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Colorado law enforcement: Don't call 911 with questions about stay-at-home order

Dispatchers statewide inundated with calls
Posted at 5:28 AM, Mar 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-26 14:25:36-04

DENVER — Law enforcement agencies across Colorado are asking residents not to call 911 with questions about the stay-at-home order which takes effect Thursday.

Emergency dispatchers were inundated with calls after Gov. Jared Polis announced the order.

"Our dispatchers are receiving a tremendous number of calls related to general questions about the governor’s order and how that impacts them," said Sgt. Trevor Materasso with the Westminster Police Department. ... It is very important that someone who needs access to police, fire, EMS are able to reach a dispatcher without delay."

Cmdr. Greg Couch with the Teller County Sheriff's Office said they understand residents want to understand the order fully, but they're asking everybody to read it before calling them.

"You are overwhelming our emergency dispatchers with questions right now," he said.

Law enforcement is asking residents go to the state's website and read the order before calling 911. You can read the order here.

A number of agencies are also directing people to their local county health department's websites.

The Tri-County Health Department and Larimer County have compiled answers to a long list of questions including the reasons someone can leave their home and the businesses and organizations that are exempt from the order.

The state also has an FAQ you can read here.