Denver Mayor Announces Requirement for Residents to Stay at Home
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced a new public health order that requires Denver residents to stay at home starting 5 p.m., Tuesday, and lasting through April 10 and longer if necessary. Residents will be allowed to leave their homes to shop for essential needs, such as groceries and medications, exercise and go to work if their job qualifies for an exemption, although they are encouraged to practice social distancing under all circumstances. Read the full public health order including all business exemptions here.
Governor Seeks Private Sector Solutions to COVID
Gov. Polis announced Sunday the launch of the Innovation Response Team (IRT) Task Force, an effort to develop innovative ways to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The task force is seeking partnerships with the private sector to help with its efforts. You can learn more about how to partner with the Task Force at HelpColoradoNow.org.
The IRT, under the interim leadership of Matt Blumberg, a technology entrepreneur and founder of Return Path email software in Broomfield, is tasked with:
- Developing a statewide system for mass testing and rapid results.
- Developing mobile and other technologies to help track the virus spread and support infected citizens.
- Creating a suite of services for citizens under isolation or quarantine.
- Developing locally sourced alternatives to secure critical medical supplies.
IRT leadership also includes:
- Sarah Tuneburg, CEO of Geospezia, who will eventually lead the team
- Brad Feld, a Boulder-based venture capitalist, who will chair the IRT’s Private Sector Task Force and coordinate private-sector volunteer activities in manufacturing, telemedicine and at-home service delivery.
- Noel Ginsburg, a member of the Chamber Board of Directors and CEO of Careerwise, who has committed to using his network and companies to start manufacturing personal protective equipment in Colorado.
Again, if you are a private sector company who wants to partner with the IRT, visit HelpColoradoNow.org.
Governor Issues New Guidance on Social Distancing
Gov. Polis released new guidance on social distancing Sunday, as part of a newly released Executive Order to reduce the in-person workforce by at least 50% by Tuesday, March 24.
The order urges Coloradans to stay home except:
- To obtain necessary services or supplies.
- To deliver those services or supplies to others who need assistance.
- To engage in outdoor recreational activities while still following social distancing protocols, staying 6 feet away from other parties.
- To perform work.
- To care for a family member, vulnerable person or pet in another household, or to care for livestock kept at a location other than an individual’s home.
The order also asks people to try to limit essential activities outside of the home, such as grocery shopping, as much as possible.
For more information, please read our blog on the reduction in the in-person workforce, the Public Health Order, the full announcement or the FAQs.
Federal Stimulus Package Still Being Negotiated
Lawmakers in Washington are still working to approve a $1.8 trillion stimulus package after it was initially voted down Sunday. The package would be the largest in history. Democrats are seeking more transparency in knowing what companies and industries receive loans and how they use the funds. Negotiations are continuing today.
We continue to work through our partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and elected officials to advocate for Colorado’s interests. Read the latest coverage of the stimulus package in The New York Times.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.