CNN "CNN Newsroom" - Transcript: Interview with Governor Jared Polis

Interview

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[20:21:33]

DEAN: With the pandemic continuing its rampage across the country, states are scrambling to put new restrictions in place to stem the spread. And in Colorado deaths have tonight surpassed 3,000. The governor recently extending the mandatory mask mandate statewide in an effort to bring down the caseload which now sits above 228,000. And Colorado Governor Jared Polis joining me now.

Governor, I have a lot I want to ask you. But first, I know you just tested positive yourself for coronavirus. I want to ask how you're feeling.

GOV. JARED POLIS (D), COLORADO: So far, Jessica, Marlon and I are fine. Didn't have a very good night's sleep last night but it's hard to know if that was just because of the worry of the diagnosis. I think it's more psychological than physiological. But so far, so good. No fever. Just hoping for the best.

DEAN: Yes, well, we certainly hope it continues that way. Do you have any idea how you might have become infected?

POLIS: Yes. I mean we had at least one known exposure, other potential exposures. That's why I've been in quarantine. And like others, I had also been, you know, out to the pharmacy and grocery store doing our Thanksgiving shopping. So there's no way to know for sure. I think, you know, it's certainly possible I got it from the likely exposure. But what matters now is in Colorado, one out of 41 people are contagious. So it could be anywhere, right? And that's why we need to be careful around everybody.

DEAN: That is such a strong point. There is so much virus out there right now. And I know you're pushing for legislation to help families and businesses in your state through the health crisis. Does that mean you've given up on Congress passing a relief bill, the fact that you're taking some of this into your own hands there locally?

POLIS: We prefer to think of ours as a bridge. I called the legislature into special session. They start tomorrow. There's been great leadership from our leaders in the legislature to help some of the impacted small businesses, to help childcare, to help renters and landlords. That's what they are stepping up and doing. But whatever we do at the state level, and this is really the case for any state, is just very small in comparison to what we know we need to do nationally. I really urge the federal government to step up, for people, for the unemployed, small businesses like restaurants and gyms. The Democrats and Republicans in Washington really need to work together in this time of need.

DEAN: And why do you think that's been so hard, to get a COVID relief bill passed on Capitol Hill when so many people are struggling mightily right now?

POLIS: You know, I hope that they can just agree on what they can agree on. And if they need to do more next year, they can do more next year. But the urgency is very great. You know, many states across the country, for instance, there's just -- the way that many businesses like restaurants are operating, they simply can't get by. We're trying to provide some help at the state level but we know we need to do that nationally.

DEAN: Yes. The mayor of Denver has come under fire after he urged residents there to not travel for Thanksgiving but was then seen at the airport on his way to visit family across the country. How can you expect residents to follow orders when officials aren't doing so?

POLIS: First of all, I'm very grateful that our family chose to just have Thanksgiving alone. We didn't expose my parents. I haven't been able to see my parents in nine months because they're taking a lot of precautions. They're only staying at home. They're only going out on walks. And my mom had to go to the dentist twice.

Look, I hope everybody is careful. And I hope that both those who are careful and those who aren't are among the lucky ones. I don't want anybody to contract this deadly virus.

DEAN: Right. Right. I want to ask you, too, about the Denver Broncos.

[20:25:02]

Just the point that COVID is reaching everywhere into our society. Today they had to play a game with no quarterback because all three of the QBs were deemed high risk COVID close contact. Is that a sign that we've lost control of the virus when it is seeping into so many parts of our society? As you mentioned, one in 41, you said, people in Colorado are contagious?

POLIS: Yes. And football pros, politicians, nobody is an exception. One of my favorite sports commentators I think on Tuesday said, we ought to put Jared Polis in as quarterback. But unfortunately I contracted it, too. So I wasn't available.

DEAN: Not available with that throwing arm. But what advice would you give to people who are watching? They're tired. They know that there's a lot of virus out there. It seems like, well, maybe I'm just going to catch it anyway. You know, they throw their hands up. What do you say to them?

POLIS: Well, there's good news. Hope is not only on the way, but imminent. We expect in Colorado, across the country, the first dosages of a highly effective vaccine within two weeks. Now that will largely go to health care workers and others. But early next year, January, February, most of the vulnerable population, seniors, those in nursing homes, et cetera, there should be enough supply to protect them at a very high level.

DEAN: All right. Governor Jared Polis, we certainly hope that you continue to feel all right as you go through coronavirus. And we'll look for you on the football field another time. Thanks so much.

POLIS: Thank you. Take care, Jessica.

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