This Is What The State Of Emergency In Colorado Means To You

DENVER (CBS4)- On Tuesday morning, Gov. Jared Polis declared a State of Emergency in Colorado because of coronavirus. That declaration means that the state has access to certain resources that typically wouldn't be available.

"In order to contain the spread of coronavirus, to protect our most vulnerable populations, and to maximize our chances to avoid widespread disruption to the daily lives of Coloradans and our economy, I am declaring a State of Emergency here in Colorado," said Polis.

"You might ask, 'Why this declaration?' What it does is gives us access to resources and more legal flexibility to take steps now to protect the most vulnerable and better contain the outbreak... reducing the chances of the trajectory incurred in countries like Italy from occurring here in Colorado."

As of Tuesday, there are 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado. There are "presumptive" positive cases in Denver, Douglas County, Eagle County, El Paso County, Summit County, Larimer County, Gunnison County and Arapahoe County. Those cases are considered presumptive until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention verifies the results.

The State of Emergency provides access to resources, legal flexibility, protection for our must vulnerable communities and to better contain the outbreak, according to the Colorado Office of Emergency Management.

"Declaring a State of Emergency does not mean that Colorado isn't open for business or recreation or tourism. We are. Nor should this declaration cause more anxiety or panic. In fact, quite the opposite. We hope that these actions provide reassurance that we are aware of the risk and taking every reasonable step that we can to contain the spread of the virus and protect our most vulnerable," said Polis.

RELATED: Latest Updates On The Coronavirus Outbreak In Colorado

Polis also said with the State of Emergency, there will be changes that will help prevent the spread of the virus and also inspire confidence in both tourists and Coloradans that the state is minimizing the risk across the state in those professions that have contact with a lot of people from many different regions, which include hotel staff, wait staff, health care personnel and child care personnel. He is asking the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to offer paid sick time for people working in those professions.

Polis also said he is putting pressure on the federal government to make more tests for coronavirus available to expand testing in Colorado.

Additional Information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

• Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer; use your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home if you're sick; keep your children home if they are sick. The illness can last for many days so make preparations now to work from home if possible.
• We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency-- like a large snowstorm-- and have a plan for your family. Make sure to have 72 hours of key supplies on hand like medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc. FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness is available on Ready.gov.
• Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.