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April 2020

My Fellow Coloradans,

I want to start off this newsletter by thanking everyone who is taking this virus seriously and taking necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

By staying at home whenever possible to stop the spread of this deadly virus and wearing a facial mask when you do go out, you’re saving lives (maybe your own!) and helping our state return to normalcy sooner rather than later.

I also want to give a special thanks to those going above and beyond -- donating money to the COVID-19 Relief Fund or signing up to volunteer at HelpColoradoNow.org, or giving blood.

We’re all in this together, and it’s been so heartwarming to see Coloradans across our state doing their part to save lives and make sure that we can get past this crisis as quickly as possible.

I know many Coloradans are wondering when this will all be over and when can they resume some semblance of normalcy.

Part of the anxiety many are feeling is not only the stress of being cooped up in our homes, but not knowing what the future holds for ourselves and our loved ones.

This newsletter will walk you through some of the most recent steps we are taking at the state level to slow the spread of the virus, minimize the damage to our economy, and most importantly -- save lives.

Sincerely,

Governor Jared Polis


** The Colorado Mask Project
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Starting today, I’m recommending that all Coloradans wear a cloth face covering or mask when they leave their home to protect against the deadly virus.

Coronavirus is transmitted through droplets that come from our nose and mouth, so in addition to keeping a 6-8 foot physical distance from others, wearing a mask or a face covering is an extra layer of protection that can help us all stay safe.

Wearing a mask or face covering also stops you from touching your face -- which will help stop the spread of germs from other sources to your nose and mouth.

Keep in mind that you should be creating or repurposing your own cloth mask. Your old t-shirts are perfect for this purpose. Please do not purchase N95 masks or surgical masks -- we need to save those performance-grade masks for our health care workers on the front lines of this crisis.

Learn how to make your own mask or where to purchase one at coloradomaskproject.com. And then take to social media and share your creative mask ideas. I want to see your mask selfies!


** Extending Health Care Enrollment
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I have also extended the special enrollment period for the state’s health care exchange -- Connect for Health Colorado -- until April 30th. It is deeply unfair to leave Coloradans who have lost their job and their health insurance through no fault of their own without health coverage options during a public health emergency.

If you are currently uninsured or if you have temporarily lost your job due to COVID-19, please take advantage of this special enrollment period to get affordable health coverage.

Visit connectforhealthco.com and enroll today.


** Small Business Loan Assistance
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Finally, the federal government has given a lifeline to Colorado small businesses throughout all 64 counties through the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, as well as a new program called the Paycheck Protection Program that provides forgivable loans to companies who keep employees on payroll instead of laying folks off.

If you are a small business owner who has been impacted by COVID-19, please visit choosecolorado.com ([link removed]) or covid19relief.sba.gov for eligibility information, loan application links and more information about economic recovery resources.


** COVID-19 Webpage
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Our administration recently unveiled the COVID-19 webpage -- covid19.colorado.gov/. This resource will keep you up-to-date on the latest statistics and the latest guidance on how we can protect ourselves and protect our most vulnerable populations.


** Extending School Closures Through April 30
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In order to reduce the number of person-to-person interactions and therefore slow the spread of the virus, I have used my emergency authority to keep schools closed through April 30th.

It is likely that many schools will not return to in-person instruction this school year.

I want to salute all of the superintendents, school leaders, and educators across the state who are stepping up and working extra hard to build remote learning plans so students don’t lose out on valuable instruction because of this crisis.

Here in Colorado, our educators are innovative and strong. And we must continue to prioritize creativity and do the best we can in this virtual environment.

I know that the extension of closures will be tough news for parents, including those who are juggling working from home and helping their children with schoolwork. And as a father of two, I know what you’re going through! I know it’s tough on the kids too. But this is the best way to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus, and prevent unnecessary death. So I thank all the parents, educators, and students out there for adapting to this situation as best as we can.


