Jeff Baker Campaign said: “Following suit along with all other safety precautions and an abundance of caution, tomorrow’s event to support Jeff Baker’s campaign for Arapahoe County Commissioner to be held 3 pm -7 pm at Byers American Legion hall will be canceled. We will discuss another time for rescheduling and notify you all when that happens. As always, thank you for your continued support for Jeff Baker and his campaign efforts.”
EVENT CANCELED
Administrative tool used to manage critical resources and directions
Arapahoe County today issued a local emergency proclamation to unlock resources, organize county response strategies and provide additional assistance for municipalities that are dealing with COVID-19, the coronavirus.
To date, Arapahoe County has three presumptive positive cases and is working with Tri-County Health to provide resources, information and direction to the more than 650,000 residents in Arapahoe County. The declaration is authorized for seven days at which point the county could extend it for a set time period.
“During an emergency, which includes a pandemic, the county is charged with taking the lead in coordinating efforts,” said Board Chair Nancy Sharpe. “This action was not taken lightly but it is the necessary trigger for that to happen. This allows Arapahoe County to direct all possible resources to help manage the response at the appropriate level.”
Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown affirmed that the declaration is a necessary step in taking a measured response to the pandemic.
“This declaration helps provide the county the necessary—and absolutely critical—resources needed to keep our collective community safe in a coordinated response,” said Brown. “Our efforts can be focused on providing additional public health and safety measures while also fully supporting the work of Tri-County Health in managing this crisis. Keeping our residents safe is our absolute top priority.”
Although most individuals affected by COVID-19 will experience mild flu-like symptoms, some will have more serious symptoms and require hospitalization. Response and containment efforts will draw upon available local, state and county resources, which could strain supply chains and cause delays in delivery or execution.
The emergency declaration allows county officials to authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance as necessary and better coordinate with the 13 municipalities within Arapahoe County.
Last week, the county opened its Emergency Operations Center, which is the central clearinghouse for critical incident management. The EOC coordinates efforts with Tri-County Health and other local, state and national agencies to direct operations, resources and personnel to deal with incidents such as the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Arapahoe County joined forces with Tri-County Health and Adams and Douglas Counties to provide a virtual town hall where residents in the tri-county area asked questions and received answers from health experts about COVID-19. More than 1.5 people live in the tri-county area. A recording of the town hall is available on the County website, the County Facebook page and the County YouTube page. A Spanish-language version is available here.
For information on county efforts related to COVID-19, visit the Arapahoe County website.
Arapahoe County Department of Human Services wants to make sure the public is aware of available resources in place to help keep the community healthy and safe during the CORVID-19 outbreak across the nation. Everyone has a role to play to prevent the spread of the disease and protect yourself, your loved ones and others.
Almost all the correspondence you have with us—including questions, updates on cases, delivery of documents and general information—can be addressed by accessing the Colorado Program Eligibility and Application Kit (PEAK) at www.Colorado.gov/PEAK. Learn about the public assistance program, complete an application and manage benefits that impact your family:
Colorado PEAK is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on your smartphone, tablet or computer. The state portal is safe and secure, which means your personal information is protected.
First-time users of Colorado PEAK will need to provide a valid email address to create an account. This will allow participants to save and finish applications later, track the application status and access other online tools. Older residents who may be at higher risk of COVID-19 may be particularly interested in applying for and managing their benefits through PEAK.
Once you visit Colorado PEAK:
You can also download the free PEAK Health app on your device to have full access to your medical benefits. Other benefits may be accessed through the free app, MyCoBenefits, available in the Apple and Andriod app stores.
The MyCoBenefits app allows you to conveniently report changes, upload important documents, check EBT balances and review transactions and expenses. MyCoBenefits includes access to:
Arapahoe County is committed to serving our residents and providing safe access to public assistance programs during this time. We encourage the public to access public assistance programs from the comforts of home. If you need further assistance, call our general number at 303-636-1170.
Additional human services available online:
The Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners, in cooperation with our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Sheriff’s Office, are working closely with Tri-County Health to obtain the latest information related to COVID-19 and to effectively communicate information to citizens and employees.
To keep yourself safe during this time:
Visit Coronavirus: Just the facts on our website: ArapahoeGov.com to find the latest information from Tri-County Health Department including:
Additional resources:
Tri-County Health Department COVID-19 call center: 303-220-9200, press 1 for COVID-19 related questions.
For general questions about COVID-19, you can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in many languages. Email for answers in English.
DENVER, March 13, 2020: Colorado today reported the first death from COVID-19. The death occurred in a female in her 80s with underlying health conditions residing in El Paso County.
“While we were expecting this day, it doesn’t make it any less difficult to hear and share this news. As a state we are in mourning and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the Coloradan we lost,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“We care deeply about our older Coloradans and people who have chronic diseases,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “This is an all-hands-on-deck effort to slow the spread and support people during these trying times. We know Coloradans will do whatever it takes to help protect those at risk of getting very sick.”
