The NPR Politics Podcast Why Colorado's Democratic Governor Broke From His Party On Mask Mandates
Mar 9, 2022
Jared Polis, the Democratic Governor of Colorado, discusses his controversial decision to end the statewide mask mandate in 2021. He explains how focusing on vaccine and testing availability led to high immunization rates and a lower death rate. Polis delves into the political dynamics of pandemic health measures, the impact of his choices on re-election prospects, and the varying responses across different regions in Colorado. The conversation highlights the balancing act between health, economics, and public perception during a complex political landscape.
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Local Control of Mask Mandates
- Governor Polis lifted Colorado's statewide mask mandate in July 2021, allowing local jurisdictions to decide their own rules.
- This led to cities like Boulder and Denver keeping mandates while other areas dropped them.
Ahead of the Curve on Masking
- Polis maintained this local control approach even during the Delta and Omicron surges, diverging from many other Democratic governors.
- His approach put him ahead of the CDC's guidance, which only recently relaxed masking recommendations.
Prioritizing Vaccination and Testing
- Governor Polis prioritized focusing on vaccination and testing availability over mask mandates.
- He believed that convincing people of the necessity of measures was crucial, especially given the high burden of mandates on individuals.