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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Tag: COVID-19

  • Colorado Takes Further Action to Address Public Health Threat of COVID-19

    Colorado Takes Further Action to Address Public Health Threat of COVID-19

    State extends suspension of downhill ski operations, limits gatherings to no more than 10 people, suspends in-person learning in public & private schools

    DENVER – Today Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the state’s response to COVID-19 and announced new executive actions to protect the health and safety of Coloradans. Earlier today at a news conference, Governor Polis announced the launch of the Help Colorado Now effort where Coloradans can donate or volunteer, as well as the Colorado COVID Relief Fund, which has already raised nearly $3 million to help Coloradans impacted by the coronavirus. 

    “We are acting boldly and swiftly together to protect the health and safety of all Coloradans. The science and data tells us this will get worse before it gets better,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We are in this together and the state is taking the necessary actions to slow the spread of this disease.”

    The Governor signed an executive order suspending in-person learning in public and private schools across the state from March 23 to April 17. The executive order directs Colorado school districts and the Charter School Institute to make every effort to provide alternative learning opportunities during this time while taking into account the needs of local communities. This order also directs the Commissioner of Education to issue guidance to support P-12 school systems in developing and implementing plans to assist families and students in accessing alternative learning, providing free and reduced lunch and breakfast, and offering waivers for instructional time as appropriate. Click here to read. 

    “Protecting the health of all Coloradoans is our top priority, and moving to online learning and other ways to support learning at home is absolutely the right thing to do,” said Education Commissioner Katy Anthes. “We know school leaders, educators and families will have a lot of questions about how to support their students’ learning at home during this unprecedented time. The department is working on guidance and developing resources to support our schools and students, and it will be available very soon.”

    The Governor also announced that he would be extending the suspension of downhill ski area operations through April 6. COVID-19 has spread throughout many mountain communities where ski resorts are located and this is a necessary step to help slow the spread of the virus. Last week, the Governor issued an executive order suspending ski area operations until March 22. Click here to read the order. 

    In accordance with CDC guidelines, the Colorado Department of Public Health also issued a public health order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people. Gatherings include community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals or any similar event that brings more than 10 people together. Click here to read. **This has been updated with a new link to the public health order. This makes clear that municipal legislative functions are exempted and municipal and county buildings used for essential government functions are also exempt.

    Coloradans can donate or sign up to volunteer at  www.HelpColoradoNow.org. 

     

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  • AMENDED CHIEF JUDGE ORDER 20-03 REGARDING COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (“COVID-19”) ADVISORY

    AMENDED CHIEF JUDGE ORDER 20-03 REGARDING COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (“COVID-19”) ADVISORY

    EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT: ARAPAHOE, DOUGLAS, ELBERT and LINCOLN COUNTIES, COLORADO

    Arapahoe County Justice Center 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112

    Arapahoe County Courthouse 1790 West Littleton Boulevard Littleton, Colorado 80120

    Douglas County Justice Center 4000 Justice Way #2009
    Castle Rock, Colorado 80109

    Elbert County Courthouse PO Box 232, 751 Ute Street Kiowa, Colorado 80117

    Lincoln County Courthouse PO Box 128, 103 Third Avenue Hugo, Colorado 80821

    In light of the public health risk posed by the Novel Coronavirus (“COVID- 19”) and the advisories and orders from the Centers for Disease Control, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and local public health departments recommending active steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 and precautions to reduce the exposure, effective immediately the 18th Judicial District Courts and Probation will be operating with reduced staff and will focus on matters of immediate concern for public health and safety.

    Pursuant to the authority granted in Chief Justice Directive 95-01 and the directives found in the Order Regarding COVID-19 and Operation of Colorado State Courts, issued by Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan B. Coats on March 16, 2020, it is hereby ORDERED as follows:

    (1) Arapahoe County Courthouse in Littleton: Pursuant to Chief Judge Order 20-02, the Arapahoe County Courthouse located at 1790 West Littleton Boulevard, Littleton, Colorado, will be closed to the public effective March 19, 2020 through April 3, 2020. All public safety matters meeting the criteria set forth in section (5) below should be directed to the Arapahoe County Justice Center located at 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado.

    (2) Operations: The Arapahoe County and Douglas County clerk’s offices will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Elbert County and Lincoln County clerk’s offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clerk’s offices will be open Monday through Friday, with the exception of legal holidays. Staff will be reduced as coordinated by the Court Executive and the Clerks of Court, with the approval of the Chief Judge. During operating hours, the clerk’s offices will only accept paper filings related to public safety matters listed in Section 5 below. All other paper filings may be either emailed to or mailed directly to the applicable courthouse. Electronic filings through CCE may continue; however, filings not related to public safety matters may not be processed until after April 6, 2020, due to the reduction in staffing levels.