** Federal Stimulus Benefits
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I know that this is a difficult time for families across our state, many of whom are out of work or dealing with reduced hours or reduced pay.

Thankfully, the federal government has passed legislation that will help give families a boost during this temporary downturn.

The measure offers $1,200 in one-time direct cash assistance; over 90% of Colorado families will qualify. It also provides $500 per child 16 and under.

Here’s how it works:
* Individuals that make less than $75,000 per year will receive the full $1,200 benefit.
* For every $100 in income an individual makes over $75,000, $5 is deducted from the total benefit.
* As a result, an individual making over $99,000 per year would not qualify for this benefit.
* For couples filing jointly, the numbers double. If your household makes less than $150,000 per year, you will receive $2,400 total.
* Just like an individual filer, the benefit is reduced by $5 for each $100 you make over $150,000.
* As a result, if your household makes more than $198,000 per year, you would not qualify for this benefit.
* The $500 per child is provided regardless of income to anyone with children 16 and under.

Visit IRS.gov/coronavirus for more information.


** #DoingMyPartCO
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A couple of weeks ago we kicked off a social media campaign called #DoingMyPartCO where we challenged Coloradans to show how they are practicing best habits to keep themselves and others safe: whether that’s wearing a mask or a face covering, working from home, avoiding crowded places, or picking up groceries or medicine for an elderly neighbor.

We’re challenging everyone to be part of the campaign! So take to social media and show your fellow Coloradans how you’re doing your part to stop the spread of coronavirus.


** Colorado COVID-19 Relief Fund
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We’ve also been inundated with calls from across the state from folks who want to know how they can help. So we’ve launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund to capture those donations, which will be used to pay for things like medical supplies, cleaning supplies, food services, child care for emergency workers, behavioral health support, and so much more.

Visit www.HelpColoradoNow.org to donate today! Every dollar counts!

And if you’re an organization that is helping with the response, you will be able to apply for funds starting early next week.


** Donating Blood
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In addition to the need for funding and volunteers -- we also have an urgent need for blood donations. Blood banks are reporting a sharp drop in donations, attributed to fears about contracting COVID-19.
We want to clear up any misinformation: donating blood is a safe process and people should not be concerned about giving or receiving blood during this challenging time. And while blood isn’t needed for coronavirus treatment, it’s urgently needed for all of the other medical issues that crop up. We need more healthy donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage.
So please visit www.vitalant.org, to find a blood drive or donation center near you.


** Unemployment Insurance
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The federal legislation also expanded unemployment insurance for Coloradans who have lost their job or lost wages due to the COVID-19 response.

For traditional workers who receive a W2 tax form who have been laid off because of the coronavirus, those individuals are invited to apply for unemployment insurance at ColoradoUI.gov

You could be eligible for 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits from the state of Colorado. Unemployment insurance in Colorado provides around 55% of an individual's average weekly pay, up to a maximum $618 per week.

In addition to those benefits from the state of Colorado, you could be eligible for an extra $600 per week for the first four months of unemployment thanks to the federal stimulus package. Furthermore, once you have exhausted your 26 weeks of state unemployment, you would be eligible for another three months of unemployment paid for by the federal legislation. If you have already filed and qualified, then you will not need to file again to get the additional $600 per week from the federal bill added to your weekly benefit.

Apply for benefits using these four easy steps:
* Step 1: Collect any income related information.
* Step 2: Go to coloradoUI.gov and click on the “Workers” button.
* Step 3: Review your claim before you hit submit.
* Step 4: Register with your local Workforce Center

After you file, you should receive a PIN in the mail to launch your claimant account and finish out the process, including requesting payments. You’ll be paid within two weeks.
But we know that not everyone is a traditional W2 employee; there are many folks in the gig economy who have lost work and wages due to this crisis. For non-W2 workers, my administration is working to stand up a separate system to administer the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

Benefits would be available for nine months. We’re still waiting on federal guidance, but we are hopeful that benefits will be calculated based on previous income, and we anticipate we will be able to begin accepting claims in mid-April.


