Thread by @DenverChannel

Gov. Polis and officials from the Colorado National Guard, CDPHE and Gunnison Public Health are providing an update on COVID-19. Watch live: thedenverchannel.com/live2

Polis is talking about vaccines and the distribution plans. He reminds Coloradans that even though we’re getting closer, doesn’t mean we’re in the clear immediately. Will need to wear masks, social distance, etc. for some time still.

Polis talks about the dry run of the vaccine plan Tuesday and says Colorado is ready. Expecting 46,800 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and anticipate 95,600 doses of the Modena vaccine when it’s approved.

Polis turns it over to the #COVID19 Incident Commander with CDPHE, Scott Bookman. He discusses that the state has come a long way in the matter of testing. Now capable of 50,000 tests a day. The state has also done a lot of work in getting more PPE.

Bookman is discussing the below timeline on Colorado receiving vaccines. He reminds that this is dependent on the supply chain and the amount of doses given to the state by the federal government.

Bookman said the two vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna, require two doses, second dose on day 21 and 28, respectively, and both have around a 95% efficacy.

Deploying the vaccine is the newest challenge to public health and the pandemic. They’ve created a joint task force with EOC, National Guard, CDPHE, etc to ensure they have the tools in place.

Now, Joni Reynolds, the Gunnison Public Health Director, is speaking. She says they’re sharing the work happening at a community level. She mentions vaccine doses will be limited in the beginning.

Back to Bookman, who’s now discussing the phased distribution plan. The first phase will go to high-risk health care workers, longterm care facility staff and residents. The general public, healthy people 18-64, is part of the last phase, likely taking place in the summer.

The state has identified places across the state to store, monitor and handle the vaccines. They were chosen based on their abilities to do the above and their willingness. Bookman reiterated that early doses will be very limited.

Bookman said after the week of Dec. 21 (when we’d likely get a Moderna shipment, if approved), the state anticipates receive vaccine shipments weekly.

The state has set up a hotline, 1-877-462-2911 or COVID.Colorado.gov/vaccine to help the public navigate the vaccination plan. It also shows details on providers and people can ask questions using those resources.

Gov. Polis speaking again. Polis says this is something positive to look forward to. Colorado represents 1.69% of the population and we’ll get 1.69% of vaccine doses. Says this is the gateway to the end of the pandemic and the return to normalcy, but we’re not there just yet.

Onto the Q&A, with the first about how we’re keeping vaccines secure. Bookman said there’s eight secure sites across the state. They’re not releasing where, but law enforcement knows and they have plans in place for security.

The next question and follow-up question are regarding the governors response to people who are incarcerated won’t get it first. Polis said everyone is treated fairly. If at risk, regardless of where your lives, you’ll get your turn based on where you fall in the phased plan.

He also mentions corrections workers are considered first responders and would receive the vaccine based on where that falls on the phased plan.

The next question is regarding education on the vaccine and where children stand. At this time, Polis says it will be reserved for those 18+

Polis continues regarding vaccine acceptance and says we’ve learned for early days that schools are a safe place to be and there’s a low incidence in schools. Hoping kids return to school in January.

Reynolds also says they’re working health care providers and they’re trusted to talk with patients about what’s best. They’re also offering community forums, including Q&A.

Another question regarding if the vaccine will be required for inpatient health care workers. Polis said hospitals and providers have their own rules and policies, but the priority will be first to people on the COVID-19 wards.

The next question is regarding educators and child care providers in phase 2 of the distribution plan and if there’s any prioritization within the phase. Polis reiterates schools are a very safe place, says, for instance, teachers 65+ would receive a priority.

Polis also says it’s important to note that immunity doesn’t happen immediately. Have to get one shot, then a second. He says a high immunity is not likely until early July.

The next question is why people in congregate living aren’t prioritized. Polis said the prioritization is based on the most vulnerable people. So, the path they’re taking is to protect those who are more likely to lose their lives to the virus.

The next question is about Mesa County and their Five-Star criteria in regards to restrictions on indoor dining. Polis said there’s a draft guidance that became available last week and they’ve received hundreds of comments they’re going through. Says he’s excited to figure it out

Polis says they’re working with counties who want to have a state framework to operate in a reasonably safe way for indoor dining. With that, he wraps up the press conference.

STORY: Colorado expects to receive its doses of the Pfizer vaccine next week and more doses of the Moderna vaccine the week of Christmas. This is how the state is dividing up who will get the COVID-19 vaccine and when: bit.ly/2W0xRMA #covid19Colorado