As the weekend approaches the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources are reminding people to resist the temptation to travel to the mountains for recreational activities. Staying close to home and limiting travel are essential to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the state.  

"The Governor has said it best, our mountains, rivers, forests, and trails will be there when this pandemic is over and Coloradans are recommended to avoid travel for recreational purposes," said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. "Although we encourage people to get outside for their own well-being, Coloradans need to keep their recreational activity to local trails and parks, maintain social distancing guidance, and avoid dangerous activities to reduce the strain on our search and rescue and emergency teams." 

As defined under Governor Polis’ statewide Stay-At-Home order, travel is limited to what is absolutely critical, such as obtaining food or medicine.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is putting a strain on hospitals and first responders everywhere -- especially in smaller mountain communities where people often visit for recreation,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “One of the easiest ways people can help is by staying off the road. This reduces the potential for crashes and the resulting stress on our health care system and local emergency responders. Staying closer to home this weekend will be a safer choice for multiple reasons.”

Car crashes are consistently among the leading injury-related reasons for emergency room admissions in Colorado. Avoiding travel between cities and regions is an important part of limiting the spread of COVID-19 between different communities.