Today (3/27), Colorado Governor Jared Polis updated the press and Coloradoans via live broadcast with the latest coronavirus information. As of 3 pm today, he stated 1734 confirmed cases with 31 deaths. He talked about the need for medical supplies and ventilators, which are being shipped as supplies become available. See our next post on President’s Press Briefing today on that issue.
Governor Polis showed many slides on possible estimates on beds and deaths. In summary using the R03 estimate by government scientists on predicting the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Polis indicated 33,200 deaths would happen in Colorado by June 1 if no social distancing happens. With 40% social distancing, 26,000 deaths happens versus 60% distancing would yield 11,500 deaths in Colorado. Using the R03 yield curve estimate, 23,000 deaths would occur without any social distancing. With 40% distancing reduces deaths to 1,600 and 400 deaths using 60% distancing. He cautioned that the virus can last up to 3 days, thus important to do proper cleaning procedures to prevent the infection.
Regardless, still lots of deaths will happen, so the bottom line is practice social distancing and abide by Governor Polis’ ‘Stay at Home’ order until he says differently, unless you have an essential job.
He also said the faster Coloradoans practice his order, the faster we can all return to work. By using the proposed South Korean model, we can return to work faster and prevent any state lockdown as has been experienced in other countries. More testing is being done, but encourages many workers to telecommute or work at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Governor indicated the Federal Government will be sending checks to everyone for up to $1200 per individual, and $500 per person depending on the family size after President Trump’s 2.2 trillion dollar aid package was signed today. This will help the unemployed in Colorado.
Some critical facts the Governor related today: currently have 1,800 hospital beds, but need 5,000 more beds. We have 900 ventilators statewide, but need 7,000 more by June 1. More supplies are being shipped to Colorado to prevent or treat the contagion.
His final press briefing comments were to stay home and practice social distancing of 6 feet if you have to go outside for exercise, grocery shopping and other vital tasks. He said the economic loss to Coloradoans will be millions per day versus the cost of preventing or treating the coronavirus itself.
He thanked the many donors to the Help Colorado Now campaign, which has raised over $7 1/2 million to help many coronavirus victims and public health workers.
Stay Home and Healthy!