Concerned by a recent spike in coronavirus cases, Governor Jared Polis says he will extend the statewide mask mandate for a third time. That means residents will be required to wear face coverings in public at least through mid-November.
Polis says the rise in cases and hospitalizations is the most concerning uptick he has seen since early July. He's also spending an additional $15 million of federal money to help the overall state’s economic recovery. The money will spent on small business loans and food and housing assistance.
Earlier this week during a news conference, state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy pointed out a substantial increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 across the state. At the time, she said it's likely related to reduced social distancing over the Labor Day holiday. The spike was mainly among those ages 18 to 25 years old.
She also warned the upcoming holiday season could bring an additional increases in cases if people don't follow social-distancing guidelines.
State health officials have also been expressing concern about the upcoming flu season, saying the winter could push hospitals and doctors to capacity.
"You can have more than one storm happening at the same time, and we're going to have two serious respiratory viruses hitting us at once," said Dr. Eric France, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment chief medical officer.
Health officials say people could face dangerous complications if infected with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. They're urging Coloradans to get a flu vaccine to protect themselves.
