Updated Thursday, 3/5 4:42 p.m.

Standing before several members of a team of state public health and emergency officials at the state Capitol, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis said his “top priority as governor is keeping our state safe.”

To that end, Colorado is elevating its emergency readiness to its second-highest level due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, Polis announced Tuesday. The virus has sickened more than 100 people in the U.S.

Colorado health officials announced the state had its first positive case of the new coronavirus on Thursday, March 5.

However, state health officials warned Tuesday that it was possible there were already mild cases in the state and encouraged people to plan to stay home if needed.

At least nine people in the U.S. died, all in Washington state. Cases have also been reported in California, as well as Florida and northeastern states.

Polis said the state’s comprehensive statewide response to the virus included a coordinated effort that involves 10 agencies. His administration will set up an incident command to manage the state efforts for the fifth time since he became governor in 2019. (The others were for natural disasters).

Hart Van Denburg/CPR News Gov. Jared Polis and state officials speak to reporters Tuesday, March 3 at the governor’s office about state preparedness regarding the novel coronavirus.

Part of the plan directs agencies to identify staff who can be diverted from their regular duties if need be.

A 19-member committee expert emergency epidemic response committee will be available to advise the governor. It includes experts in disease and public safety as well as the leaders of the state board of health, state medical society and the Colorado Hospital Association.

The state health department will coordinate with the health care system to prepare for cases in Colorado and actively monitor the situation through the state lab, which is providing seven-day-a-week testing according to Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Though Colorado doesn’t have a reported case she said, “we are seeing increasing evidence of community spread in other states.” That means there are cases of infected individuals who did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient with COVID-19.