Denver – Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement in support of the statewide mask order, which goes into effect at midnight, announced by Colorado Governor Jared Polis:

“I strongly support the statewide mask order announced by Governor Polis today. Coloradans are working together to safely reopen the economy and reopen schools this fall. As cases rise throughout the country, this order will give public health and law enforcement officials in Colorado the tools to keep our communities safe.

“This is a moment for all of us to do our part and take personal responsibility by wearing a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19. When you wear your mask, you are not only protecting yourself and your neighbors, you are also protecting seniors and our most vulnerable communities, assisting Coloradans on the front lines, and keeping us on track to safely reopen our economy and return to school safely.”

For months, Bennet has worked in a bipartisan manner to urge all Americans to wear masks to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In early April, Bennet and U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) urged the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue guidance encouraging individuals to wear a mask when they are in public. CDC issued such guidance the next day.