DENVER — Today, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order amending and extending the current COVID-19 disaster declaration that includes RSV, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses. The disaster declaration allows agencies to continue to access state and federal funding for recovery efforts, to rapidly respond to changes in the public health environment, and to support the healthcare system to remain appropriately staffed and prepared to respond to public health. The amendments expand the scope of practice for medical professionals to allow for additional flexibility to treat patients and to make beds and providers available to treat pediatric patients.

The Governor also issued an Executive Order rescinding two prior Executive Orders on the Governor’s Advisory Committee for Cooperation and Implementation. The Committee, first created in April 2020, advised the Governor and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) on coordinating and harmonizing policies and rules related to COVID-19. The Governor appointed members in May 2020, the Committee met throughout 2020 and 2021, and it provided agencies with insight and guidance regarding the strategic implementation of the State's COVID-19 response. The Committee achieved its mission.