Thread by @chrisvanderveen

BREAKING -- @GovofCO announces statewide mask mandate for public, indoor spaces in Colorado.

Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, says we are seeing an acceleration of case growth.

Says we are seeing "some pretty rapid acceleration" in hospitalizations too.

Dr. Herlihy is painting a bit of a dire forecast here, folks.

Says state has potential to exceed ICU bed capacity in September.

(don't shoot the messenger BTW)

Here's HOSPITALIZATIONS for today:

7/16: 260 COVID+ Patients
7/9: 202

ALSO

@GovofCO issues two week pause on any new variances for counties in Colorado

(this is a big deal too)

Here you go

And here's order:

"We're going to monitor the data very closely" says Polis

Here's where you can go to do the same:

covid19.colorado.gov/data/case-data

Here's the deal folks...

No one is pretending that masks will STOP the spread.

The virus will still spread... Statewide...

But the Governor made it clear today, the decision is, once again, being made to avoid capacity problems.

Also here:

@MayorHancock and @AuroraMayorMike

"We need to slow down and do the right thing. That means taking action like this," says Mayor Hancock.

Here's Mike Coffman

Says mask mandate critical to keeping businesses and schools open.

"This really is the least invasive approach" available to us, says Mayor Coffman.