Colorado hospitals can turn away patients amid resurgence in COVID-19 cases

Colorado hospitals grappling with an influx of COVID-19 cases no longer have to accept new patients, following an executive order by Governor Jared Polis. 

The Democrat's order on Sunday came as hospital capacity across the state dropped to less than 10%. The edict applies to hospitals that have hit, or are nearing, their cap on the number of patients they are equipped to handle. It authorizes the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to "order hospitals and freestanding emergency departments to transfer or cease the admission of (and redirect) patients to respond to the current COVID-19 Disaster Emergency in Colorado."

Polis said his actions will help "address the staffing shortages in hospitals," which he termed "severe."