    (3) Jury Calls: All jury calls with a return date between March 18, 2020, and April 3, 2020, have been cancelled. No jurors should appear at the courthouses during those dates. If your appearance is rescheduled, you will receive a new jury summons in the mail. For those jurors who have a jury summons for a date to appear commencing on or after April 6, 2020, please continue to monitor the Court’s website for updates.

    (4) Mandatory Continuance: Except for all public safety matters listed in section (5) below, ALL other appearances and/or hearings set from 8:00 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2020, through 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2020, are hereby VACATED and CONTINUED. Please do not appear at the courthouse. On Thursday, March 19, 2020, and Friday, March 20, 2020, judicial officers and staff will be working to reschedule all these cases, including the matters set on the days the courthouses were closed, March 17, 2020 and March 18, 2020. If you are represented by counsel, please contact your counsel to obtain your new date. If you are not represented by counsel, please first check the Court’s website at https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Dockets.cfm?District_I D=18 to see if your new date is posted there. Otherwise, parties and attorneys may also contact the appropriate division, if the case is assigned to a division, or the respective clerk’s offices if you are uncertain of the division assignment, to reschedule. Any person who does appear at a courthouse for a hearing or appearance that is not a public safety matter shall be provided a paper by a member of the court security team and/or court staff containing instructions on how to contact the court.

    (5) Public Safety Matters: The courthouses, except for the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Littleton, will continue to conduct hearings on public safety matters. Public safety matters are limited to the following:

    1. Petitions for temporary civil protection orders and permanent protection order hearings;
    2. Petitions for temporary emergency risk protection orders and hearings on emergency risk protection orders;
    3. Crim. P. Rule 5 advisements for incarcerated persons and initial settings of bail;
    4. Revocation hearings on complaints to revoke probation involving an incarcerated defendant;
    5. Proceedings necessary to protect the constitutional rights of criminal defendants including bond-related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals;
    6. Detention hearings for juvenile delinquency cases; 
    1. Shelter hearings independency and neglect cases or other juvenile proceedings;
    2. Petitions for appointment of an emergency guardian and/or special conservator;
    3. Hearings on motions to restrict parenting time and parental abduction prevention;
    4. Emergency mental health proceedings; and
    5. Other proceedings deemed necessary by the Chief Judge to prevent a substantial risk of imminent financial hardship, or imminent risk to the health, safety or welfare of any individual or members of the community.

    (6)Social Distancing: When hearings are conducted for public safety matters, judicial officers and court staff shall seek to limit in person participation and encourage and accommodate telephone and/or video appearance for all participants.

    (7) Self-Help Centers: All self-help centers in the 18th Judicial District are closed until April 6, 2020. All court forms and instructions can be found at https://www.courts.state.co.us/Self_Help/Index.cfm

    (8) Bond Return Dates: Bond return dates, including bond returns that are determined by the Sheriffs regarding other jurisdictions in Colorado, shall be scheduled for no sooner than the week of May 25, 2020.

    (9)Extrajudicial Activities: The use of any of the courthouses for extrajudicial activities (e.g., the solemnization of marriages) is prohibited until further notice.

    The Chief Judge will continue to monitor available information and recommendations from health organizations, and this CJO 20-03 may be revised or extended as deemed necessary.

    BY THE COURT:

    Michelle A. Amico
    Chief Judge
    Eighteenth Judicial District

     

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  • Colorado Produce Industry Responds to COVID-19

    CFVGA to Offer Growers Free Webinar on Communicating with Customers March 25

    The Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) and its grower members are very concerned about the impact COVID-19 is having on Coloradans’ physical, economic and social health.

    “We join authorities in urging Coloradans to comply with safety guidelines laid out by our state and to be considerate of others by doing what we can to keep ourselves and others safe from the virus,” said CFVGA President Robert Sakata, Sakata Farms, Brighton.

    Sakata added that CFVGA is urging growers to continue to implement their high level of worker health measures when retailing their produce to reduce human transmission of COVID-19. He also notes that currently there is no evidence that food or food packaging is associated with transmission of COVID-19. “Fortunately, produce growers already implemented very high standards of safety as laid out in the Food Modernization Act, implemented several years ago. CFVGA and its partners over the past several years have focused on extensive grower training of these produce safety rules.”

    “Consuming produce is one of the best things consumers can do to keep their immune systems strong,” said Cathy Schmelter, An Ounce of Nutrition, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “During this pandemic, it is crucial that we do everything we can to feel better and to boost our immunity. Consuming produce is an excellent way to accomplish both goals.”

