February 2021 VACCINE UPDATE Today, Governor Polis provided an update on the State’s COVID-19 response and vaccine supply coming into our state. As of this morning, Colorado has administered: 616,066 first doses 271,104 second doses To date, we have vaccinated: 302,338 Coloradans 70 and older This number brings us 77% of the way toward our goal of vaccinating 70% of this group by the end of the month. 35,618 Coloradans 65-69 This number brings us 22% of the way toward our goal of vaccinating 55% of this group by the first week of March. Earlier this week, the Biden administration informed us that Colorado would receive an extra 9,000 vaccines over the next three weeks, and the administration announced yesterday that the U.S. would have enough doses to vaccinate 300 million Americans by the end of the summer. This is great news for Colorado and the entire country. The State will provide more information on vaccine timing as soon as we get it from the Biden administration. BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY Today Governor Polis addressed the tragic deaths in Colorado’s backcountry -- particularly as more Coloradans head into the mountains for ski season. Last week alone, we lost four Coloradans, and eight total this year have lost their lives in avalanches this season. Nationally, between January 30 and February 7, there have been 15 confirmed fatalities from avalanches, the most avalanche-related fatalities in a seven-day period since 1910. With each season, we see the different impacts of climate change on our communities. A dry fall season and cold temperatures are causing an exceptionally weak snowpack, creating dangerous conditions and making it much easier for someone to trigger an avalanche. This is the time of year when we see some of our best snowfall up in the mountains -- but it’s critical that every Coloradan take additional safety measures before they head into the backcountry -- even if you are experienced in backcountry recreation. Please be sure to check the avalanche forecast and be prepared to change your plans if your route is closed, crowded, or conditions are unsafe -- and please don’t go out unless you have the proper safety equipment, such as: An avalanche rescue transceiver Probe Shovel Extra warm layers For more information on backcountry winter safety, visit Colorado.com/WinterBackcountrySafety. For avalanche forecasts and warnings, visit Avalanche.state.co.us. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Governor is committed to helping Colorado build back even stronger than before the pandemic, which is why he looks forward to working with legislators to jumpstart our economy and make strategic investments that will benefit our state now and long into the future. With one-time strategic investments, we can jumpstart our small and minority-owned businesses, modernize broadband, so all Coloradans have access, make communities across the state more liveable and more enjoyable by reinvesting in Colorado’s main streets and make Colorado’s parks system the envy of the nation, attracting tourists from at home and abroad. These proposals have a high economic multiplier -- meaning they are likely to create jobs, contribute to the economy, and help the state build back stronger than before. WEEKEND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS With the long weekend ahead, it’s important to remember just how dangerous this virus can be. Governor Polis acknowledges that many people may want to spend time with family and friends or head up to the high country for some fresh powder. However, we cannot act like this public health crisis is behind us -- because it’s not. We must continue taking every precaution, including: Wearing masks Staying at least 6 feet away from others Limiting our social interactions to those within our own household The Governor is incredibly proud of the trajectory that Colorado is currently on. The State continues seeing improvements in our COVID trends, and that is thanks to your hard work! This hasn’t been easy, but you all have taken important steps to protect yourselves and your loved ones -- and now we have to keep it up! Every day more Coloradans are vaccinated. This, combined with our efforts to suppress transmission of the virus, means that we can continue safely opening our economy. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Visit Website Office of Governor Jared Polis | 136 State Capitol , Denver, CO 80203 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Customer Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]