Press Release

State officials discourage open burning during COVID-19 response

Denver (March 24): Officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) urge Coloradans not to engage in open burning activities during the current COVID-19 response.

The COVID-19 virus poses a particular threat to individuals with a history of heart or respiratory illness. Smoke from open burns could put a strain on already vulnerable populations. “Open burning” is any fire outdoors where smoke is released directly into the open air without first passing through a chimney or smokestack. 

State health department issues public health order reducing in-person work and increasing social distancing

In order to protect public health and safety and slow the spread of COVID-19, this public health order increases social distancing and identifies critical workplaces that are exempt to make sure Colorado can provide goods and services to its people during the COVID-19 response.

State health department amends ‘social distancing’ public health order. State provides further guidance on public health orders. 

DENVER, March 21, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) amended its statewide public health order on social distancing. The public health order limits gatherings to 10 or fewer people.

State health department closes in-person vital record services. Phone and online services still available

People seeking certified copies of birth and death certificates can continue to submit their orders online or over the phone. Those who need to submit a request to correct/amend a birth or death record must submit their request via mail. All certified copies that are requested will be mailed. The public will not be able to pick up records until further notified.

Colorado welcomes home 39 Colorado passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship

DENVER, March 20, 2020: The State of Colorado is welcoming home 39 cruise ship passengers who have been under U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) quarantine since their ship docked in California on March 9. 

As requested by Governor Jared Polis in a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, all passengers returning to Colorado are asymptomatic at the time of travel. If passengers were symptomatic in any way, they remain in federal care and will not be returning to Colorado at this time.

State health department calls on people, especially those who think they might have the illness, to self-isolate; close contacts of sick people should self-quarantine

"Even people who feel mild illness, and aren’t sure, should follow self-isolation orders, and their contacts should follow self-quarantine orders."