** Help Colorado Now
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We know that Coloradans aren’t just financially generous -- they’re generous with their time, their energy, and their effort.

That’s why we launched our official volunteer effort: Help Colorado Now.

We are looking for volunteers -- especially those who are current or retired health care professionals -- to help at-risk individuals all across our state with a wide variety of support including health care assistance, mental wellness support, food bank distribution, child care services, and more.

So please visit www.helpcoloradonow.org to sign up to be a volunteer or volunteer leader, and if you are an organization, government agency or non-profit seeking volunteer assistance, we can match you with volunteers in your area or volunteers available virtually.


** Adopt a Pet
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One of the best ways to refocus our attention in a positive way during these difficult times is by opening our hearts and homes to a new pet. Taking care of others gives us a sense of purpose in times when we might be feeling helpless. And there are so many animals in our state's animal shelters and pet animal rescues that are looking for their forever homes.

We have temporarily relaxed state regulations, making it easier to foster and adopt pets who would otherwise be spending this time waiting for someone to give them a chance at a happy life. It's a win-win for people and pets.

And, despite rumors to the contrary, you CAN'T catch COVID-19 from your pets. Pets are safe to have in your homes, and they will be a comfort to you in these trying times, when so many of us are feeling isolated and perhaps lonely.

First Gentleman Marlon Reis and our team of volunteers and our Colorado Department of Agriculture State's pet protection program, PACFA, have created a guide of licensed shelters and rescues at protectcoloradoanimals.org. It’s organized by city and county, so you can easily find an animal in-need closest to where you live. So visit protectcoloradosanimals.org to find your nearest local shelter or rescue. There's never been a better time than now to foster and adopt a pet.


** Emergency Actions To Date
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On March 10, I declared a state of emergency in Colorado to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Since then, I have used emergency powers and the capacity of the administration to take additional steps to protect the health and safety of Coloradans -- especially our most vulnerable populations -- and minimize the economic impact of this crisis.

