Gov. Polis, Health Care Providers Provide Update on State's COVID-19 Response, Vaccine Administration

Statement

Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing mass vaccination process. Governor Polis was also joined by Peter D. Banko, President & CEO Centura Health; Dr. Richard Zane, Chief Innovation Officer, UC Health and Chair of Emergency Medicine, CU School of Medicine; and John Santistevan, President & CEO, Salud Family Health Centers.

"Right now, our top priority is to continue to be a national leader in ensuring vaccines are being rapidly distributed and put into the arms of as many Coloradans as possible," said Governor Polis. "Partnerships with healthcare providers across the state, including those who joined us today, are one highly effective way Colorado will be able to vaccinate all Coloradans and finally beat this crisis. Every day, we are vaccinating more and more people age 70 and up and making notable progress towards ending the pandemic and returning to a normal way of life. But until the vaccine is widely distributed, we all must make an even greater effort to practice good social distancing including wearing masks and staying six feet away from others. We can end this, but to do that as quickly as possible, we must all stay committed in this fight."

"Thank you, Governor Polis for your leadership during this time. Health systems including Centura Health are ready and capable of scaling our operations to vaccinate all those who need a vaccine. We are thrilled to partner with the State and other health providers to make mass vaccination possible across Colorado, " said Peter D. Banko, President & CEO Centura Health.

"We are beyond proud to vaccinate Colorado and we are prepared to do so. We are ready to put COVID-19 in our rearview mirror," said Dr. Richard Zane, UCHealth Chief Innovation Officer and Chair of Emergency Medicine at the CU School of Medicine.

"We are stepping up to vaccinate as many people as possible as we can in the communities we serve. We will continue to be there for the state of Colorado and look forward to helping out in any way we can," said John Santistevan, President & CEO Salud Family Health Centers.

Colorado is currently expecting around 70,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses every week through January from the federal government. But the number of doses allocated to the state can change depending on what the federal government is able to provide Colorado during a given week. However, even with this uncertainty, one of the state's top priorities is to vaccinate 70% of Coloradans ages 70 years and older by February 28.

Governor Polis provided an update on a recent mass vaccination clinic held at Zion Baptist Church in the Whittier neighborhood. At Zion Baptist Church, 150 congregates ages 70 and older were vaccinated. Colorado will continue to search for similar venues like Zion Baptist Church so that Coloradans who might not have access to a medical facility can still get the vaccine.

Governor Polis also amended and extended an Executive Order related to licensure requirements. The amendment removes permit and certification expiration date extensions that are no longer necessary.

View today's presentation and press conference.

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