DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis and Dr. Eric France, Colorado’s Chief Medical Officer, provided an update on the pandemic, including the CDC’s updated guidance on quarantining and isolation and an overview of the state’s free, community COVID-19 testing locations.
“Colorado, we’ve come a long way this year, from the initial rollout of the vaccine to having one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, and leading the way as one of the top ten states for third doses. Bravo, Colorado and thank you for doing your part,” said Governor Polis. “As we head into 2022, I encourage everyone to get their third dose, test regularly, and most of all, get the vaccine if you remain unvaccinated.”
On Tuesday, CDPHE received updated guidance to match new recommendations from the CDC regarding COVID-19 isolation and quarantine for health care workers and the general public. Dr. France provided an update on how Coloradans should follow these new guidelines.
“These recommendations align nicely with the change in biology and the changing infectiousness of this Omicron variant,” said Dr. France, Colorado’s Chief Medical Officer. “Also, they are very important for us as we all know we have staffing challenges across all areas of our economy, and having folks be able to return back to work because they are feeling better means that they are back helping all of us with the day-to-day work that needs to be done.”
This updated guidance reduces the recommended time in isolation for those in the general population with COVID-19 from 10 to five days, if asymptomatic on day five, followed by an additional five days wearing a mask when around others. This change is based on data showing that the majority of COVID-19 transmission occurs early in the course of illness.
People who live or work in residential or congregate living settings should continue to follow the isolation and quarantine guidance for their setting to mitigate the risk of transmission within the facility.
Regular testing for COVID-19 is important as more and more Coloradans travel for the holidays. If you are experiencing any symptoms or if you believe you have been exposed, you should get tested. There are more than 150 community testing sites across the state that offer quick, free, and easy testing. A list of all these sites can be found at: covid19.colorado.gov/testing.
Colorado is also now offering dual community vaccination and testing sites. These sites are open and available to Coloradans at:
Commerce City - Dick's Sporting Goods Park - 6000 Victory Way, Lot H
- 7 days a week, 8am-6pm. Closed on New Years Day
- Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm
- Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm
- Thursday-Sunday, 8am-7pm
- 7 Days a week (closed Jan 1st), 9am-7pm
For schools who haven’t signed up but would like to, please visit www.cde.state.co.us/safeschools/masks-coloradoschools and fill out the form to sign up.
View today’s press conference and see frequently asked questions regarding the omicron variant.
Original source can be found here