    CFVGA and the Colorado Produce Safety Collaborative will be hosting a free webinar for all farmers and ranchers to learn how to better communicate with their customers about produce and their operations during the pandemic. The presenter will be Diane Mulligan, M&C Communications, whose firm consulted with growers on communication during the 2011 Holly, Colo., listeria outbreak in cantaloupe. The hour-long, interactive webinar is Wed., March 25, beginning at 12:10pm. To register go to the front page of CFVGA’s website: https://coloradoproduce.org

    According to Mulligan, the human tendency when faced with a crisis is to avoid communication when the opposite-communicating openly and fully-is much better for consumers and growers.

    The CFVGA is comprised of roughly 250 members, including produce operations of all sizes and types of production throughout the state, as well as representatives of allied industries. The Colorado fruit and vegetable growing sector contributes nearly $485 million to Colorado at the farm gate and is multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain. Over 90,000 Colorado acres are in fruit and vegetable production.

     

     

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  • Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties to host COVID-19 virtual town hall with Tri-County Health Dept.

    Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties to host COVID-19 virtual town hall with Tri-County Health Dept.

    On Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m., Douglas, Adams and Arapahoe counties will host a COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall with Tri-County Health Department officials, county leaders, and subject matter experts from each county, to update participants about the latest developments in the coronavirus health crisis.

    The virtual town hall will be aired live beginning at 7:00 p.m., on ArapahoeGov.com/townhall, as well as on the County’s Facebook page. The recorded event will be posted online following the meeting. Callers may also listen in and ask questions during the town hall by dialing 1-855-436-3656, and County officials also will call its entire list of land lines and cell phones beginning at 7 p.m.

    Tri-County Health Department officials will provide updates on the status of the virus in the three-county area, which serves more than 1.5 million residents. They will also provide information about proactive measures being taken to maximize community safety and other fundamental information such as: what is the transmission risk; what are the best actions individuals and businesses can take right now; what are the latest policy actions from state and federal officials, and more. The bulk of the session will be dedicated to taking questions from the tri-county audience. In keeping with the current social distancing guidelines, the representative from each county and from Tri-County Health will be participating remotely.

    For more information about the event, visit ArapahoeGov.com/townhall.

     

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  • Gardner to Self-Quarantine Following Contact with Coloradan who Tested Positive for Coronavirus

    Gardner to Self-Quarantine Following Contact with Coloradan who Tested Positive for Coronavirus

    Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement regarding his decision to self-quarantine after contact with a Colorado constituent who was visiting Washington, D.C. and later tested positive for coronavirus. 

    “I was alerted today by the Tri-County Health Department that a Coloradan who visited my Washington office for a constituent meeting has tested positive for coronavirus. While I am not showing any symptoms at this time, I have made the decision to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution with an effective date of March 11th at the recommendation of the Tri-County Health Department. The health and safety of Coloradans and Americans across the nation is my top priority, and I will continue working to make sure Congress provides the resources needed to help combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Senator Gardner.

    Senator Gardner is taking action to protect Coloradans from the COVID-19 outbreak:

    • On March 17, Gardner requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide clear guidelines to state and local governments on the options available to them under the national emergency declaration.
    • On March 17, Gardner also called for additional provisions known as the American Workforce Act to support American workers and boost the economy to be included in the economic stimulus package being considered by the Senate in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
    • On March 16, Gardner urged the Department of Veterans Affairs to take every precaution to ensure veterans receive quality medical care during the COVID-19 outbreak.
    • Congress approved $8.3 billion for the United States to prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak on March 5, with Gardner’s support.
    • At Gardner’s urging, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer removed tariffs on certain medical products that are necessary for the U.S. to prepare for the COVID-19 outbreak.
    • On March 4, Gardner pressed Senate witnesses about the United States’ preparedness for the COVID-19 outbreak at a hearing held by the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and Space’s hearing titled “From SARS to Coronavirus: Examining the Role of Global Aviation in Containing the Spread of Infectious Disease.”
    • Gardner and the entire Colorado congressional delegation sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Wellness and Response on March 4 in support of the State of Colorado’s grant request to ensure preparedness for the novel coronavirus outbreak.  
    • On February 28, Gardner wrote to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer requesting USTR remove section 301 import tariffs on medical products that are necessary for the U.S. to prepare for the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
    • On February 27, Gardner wrote to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Federal Aviation Administrator Steve Dickson requesting information regarding the United States’ domestic and international screening and prevention practices for the coronavirus with regard to countries with a growing number of hotspots.
    • On February 6, Gardner wrote to Senate Appropriations leaders requesting that they work with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure robust funding for the outbreak response.
    • On January 31, Gardner wrote to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros concerning Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHO and WHO-sponsored emergency briefings regarding the coronavirus.
    • Also on January 31, Gardner wrote to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar requesting that the novel coronavirus taskforce coordinate with medical supply manufacturers to ensure that the U.S. has a medical supply strategy in place to address possible shortages in light of potential further spread of the virus.
    • In January after the first reports of the coronavirus were confirmed in the U.S., Gardner contacted the CDC to inquire about steps that they plan to take to contain the outbreak and work with other domestic and international agencies to develop screening practices and treatments.
    • Gardner also contacted the State Department with concerns about the coronavirus and its implication for global health, and China’s handling of the outbreak.
    • At Gardner’s urging on January 24, the U.S. Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a briefing from top U.S. officials regarding the coronavirus.

