DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Polis was joined by Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, and Incident Commander Scott Bookman.
“We hit an amazing accomplishment in the fight against COVID-19 yesterday by reaching 80% of adults vaccinated across Colorado with at least one dose of the lifesaving and free COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Polis. “But this milestone is nowhere near signaling that COVID-19 is over. Instead, Colorado is in the middle of record COVID-19 case transmission levels and close to record hospitalization rates largely coming from the unvaccinated minority in our state, who make up the vast majority of hospitalizations in all age groups. Currently, 1 out of every 51 Coloradans is infected with the virus. It's critical now that every Coloradan takes advantage of every tool available to slow and stop the spread of COVID, with the most effective tool being the vaccine.”
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, provided an overview of the current hospitalization and COVID-19 case rates across the state.
“Over the last few days, we have seen an increase in hospitalizations across the state. As of today, we have 1,847 Coloradans hospitalized,” said Dr. Herlihy. “That is the highest number we have seen in Colorado this year. Given these numbers, it’s critical that unvaccinated Coloradans get vaccinated to drive down hospitalizations and slow the spread of COVID.”
Governor Polis reminded Coloradans that booster does for fully vaccinated Coloradans also play an important role in slowing and stopping the spread of COVID by providing an additional layer of immunity. Coloradans who work around others are at a heightened risk of contracting the virus and should get their booster as soon as they are six months past their second dose or two months if they received Johnson and Johnson. Coloradans can receive any of the approved boosters as the CDC approved a mix and match approach, meaning you don’t need to get the same COVID-19 vaccine as your booster despite what you received as your original vaccine.
Incident Commander Scott Bookman provided an overview of how monoclonal antibody treatments play an important part in the fight against COVID if you are eligible to receive the treatment.
“We continue to see the pandemic of the unvaccinated in our hospitals. The most important thing people can do to prevent hospitalizations is getting the vaccine,” said Scott Bookman, Incident Commander. “But we are also learning that monoclonal antibodies play an important role in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations. Colorado is working hard to increase access to monoclonal treatment across the state, with 161 providers already enrolled to provide this treatment.”
In order to receive monoclonal antibody treatment, the first step is finding out if you have COVID-19 or not. COVID-19 testing continues to be critical in identifying cases and slowing the spread of COVID-19. Those who are eligible for monoclonal treatments also have to meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Adult or pediatric patients (at least 12 years of age)
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Have tested positive for COVID-19
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Are experiencing mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19 prior to hospitalization
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Experienced your first symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 10 days
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Are at high risk of having more serious symptoms of COVID-19 and/or going into the hospital, including having an underlying medical condition
To find a monoclonal treatment site near you visit:
covid19.colorado.gov/for-
Additionally, Colorado continues to offer free, readily available testing sites across the state. To find a testing site near you, visit: covid19.colorado.gov/testing.
The state of Colorado is also planning several clinics to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 once the COVID-19 vaccine is fully approved by the CDC, which is expected at any moment. Once fully federally approved, entire families can accompany their children at these clinics to receive their COVID-19 booster, first or second dose, or even their flu shot. Additional details about these clinics will be made available once the CDC signs off on the vaccine for children.
View today’s press conference.