COLORADO — Coloradans will need to stay at home until at least April 26 - that's the latest order from Governor Jared Polis, who made the announcement from the Governor's mansion Monday night.
Polis' address outlined the progress being made from Coloradans changing their behaviors in the last few weeks. Most notably, the rate in which COVID-19 cases are doubling in the state. The Governor announced cases are doubling every six days, a change from doubling every 1.5 days when the virus began its spread in the state.
"These closures and restrictions will be temporary, but when you lose a life you lose it forever," said Polis, the Governor focused heavily on how the virus is impacting the well-being of Coloradans, reiterating the difficulty on everyone's lives in the state.
The message resonating with Senator Pete Lee (D- El Paso County), "It all seems to be pretty grim but now we seem to be reaching a point where they're bending the curve or flattening the curve."
While the Governor announced the upward trajectory of the spread, some lawmakers are raising concerns over the amount of data and modeling being provided to the public.
Colorado House Republicans sent the Governor a letter Monday asking for more transparency when it comes to the modeling and data of the virus. It's something lawmakers like Rep. Lois Landgraf (Fountain-R), who signed the letter says will help people in better understanding the impact of the virus.
"We haven't been really hearing those numbers and we still don't know where they're coming from," said Landgraf.
The state recently released additional data and modeling informationover the weekend. House Republicans say there's more transparency needed during this time.
Republican state Senator Paul Lundeen (Monument-R) agrees more modeling and data should be released, Senate Republicans have not sent a formal letter.
"In the next days and the next weeks we're going to need to pivot, and start paying attention to the second crisis that's happening and that's the jobs crisis," said Lundeen.
The Governor's remarks Monday brought some hope to lawmakers as well, learning about the progress and compliance of Coloradans.
"We're hearing good news and I think that falls on the healthcare workers who are doing the work, and the people of Colorado who are choosing to be responsible," said Lundeen.