     

     

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  • State Labor Department Updates on Unemployment Claims, Worker Resources

    Denver — Today the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) provided updates on the impact of the Coronavirus on unemployment claims and demand for services. Just as all labor departments are feeling increased requests for assistance, the Colorado Labor Department has seen a surge in unemployment claims from 400 on March 7th to more than 6,800 on March 17th.

    CDLE experienced unprecedented traffic to the unemployment call center and file-a-claim website, causing slow processing times for applications. The department is implementing system maintenance to accommodate unprecedented demand and increase capacity and stability.

    The department is also encouraging workers who are experiencing a temporary or permanent reduction in hours or wages to consider part-time employment in other industries seeing an increase in demand for goods or services, such as delivery, logistics, transportation, healthcare or retail such as grocery stores and warehouses. The department plans to work with these industries directly over the coming days to identify opportunities to match workers who are unemployed with hiring employers.  

    More information and resources for workers is available at coloradoui.gov. Employers can contact 303-318-9100 or for information on programs on workforce reductions and other assistance. The state’s Rapid Response program can also assist employers with a variety of resources https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/layoffassistance

     

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  • State Capitol to Closed to Public Indefinitely 

    DENVER – The Colorado state capitol will be closed to the public indefinitely. 

    In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment and the Center for Disease Control the capitol building will remain closed to the public until further notice.  

    Staff and members of the media will continue to be allowed in the building at this time. 

     

     

     

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  • COVID-19 and the operation of Colorado’s courts.

    COVID-19 and the operation of Colorado’s courts.

    DENVER — Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan B. Coats announced March 17 that he has entered an order regarding COVID-19 and the operation of Colorado’s courts.

    The order suspends some court operations, specifically all jury calls in state courts, except for jury calls for criminal trials facing imminent speedy trial deadlines, and allows for the provision of other ongoing court operations. 

    The order suspends jury calls through April 3, 2020, at which time the need for ongoing measures will be evaluated.  

    “While the timely administration of justice is the cornerstone of our judicial system, protection of public health and safety and the wellbeing of our judicial staff is of paramount importance,” Coats said. “We can no longer continue with normal business operations, but in the interest of all Coloradans we are also unable to cease operating entirely. Balancing those factors, I entered today’s order.”

    The Courts otherwise remain open and will continue operations for matters including, but not limited to:

    • Petitions for temporary civil protection orders and permanent protection order hearings;
    • Petitions for temporary emergency risk protection orders and hearings on emergency risk protection orders;
    • P. Rule 5 advisement for incarcerated persons and the initial setting of bail;
    • Revocation hearings on complaints to revoke probation involving an incarcerated defendant;
    • Proceedings necessary to protect the constitutional rights of criminal defendants including bond-related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals;
    • Detention hearings for juvenile delinquency cases;
    • Shelter hearings in dependency and neglect cases or other juvenile proceedings;
    • Petitions for appointment of an emergency guardian and/or special conservator;
    • Hearings on motions to restrict parenting time and parental abduction prevention; and
    • Emergency mental health proceedings.

    Those with docketed court appearances unsure about whether to appear for a hearing, are asked to contact the clerk of court at their courthouse.

     

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  • Announcement From Strasburg School District

     

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  • CDPHE confirms 29 additional new positive cases in Colorado

    CDPHE confirms 29 additional new positive cases in Colorado

    DENVER, March 16, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) confirmed 29 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Colorado, based on overnight test results reported through 3 p.m. yesterday. That brings the total number of positive cases to date to 160.

     The state can confirm completed test results on about 1,216 people by the state lab since testing started on February 28. Private labs are required to report positive test results to the state. Private labs are not required to report negative test results to the state, so we are not reporting total testing numbers for the state.

     Due to the high volume of tests being processed by the state lab and a need to get the information out quickly, today’s news release does not contain a demographic breakdown. Demographic data will be provided as soon as the lab is able to provide the statistical breakdown. 

     All presumptive positive cases are now considered positive. CDC is no longer performing confirmatory testing

     Continue to stay up to date by visiting colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus.

     

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