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Gov. Polis emphasizes need for social distancing ahead of Easter Sunday

The governor's remarks focused on what faith communities are doing to avoid large gatherings during Passover as well as this weekend's Easter holiday.

DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colorado) spent an hour-long news conference Wednesday outlining the continued need for Coloradans to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing this will reopen the state as soon as possible. 

A bulk of his prepared remarks focused on what faith communities are doing to avoid large gatherings during Passover as well as this weekend's Easter holiday. 

“This year, plans are going to look a little bit different than they have in recent years," Polis said, adding that his family's typical Passover gathering and Easter egg hunt will be done remotely. 

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Two days ago, Polis extended Colorado's stay-at-home order to April 26 -- four days before President Donald Trump's nationwide social distancing orders were scheduled to expire. 

Polis said the reason for the April 26 date is because, based on data, staying at home is "our best chance, our only realistic chance, to avoid a catastrophic loss of life, the death of thousands of our friends, neighbors and family members."

Wednesday's news conference included a statement from Rev. Amanda Henderson with the Interfaith Alliance. She discussed efforts by leaders of all faiths to hold services remotely or via drive-up. 

RELATED: Where to watch online Easter services across Colorado

“As you know, COVID-19 has changed everything and impacted every one of us, including faith communities," Henderson said. 

While taking questions from journalists, Polis said he would not address the fact FEMA denied Colorado's request for ventilators, but that Trump gave the state 100 of the devices by request of Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colorado). 

"I'm not here to do political analysis," Polis said, adding he was thankful ventilators were coming to the state at all. 

This was Polis' third live media appearance in three days. In addition to Monday's statewide address, he spoke to 9NEWS in an hour-long town hall that was broadcast on multiple TV and radio stations Tuesday night. 

RELATED: Gov. Polis extends statewide stay-at-home order to April 26

On Friday, Polis said in another news conference that Coloradans should wear masks when out in public.

RELATED: Gov. Polis asks Coloradans to wear face coverings when out in public

Polis first enacted a statewide stay-at-home order on Thursday, March 26.

Under the order, residents of Colorado are required to stay at home except for certain essential activities and to go to work only in critical businesses and services.

People at high-risk or people who are sick are urged to stay home at all times except to seek medical care.

All businesses except those defined as critical will temporarily close their facilities. The minimum basic operations to protect assets and maintain personnel functions are allowed. Employees can continue to work from home.

Businesses that are deemed critical, like grocery stores, may remain open but must comply with social distancing requirements.

All public and private gatherings are prohibited.

All travel is prohibited except for those listed below.

The state also released a FAQs document regarding the order, which can be viewed here:

RELATED: What you can and can't do under Colorado's stay-at-home order

The first confirmed COVID-19 case appeared in Colorado on March 5. Since then, more than 1,000 people have been hospitalized.

RELATED: Colorado coronavirus latest, April 8

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