Colorado Governor Jared Polis has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff through Friday, February, 26th to honor the 500,000 lives that have been lost due to COVID-19 in the United States. The details were released by CBS 4, this comes after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held a candlelight ceremony just yesterday to again honor those who died from this pandemic.

During President Biden's speech that was given on Monday, he announced that,

"More Americans have died from this pandemic than in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War combined."

In Colorado specifically, there have been 5,723 recorded deaths due to COVID-19 but health officials are saying that daily cases are decreasing and hospitalizations are at the lowest point they have been since October. Which we can all agree is fantastic news, as we continue to see counties across Colorado decrease guidelines that were put in place due to the pandemic.

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Almost 15% of Coloradans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 7% have received both doses this according to the New York Times.

Obviously, we all want to see this pandemic wrap up as quickly as possible so we can all return to the old normal including going out to restaurants at 100% and seeing the return of live music. And especially being able to see loved ones without having to worry about spreading the virus. It seems like that will be returning soon.

But if you're wondering why flags have been lowered to half staff this week it's to honor the lives lost due to COVID-19.

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

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