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CENTENNIAL, Colo. (KDVR) — Gov. Jared Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order Wednesday afternoon. It went into effect 6 a.m. Thursday and will last until April 11.

Many Coloradans, including the vast majority of people in metro Denver, live in counties where stay-at-home orders have already been announced.

Polis said he is issuing the order to save Coloradans’ lives.

Polis’ order requires people to stay at home with some exceptions, including:

  • Getting groceries, food (including takeout) or essential household items
  • Getting medication or medical supplies
  • Getting medical care for a person or pet
  • Caring for vulnerable populations
  • Delivering food and supplies to others
  • Exercise (as long as social distancing is practiced)

In-person gatherings with people outside one’s residence are prohibited.

People can go to work if they provide essential products or services. Examples include health care workers, grocery store staff and some government employees (like first responders).

There are a number of other exceptions for certain industries, including some manufacturing, retail, finance, construction and media jobs.

All businesses that remain open must enforce social distancing practices.

Non-critical businesses are ordered to “to close temporarily, except as necessary to engage in minimum basic operations needed to protect assets and maintain personnel functions.”

Liquor and cannabis stores will remain open.

State parks will remain open, but areas conducive to public gathering (such as playgrounds and picnic areas) will close.

A spokesperson for the governor issued the following statement regarding enforcement:

“This order is an executive order, which means it’s the law of Colorado. It’s illegal to break the law. Residents who suspect that someone is violating the order should first contact their local public health agency to report any concerns. Residents may also file a report with the Attorney General’s Office at covid19@coag.gov if local law enforcement or a local public health agency is unresponsive. For more information about public health orders and how they are enforced click here.”