The most commonly heard word in the last two days is "essential."

We have essential businesses and essential workers. Now we are talking about essential travel.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office wants to clear up some confusion that has popped up since Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued the executive order for all Coloradoans to stay home. We still have many essential businesses that remain open and employees that need to get there. Among other things, we have the green light to go to the grocery store to get food and to shop for important household items. But, what about the people who don't have an "essential" place to go.  Are you going to jail if you are on the road and can't prove an essential purpose?

The answer, of course, is no, and we get the official word from the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. "No documents are needed to go to work or do essential travel in Mesa County."

There are many reasons beyond the aforementioned items why people would be out on the roads. Local law enforcement agencies are operating under the assumption that anyone who is out and about is engaged in an activity that is necessary and permissible under the stay-at-home order. They are not stopping people specifically regarding the stay-at-home order.

That being the case, we take this time to remind everyone to please do your best to abide by the stay-at-home order as it specifically relates to you. You are not a prisoner in your home by any means. But, if all of us continue to take this coronavirus pandemic seriously and keep our social interactions to a minimum, we can get through this dark time all the sooner.


Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Looking for Info About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Colorado’s COVID-19 Hotline

CO-HELP is Colorado’s call line for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, for answers in many languages, or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.

Helpful Links:

Downtown Grand Junction Businesses of Yesterday

More From 95 Rock