Here are some of the major actions we have taken so far:
* Instructed health insurance companies to waive fees and costs associated with testing for coronavirus,
* Stood up drive-up coronavirus testing facilities and work with private partners to expand the state’s testing capacity,
* Ensured that workers in food service, hospitality, health care, child care, and education have access to paid leave so that they don’t come into work sick, and access to unemployment insurance in the event that they become infected,
* Ensured that state workers, including those working in our 24-hour facilities, have the flexibility to take time off if necessary for testing, treatment, and recovery,
* Restricted visitation to facilities that serve our most vulnerable populations like older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions to keep them safe,
* Established guidelines for school, university, and child care facility closures to protect children, parents, educators and staff.
* Ordered the closure of downhill ski areas
* Advised visitors and residents of Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, and Gunnison counties -- areas with high community spread -- to minimize contact with others and self-isolate
* Ordered the closure of bars, restaurants, breweries, coffee houses, food courts and other establishments that serve food or beverages -- which may remain open for takeout, delivery, and room service, including alcoholic beverages -- as well as other congregation spaces such as gyms, casinos, performance spaces, spas, hair and nail salons, massage and tattoo parlors, and other establishments.
* Closed Department of Motor Vehicles facilities and taxpayer service centers to the public; many services will be available over the phone and online, and processes and operations will continue behind the scenes.
* Spearheaded the #DoingMyPartCO campaign to spread awareness about the need for social distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus in communities.
* Applied for a Medicaid 1115 waiver from the federal government to enroll uninsured patients who are impacted by coronavirus and ensure continuity of coverage and services for Medicaid and CHP+ members.
* Applied for an Appendix K waiver to protect against limits on services and cut red tape for long term care, I/DD and other HCBS patients.
* Secured a statewide disaster declaration through the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program to provide relief for Colorado’s small businesses dealing with the impacts of COVID-19.
* Worked with providers to expand telemedicine capacity to delay elective surgeries
* Launched HelpColoradoNow.org, the State of Colorado’s COVID-19 volunteer response effort,
* Launched the Colorado COVID-19 Relief Fund to marshal private funds to pay for prevention, impact, and recovery
* Encouraged Coloradans to give blood, as blood banks around the state are reporting a severe drop in donations due to misguided fears about coronavirus.
* Established a system of emergency child care for emergency workers so that they can have peace of mind that their children are safe and being cared for while they are heroically engaging with the crisis at hand.
* Banned gatherings of more than 10 people, and encouraged Coloradans to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing.
* Temporarily suspended elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures through April 14th to preserve important medical equipment for COVID-19 response.
* Re-opened enrollment on the state’s health exchange until April 3rd for uninsured Coloradans and workers who recently lost their jobs and their health coverage.
* Sent letter to federal delegation outlining key steps that the federal government should take to relieve families of economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic and response.
* Issued executive action to expedite unemployment insurance payments to families impacted by COVID-19.
* Issued executive action asking financial institutions to provide temporary relief from debts including mortgages, credit card payments, student debt, and others.
* Issued executive action asking landlords and property owners to provide temporary relief to tenants and renters impacted by COVID-19.
* Extended deadline for payment of state income taxes by 90 days.
* Established the Governor’s Emergency Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth to advise Governor’s economic response to COVID-19.
* Established the Governor’s Innovation Response Team to:
* Develop alternative sources for critical medical supplies, including local manufacturers and alternative supply chains;
* Develop a statewide system for mass testing and rapid results so we can more quickly return to a level of normalcy;
* Develop mobile and other technologies to help track the spread of the virus and support infected citizens; and
* Create a suite of services for citizens under isolation or quarantine.
* Asked the President to declare a Major Disaster for the State of Colorado to give Colorado access to more federal resources to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Urged grocery stores to take proper steps to protect workers and shoppers, including establishing special hours for at-risk populations to shop.
* Issued a Stay-At-Home order for the State of Colorado from March 26 until April 11 -- with exceptions for essential activities -- to slow the spread of the virus.
* Cut red tape to allow restaurant workers to deliver food so bars and restaurants can continue to stay in business during the crisis.
* Secured a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Colorado to give Colorado access to more federal resources to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Sent a letter to Vice President Pence with requests for additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to address severe shortage in Colorado that is leaving doctors, nurses, and other health care workers vulnerable to infection
* Extended enrollment on the state’s health exchange until April 30th for uninsured Coloradans and workers who recently lost their jobs and their health coverage.
* Extended closure of all Colorado schools until April 30th to continue efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
* Issued an executive order expanding the use of telehealth services so patients can still have access to their health care providers without having to physically visit the provider.
* Extended deadline for businesses to pay sales tax until May 20 to help retailers that are facing shortfalls because of disruptions in commerce caused by coronavirus.
* Extended deadline for property owners to pay property taxes until May 1 due to potential loss of revenue from tenants being unable to pay rent
* Recommended that all Coloradans wear cloth face coverings or masks when leaving home in order to reduce the spread of the virus.


** Best Practices
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The best thing you can do right now is encourage your family and friends to stay home. This will help reduce the spread. Also, practice good hygiene and social distancing in order to keep yourself and others safe -- especially vulnerable populations like older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions:
* Stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to leave your home.
* If you do have to leave your home, wear a cloth face covering or a mask.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
+ If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
* If someone at your home is sick, avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home. After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
* Choose a separate room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms as needed when someone is sick. All of these ways of preventing the spread of CO-VID 19 are also effective in preventing the transmission of the flu or seasonal colds. Smart hygiene practices make us all healthier.

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Copyright © 2019 Office of Governor Jared Polis, All rights reserved.

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Office of Governor Jared Polis
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