Gov. Polis gives update on COVID-19 in Colorado, Jan. 8
COLORADO (KRDO) -- In an update to the state's ongoing response to COVID-19 Friday, Governor Jared Polis announced plans to vaccinate 70% of Coloradans age 70 and older before the end of February.
"That’s based on our current understanding of supply, about 70,000 vaccines a week from Moderna and Pfizer," Polis said.
Polis said he is considering other options as well, which might help speed-up the process.
FDA approval of two more vaccines could be announced soon. Another solution would be to split the current vaccines into smaller doses to increase supply.
A third option, according to Polis, relies on the incoming Biden Administration's plan to release all doses to states before February.
"If the states are forwarded all the vaccine, we could then increase the number of people getting their first vaccine. But, the trade off is, we don’t have that guaranteed supply when they come for their second vaccine."
State Epidemiologist, Dr. Rachel Herlihy, also pointed to new data Friday, indicating an early spike in cases following the Christmas holiday. However, she said impacts from any New Year's gatherings would not be available for at least another week.
Data also indicates hospitalizations statewide are trending down from recent peaks, but still remain high. Colorado continues to see an increased level of community spread of the virus, with 1 in 105 Coloradans currently contagious.
Watch the full news briefing below:
