts that helped save lives and slow the spread," he said.

"The deadly virus will continue to be with us, and we must wear masks and socialize less to avoid its rapid growth. For seniors and those with pre-existing conditions, it’s important to stay home whenever possible through May."

"Though we are moving into a sustainable way of living during this pandemic, there are tough days ahead. This is a marathon - not a sprint, which was the easy part - now we need to pace ourselves and these distancing measures need to be sustainable.” 

The Governor discussed new modeling showing the state will need to continue a variety of long-term social distancing measures. The modeling shows that the stay-at-home order has reduced social interactions by 75-80% since it went into effect. Currently, Colorado has 10,000 reported cases; however, the state believes the real number is closer to 65,000-75,000 Coloradans -- about 1.1%-1.3% of the population.

Polis discussed three levels of social distancing: Staying at Home, Safer at Home, and Protect Our Neighbors. On April 27, the state will be moving onto the Safer at Home phase. During this phase, Coloradans will no longer be ordered to stay home, but are still strongly encouraged to do so. Vulnerable populations and seniors must continue staying home except when absolutely necessary.

K-12 school districts and postsecondary institutions will continue to suspend normal in-person instruction until the end of the school year.  

Polis noted that Colorado could return to the Stay-at-Home phase if there is a significant increase in cases or spread of the virus.

Local governments will have the opportunity to implement stricter restrictions, particularly those who may be experiencing an outbreak. 
 

Contributor Christin Kay is passionate about the rich variety of arts, cultural experiences and stories in the Roaring Fork Valley. She has been a devotee of public radio her whole life. Christin is a veteran of Aspen Public Radio, serving as producer, reporter and interim news director.
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