COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (KKTV) – Colorado has reached a new milestone in the coronavirus pandemic. There are now more than 40,000 confirmed cases across the state.
On Sunday, Governor Jared Polis discussed the state’s response to the July increase in ABC’s “This Week.”
Polis spoke to host Martha Raddatz about her decision to issue a statewide mask mandate after initially expressing doubts about the app.
“We just found out that they work,” Polis said. “Areas that had mask requirements in our state had 15 to 20 percent more mask use and less spread of the virus. So looking at that data, wanting to keep the economy open, to maximize the ability to return to school in the safest way possible for teachers and students, the mask mandate was really an easy decision, after see that data.
Local health experts in Colorado Springs have emphasized the importance of wearing face covers in public spaces before.
“When you go into a business, wearing a mask is the most important thing, beyond spending your money, to keep that business open,” said Dr. Leon Kelly, deputy chief medical officer for El Paso County Public Health. “To keep the people who work in that business on the job so they can earn a salary to support their family.”
The El Paso County Department of Public Health says that wearing masks, combined with social distancing and good hygiene practices are key.
“If we don’t change the trajectory now that we’ve been in the last week, the only option left on the table is to close those businesses,” said Dr. Kelly.
Data from the county health department shows that virus transmission levels are “high.” The incidence rate is 123.39 as of Sunday, July 19. Track the number of new cases per 100,000 people within a 14-day period. The health department classifies rates at different levels: low, medium, and high. An incidence rate of 100 or more is considered “high”. It is an indicator that there is a higher level of transmission within the community.
The El Paso County Department of Public Health also says the number of hospitalizations is increasing. Department Director Susan Wheelan told county commissioners at a recent board meeting that UCHealth had reported that they could reach capacity if we continue at this rate.
According to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, only one hospital in the state anticipates an ICU bed shortage within the next week. Current hospitalizations in the state are at a lower level than in April, but are starting to climb once again.
Research models predict that Colorado will exceed ICU capacity in early September if more of the population does not distance themselves socially or wear masks. Hospitalizations have been increasing the state since the end of June, while social distancing has decreased since May, according to CDPHE. The main state health experts predict that we will not reach our hospital capacity if 65% of the population practice social distancing. They calculate that only 40% are socially estranged now.
Hospitals in Colorado are observing other states with larger outbreaks that run out of rooms and resources.
“It is putting a strain on your health systems,” said Dr. Connie Price, medical director of the Denver Medical Center for Health.
Dr. Price says that the increase we are seeing at this rate is not sustainable in the long term.
“We are very concerned,” said Dr. Price. “We are preparing and we are preparing to do what we have to do to accommodate another wave.”
A mandatory mask order in Colorado requires anyone 11 years of age and older to cover their nose and mouth:
The order requires people in Colorado over the age of 11 to cover their nose and mouth:
- When entering or moving inside any interior public space.
- While using or waiting to use public transportation services (buses, light rail) or non-personal (taxis, car services, carpooling).
People do no they need to wear a mask when they are:
- Hearing impaired or disabled or communicating with someone with a hearing impairment or disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
- Sitting in a food service establishment.
- Exercising alone or with other people in the individual’s home, and covering his face would interfere with the activity.
- Receive a personal service where temporary removal of the facial covering is necessary to perform the service.
- When you enter a business or receive services and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes.
- They are actively involved in a public safety function, such as law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel.
- Officiating in a religious service.
- Giving a speech for the broadcast or an audience.
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