Coloradans are being urged to stay home as COVID-19 continues to spread across the mountainous state, with the virus already infecting more than 2,300 people.

All 5.7 million of the state’s residents are being ordered to “ stay-at-home” amid the crisis, avoiding unnecessary travel, limiting outdoor activities, and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet apart to help slow the ongoing outbreak and help many save lives – but some are still ignoring the order.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, many communities are speaking out about staying home. The Montrose Fire Protection District shared an important message to the community in a Facebook post, stating “We stay here for you, please stay home for us.” In the photograph, first responders are dressed in gowns, gloves, masks, and safety goggles.

Earlier last week, Summit Fire & EMS delivered a similar message to the public in a Facebook post with a firefighter holding up a sign saying, “I’m at work for you. Stay home for me!”

Summit County ski resorts and the U.S. Forest Service called on outdoor recreation-enthusiasts to follow guidelines, asking everyone to, “Please stay home and recreate responsibly, respect our uphill access closures, and help us protect our local communities and first responders.”

“With all Colorado resorts closing, this may seem like a great time to get into backcountry skiing. While backcountry skiing is wonderful, it also comes with added risk and the need for additional education, tools, and experience,” warned Park County Search and Rescue in a Facebook post.

The Alpine Rescue Team also took to social media stating “We understand you all need to get out for your mental health. But instead of backcountry skiing, pull your kids, or dog, on a sled. Climb 5.1 instead of 5.11.”

As of Sunday, Colorado has tested 14,470 people for COVID-19. The virus has currently been found in 46 of the state’s 64 counties with more than 2,300 people testing positive, 326 individuals hospitalized, and 47 confirmed deaths. See a full breakdown here.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Beyond the ski resorts, please respect all outdoor recreation closures. If venturing outdoors, stay close to home, be safe, and maintain social distancing – keeping six feet apart from one another. Resources for first responders and emergency personnel are very limited, especially in the mountain communities. Avoid the backcountry and any outdoor activities that could put search and rescue teams at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. A stay-at-home order has been issued for the state of Colorado until April 11.