“We offer our deepest, heartfelt condolences to the family and are saddened by this news,” said Susan Wheelan, El Paso County Public Health Director. “We have a dedicated team of experts working around the clock to protect the health and safety of our community. We are doing everything we can to prevent more loss of lives. We know all of El Paso County, and Colorado, will join us.”
Since the first positive case on March 5, Colorado has:
Locally, El Paso County Public Health has been working with partners since it learned of COVID-19 (late last year) from the CDC. With partners from the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, public health has:
The people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 are:
To ensure expedience on reporting presumptive positive cases, the state will provide overall testing statistics as soon as we are able on the website.
Continue to stay up to date by visiting colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus and elpasocountyhealth.org/services/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
LOVELAND, Colo. – A mountain lion that attacked a resident and a Larimer County Sheriff deputy Wednesday has tested positive for rabies, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s wildlife pathologist.
Both bite victims have been notified and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is managing the rabies exposure investigation and response.
Attack Details:
At approximately 1:55 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, deputies from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, rangers from Larimer County Natural Resources and CPW wildlife officers all responded to a reported mountain lion attack west of Loveland near an RV park along the Big Thompson River.
A man and a delivery driver were talking outside a home near the Riverview RV Park when the driver noticed a mountain lion come from behind his truck. The mountain lion attacked the civilian he was talking to, inflicting injuries.
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived first and found the mountain lion still in the vicinity. As deputies tried to contain the mountain lion, it attacked a deputy and multiple shots were fired at the animal. As the mountain lion continued moving east across the Big Thompson River and near a residence on Black Crow Road, a CPW wildlife officer shot and killed the animal.
The attack sent both individuals to a hospital with injuries.
A necropsy of the mountain lion conducted late Wednesday night showed the male was in good body condition, weighing 91 pounds, and had a mild skunk odor.
DNA evidence was sent to Laramie for testing at the Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensic & Fish Health Laboratory. Those results are pending.
Human-Wildlife Interactions in Urban Areas:
The complex and sometimes dangerous interactions with wildlife calls to attention the challenges wildlife managers face in our urban areas. An expanding resident elk population in west Loveland is a prime food source for predators in the area, in addition to smaller prey. With the increasing herds, managers regularly deal with increased wildlife conflict, including mountain lions, along the Front Range.
“Management becomes more difficult and complex along the urban interface,” said Mark Leslie, CPW’s Northeast Region Manager. “Hunting is the most efficient tool we utilize to manage wildlife populations and that becomes especially complicated in and around our urban areas with increasing encroachment and human activity in wildlife habitat. Along the Front Range of Colorado, we need to consider alternatives that are more difficult to deploy, in conjunction with smart hunting strategies.”
Rabies in Wildlife Populations:
While it is unknown how the mountain lion contracted rabies, it is possible that it was bitten by a smaller prey animal that was also rabid. In the spring, as some wildlife become more active, CPW regularly sees an uptick in rabies activity, especially in skunks.
“Skunk rabies is endemic in the state, and skunk activity is increasing with the warming weather,” said Karen Fox, CPW’s wildlife pathologist. “Remember to keep your pets vaccinated.”
If members of the public observe a wild animal with unusual symptoms or appearing to be diseased, they should contact their local CPW office (the Fort Collins office can be reached at 970-472-4300).
If someone has come into contact with such an animal, they should contact their local public health officials immediately. The Larimer County public health number is 970-498-6775.
Mountain Lions in Colorado:
This was the 23rd known attack of a mountain lion on a human in Colorado since 1990. There were three attacks in 2019, but prior to those, the last attack occurred in 2016. Before 2019, the last time three attacks occurred within the same calendar year was 1998.
Though mountain lions are elusive, and attacks are relatively rare, it’s important to know how to avoid or manage potential encounters. To learn more about living with mountain lions in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us.
DENVER, March 13, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) confirmed 23 new presumptive positive cases in Colorado, based on overnight test results. Some of these results are from the drive-through testing center. That brings the total number of presumptive positive cases to date to 72. The state lab has completed test results on approximately 600 people in Colorado since testing started on February 28.
Because of the large number of new cases, CDPHE is shifting to report aggregate data for new cases, instead of listing details on each specific case. The data below represents all new cases based on overnight results.
Total new presumptive positive cases: 23
Age of individuals:
Teenage – 1
20s – 3
30s – 5
40s – 6
50s – 2
60s – 3
70s – 2
80s – 1
County of residence:
Arapahoe – 4
Denver – 4
Eagle – 5
El Paso – 1
Jefferson – 2
Pueblo – 1
Summit – 1
Weld – 2
Out of state – 3 (Currently located in these counties:)
Routt – 1
Waiting on information – 2
Resident/Visitor:
Residents: 20
Visitors: 3
Gender: • Female: 10
Male: 13 To ensure expedience on reporting presumptive positive cases, the state will provide overall testing statistics as soon as we are able on the website.
