Firefighters are combating larger fires like Cameron Peak and the Mullen Fire with a heavy aviation response.
As we are in Colorado’s core wildfire season, the wildland-urban interface communities are particularly threatened by wildfires; current conditions include a lack of moisture, distressed vegetation, extreme fire weather (Red Flag warnings), and overgrown and beetle-killed forests. These conditions need only an ignition source for disaster to strike.
Colorado’s 20 largest wildfires have all occurred since 2000; four of the top five occurring since 2018, and 13 of the top 20 occurred in an 18 year period since 2000. In 2020 alone, the state has experienced the largest and third largest fires in our history.
If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath that could be associated with poor air quality, please get tested for COVID-19.
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Today, Governor Polis shared some very concerning news. Colorado last week recorded more than 1,000 cases of COVID-19 in one 24-hour period, the most since March. Today the state saw another day with more than 1,000 cases, and alarmingly, the positivity rate is above 5%. On September 4, there were 132 confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state and on October 12 there were 288.
The World Health Organization recommended in May that the positivity percentage remain below 5% for at least two weeks before governments consider reopening. If we are successful in bringing coronavirus transmission under control, this threshold might be lowered over time. In order to further relax social restrictions and allow very large gatherings or meetings of people traveling from many different areas, we would need to achieve a lower threshold.
We need to get this under control now because we are heading into a perfect storm this winter: flu season, holiday travel, and cold weather that keeps people indoors. And we know how to do it.
To prevent the transmission of COVID-19, we need to get back to the basics, which means Coloradans should continue to:
- Wear a mask;
- Social distance whenever possible;
- Wash your hands with soap regularly, and
- Keep social activities or interactions with others outside, and encourage those you love to follow these precautions as well.
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RESTAURANT INDUSTRY SUPPORT |
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The Governor was joined today by Sonia Riggs, President and CEO of Colorado’s Restaurant Association, Aileen Reilly, Owner of Beast + Bottle and Coperta, Alice Jackson, Xcel Energy Colorado President, to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry and how Coloradans can help their local restaurants thrive this winter.
Our economic health is closely tied to our public health, and supporting Colorado’s restaurants is key. As we all know, our restaurants have been among the hardest-hit industries during the pandemic. Unfortunately, some have had to permanently close their doors, and many more are struggling to stay open. While some have met the demand of increased takeout and delivery requests, consumer confidence is slow to return for indoor dining.
Our dining industry represents much more than just dollars and cents. Our restaurants are neighborhood institutions, cultural pillars, collective gathering places; they build community and they are part of our state’s rich cultural tapestry of different cuisines. And equally as important, they sustain livelihoods and support jobs. Each restaurant that closes means dozens of individuals lose their jobs, which means dozens of families and households are suddenly thrown into economic uncertainty and peril.
The Governor also announced that on October 19, there will be a virtual convening of architects, contractors, engineers, local public health and government officials, and restaurant leaders to discuss ways to creatively continue to provide an outdoor dining experience this winter.
Restaurants have developed innovative ways to create outdoor dining spaces over the last seven months. That’s why the Governor today encouraged city leaders and local government officials to begin thinking about ways to sustain safe outdoor dining throughout the winter months by utilizing things like fire pits, space heaters, and tenting. The Governor and his administration applaud municipalities who have already taken steps to help restaurants during this challenging time.
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Unfortunately, 65% of restaurants will consider permanently closing if nothing changes. However, expanded patio space has been a lifeline. The Patio Expansion Program gives restaurants a way to expand their capacity by creating additional seating, in addition to promoting engagement in takeout programs.
Restaurants have long been places where we celebrate major life events like accepting a new job or a marriage proposal, and restaurants have been hugely instrumental in giving back to the community by donating food to schools and supporting frontline workers.
Key partners like the Colorado Restaurant Association are continuing to work to support our restaurants and ensure that they remain a major hub for communities.
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XCEL ENERGY RESTAURANT RELIEF |
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Xcel Energy Foundation and Xcel Energy announced today that they will be committing an initial $500,000 to the Colorado Restaurant Association Foundation to help support local restaurants through the winter season. In addition to this donation, they are also committing to matching donations of $50,000, up to an additional $250,000, for every $500,000 that’s raised for the Colorado Restaurant Association Foundation. That’s a possible total contribution of $750,000 from the Xcel Energy Foundation and Xcel Energy. This is one of the single largest gifts the company has made in their history.
Coloradans can support their favorite restaurants by continuing to dine with them and also by donating at COOutdoorDining.org.
The state is grateful to Aileen Reilly, Sonia Riggs, and the thousands of resilient restaurant owners across our state who, in the face of enduring challenges, are doing everything they can to keep their businesses afloat, keep workers employed, advance local economies, and serve our communities.
Coloradans have already given so much during these trying times, and our state is better for it. Please continue to keep your local restaurants in mind -- there are plenty of outdoor dining options available in communities across the state, as well as quick and easy takeout options.
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