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Gov. Polis orders ski resorts to close for one week

Posted at 4:23 AM, Mar 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-15 06:23:57-04

COLORADO — Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order Saturday evening to close all Colorado ski resorts for one week in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Never would I have believed that a global pandemic would force the temporary closure of our world-class ski resorts." Polis said in a statement, "I have been skiing since I was four years old. Our family has had a place in Vail for three decades. And, like so many Colorado families, we were planning a ski trip with our kids over their spring break next weekend. Beyond being a major part of our way of life, skiing supports our workers and businesses."

The order comes after several resorts and companies, including Vail Resorts announced temporary closures of its resorts on Saturday.

Polis says he will monitor the course of COVID-19 in the state and could amend the order.

"For those of us who treasure living our lives outdoors, sacrificing our fun is the easier part; but for those who depend on employment in our Colorado high country, the uncertainty of how long they will be out of a job is terrifying. It is with a profound sense of pain and grim responsibility that I take the agonizing action that this moment demands. I take solace in knowing that while we will be temporarily closed for business, we will be saving the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands of Coloradans in the days and weeks ahead.” said Polis.