Updated 12.55 p.m.
State officials released more details on the UK variant of COVID-19 discovered in Colorado. The appearance of the B.1.1.7 strain has added urgency to get the coronavirus vaccine out.
State officials announced that anyone 70 years of age and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Jared Polis said many parts of the state have inoculated first responders and are ready to expand to older Coloradans.
"I'm really looking forward to the day where everyone who wants a vaccine can get it, and we can embrace our loved ones," Polis said during his remote update on the state's COVID-19 reponse. "Again, celebrate life special moments with one another, starting with our age, 70 and up Coloradans who are at greatest risk of hospitalization and death for this virus."
The state said a National Guard member tested positive for the variant and is isolating at home in Arapahoe County. The National Guard member was part of a six-person team assisting a nursing home in Elbert County. The state is investigating all potential contacts.
On Tuesday we learned that, as Colorado wrestles with the logistics of vaccine distribution and concerns about a post-holiday surge, the state's testing leader, Sarah Tuneberg, has resigned. Holiday travel through Denver International Airport, though, was cut in half by the pandemic.
