Gov. Polis Provides Update on Colorado’s COVID-19 Response & Vaccination Progress

DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the State’s efforts to vaccinate Coloradans. Governor Polis was joined by Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist at the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, who provided an update on the State’s modeling.  

“We are working hard to accelerate our vaccine administration. Every week, Colorado is exhausting our federal vaccine supply and getting as many shots into arms as we have. Right now, the main limiting factor that is preventing Colorado from vaccinating more people is a lack of vaccines from the federal government. Today, I joined a call between the National Governors Association and members of the Biden administration, and the Biden administration indicated that supplies would increase 16% next week and remain stable at that level for two additional weeks. Colorado is ready and able to get the vaccine distributed across our beautiful state,” said Governor Polis. “The virus will continue to be with us so we can’t let up and we must continue to do what we know works - take precaution around everyone, continue to practice physical distancing, avoid gatherings, and wear masks in public.”

85% of Phase 1A has received one dose of the vaccine and 73% of that group has received both doses. 97% of skilled nursing facilities have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The Polis administration remains focused on vaccinating 70% of Coloradans 70 and older by the end of February. This age group represents more than 3/4 of the deaths in Colorado, and vaccinating them quickly will help save lives.

Dr. Rachel Herlihy provided an update on the state’s modeling. 1 in 115 Coloradans is contagious with COVID-19. 

“Colorado’s COVID-19 hospitalization rates are much lower overall in comparison to the rest of the U.S. If we can maintain our current level of transmission control, that is the best way to limit the impact of COVID and prevent hospitalizations and deaths,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist at CDPHE. 

Governor Polis discussed UC Health’s successful mass vaccination clinic at Coors Field this past weekend. UCHealth vaccinated 1,000 Coloradans ages 70 and up. Those interested in getting a vaccine at Coors Field through UC Health must sign up in advance, as walk-ups are not allowed. Coloradans do not have to be a member of UCHealth to get the vaccine. For more information, please visit www.uchealth.org/covidvaccine to sign up. 

Governor Polis also provided an update on Colorado’s efforts to ensure equitable vaccine distribution. This month alone, the State has put together multiple drive-thru clinics across Colorado that have vaccinated hundreds of Coloradans 70 and older. Colorado has partnered with Valley Wide Health to vaccinate people in Center and San Luis. The State has also worked with Ministerial Alliance and Zion Baptist Church in Denver’s Whitter neighborhood and the Church of God in Christ in Aurora. La Plata County also organized a vaccine drive to reach Coloradans on the Western Slope.  The Governor pointed out that the state will work to connect with more community organizations across our state - like churches, workplaces, schools and more - to set up events just like these ones previously described. 

View today’s modeling presentation and press conference.