Note to media: We are releasing updated case numbers twice daily: in the early afternoon and evening. If there is a significant event other than updated numbers, we will send out additional releases. Daily press briefing information is below.
People Who Need COVID-19 Tests Can Obtain Them Through Private Providers
DENVER, March 13, 2020: Due to weather-related concerns, CDPHaE will postpone the drive-up testing site in Lowry to tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, weather permitting. Current weather conditions put both people being tested and laboratory staff at risk. Cold temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) that protect testing staff from being exposed to the virus and passing it on to others.
Testing will take place tomorrow from noon-2 p.m. The testing center will be able to serve the first 100-150 people in line.
Because Colorado now has capacity for private labs to conduct testing, CDPHE encourages anyone who is symptomatic or who believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to call or email their physician first for guidance, obtain a doctor’s order for testing, and request information about private providers where you can get tested. Always call first before reporting to a health care facility for testing. Providers such as UCHealth, Kaiser Permanente, Children’s Colorado, and Stride Community Health Center have testing capacity.
Any medical provider with a relationship with LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics can test, but be sure to contact your provider ahead of time because many providers have centralized sites for testing due to safety precautions. People should remember: • If you have a medical emergency, call 911 – do not report to a testing site, as they are not emergency care facilities. If you have severe respiratory symptoms, especially shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, tell the 911 dispatcher about your symptoms. Do not wait for a COVID-19 test to call 911.
Continue to stay up to date by visiting colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus.
Las personas que necesiten exámenes de COVID-19 pueden obtenerlas a través de proveedores privados
DENVER, Marzo 13, 2020: El Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente de Colorado (CDPHE), no abrirá el laboratorio móvil en Lowry hoy viernes 13 de marzo, debido a las condiciones del tiempo, que arriesga a las personas que son examinadas y también al personal del laboratorio. Las bajas temperaturas pueden afectar el equipo protector del personal del laboratorio que los cubre para no exponerse al virus y contagiar a otras personas.
Las pruebas tomarán lugar mañana de 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Se podrán atender a las primeras 100-150 personas en la fila.
Debido a que Colorado tiene la capacidad de que los laboratorios privados hagan las pruebas, CDPHE indica que cualquier persona que presente síntomas o que crea haber estado expuesta a COVID-19, debe llamar o mandar un correo electrónico a su médico para que reciba instrucciones, obtenga una orden del doctor y pida información sobre proveedores privados donde se puedan hacer la prueba. Siempre llame antes al proveedor de salud médica para hacer la prueba.
Proveedores como UCHealth, Kaiser Permanente, Children’s Colorado, and Stride Community Health Center have tienen capacidad para hacer las pruebas.
Cualquier proveedor médico con una relación con LabCorp o Quest Diagnostics puede hacer la prueba,pero asegúrese de contactar a su proveedor médico con anticipación porque muchos proveedores tienen lugares centralizados para colectar pruebas por precaución.
Se debe recordar:
El laboratorio móvil en Lowry le ha dado servicio a 650 personas desde que abrió el miércoles. CDPHE avisará sobre la reapertura del laboratorio móvil en Lowry.
Actualizaciones colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus.
All three cases unrelated, Investigation ongoing
Three presumptive COVID-19 positive cases in Adams County have been reported, representing the first cases in that county. The cases include a woman in her 30s from Brighton with uncertain exposure, a woman in her 30s from Northglenn who is hospitalized and had no travel history, and a woman in her 60s from Westminster with travel history.
“We are just learning of these positive tests from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and have begun contact investigations to determine if there were any other potential exposures,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.
All three cases are a “presumptive positive” because the initial testing was done at the state level, and test results will be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). TCHD is working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to work with each family and to protect the health and safety of Coloradans.
If you are feeling ill with symptoms of cough, fever, difficulty breathing similar to those associated with COVID-19:
Practice actions that protect others
Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information by visiting www.tchd.org/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/covid19.
If you have general questions about COVID-19 coronavirus disease, call the CO-HELP InfoLine at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email , for answers in English, Spanish, Chinese, and more.
Due to three confirmed public cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Adams County, and a county employee under quarantine order from a medical professional, county leadership made the decision to close all Adams County buildings until Monday, March 23. This measure will allow for cleaning and disinfection of county buildings. We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution.
The Sheriff, District Attorney, Coroner, and Justice Center will remain open until further notice.
The health and safety of our residents and employees is the county’s primary concern. Residents and employees are encouraged to practice social distancing during this time and contact health providers if symptoms occur.
Residents can drop off tax and utility payments at several drop boxes located throughout the county.
Locations:
Respond Online or By Phone Today
Denver, CO – It’s time to respond to the 2020 Census. Starting today, March 12, Colorado mailboxes will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Our goal is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.
Most invitations will arrive in the mail before April 1, 2020 and will include instructions for responding online or by phone. The invitation will include an ID number that is tied to a physical address. Coloradans are encouraged to go online (with the ID number) to respond to the Census.
VIDEOS
Video guide to completing the 2020 Census online
Public Service Announcement (PSA) for kids