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  • State health department issues public health order reducing in-person work and increasing social distancing

    State health department issues public health order reducing in-person work and increasing social distancing

    In accordance with Governor Polis’ executive order, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a public health order implementing a 50% reduction in non-essential business in-person work and increasing social distancing.

    In order to protect public health and safety and slow the spread of COVID-19, this public health order increases social distancing and identifies critical workplaces that are exempt to make sure Colorado can provide goods and services to its people during the COVID-19 response.

    “We call on Colorado business leaders to join us in these efforts,” says Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “Help us protect Coloradans by using your best judgment about where your workplace fits in this public health order. It’s up to all of us to keep our workforce, partners, and the public safe.”

    As with all other recent public health orders, businesses are asked to voluntarily comply; however, counties and local public health agencies have the authority to enforce this order. Local law enforcement and/or the local public health agency may contact businesses to encourage them to voluntarily comply.  If the problem continues, the business could face civil or criminal action for a violation of the public health order. People who are concerned about noncompliance should express their concerns to the business first, and if you continue to have concerns, report them to local law enforcement or your local public health agency.

    The critical workplaces that are exempt include:

          •Health care operations.

    • Critical Infrastructure, including utilities, fuel supply and transmission, public water, telecommunications, transportation, hotels, organizations that provide for disadvantaged people, and food supply chain.
    • Critical Manufacturing, including food, beverages, chemicals, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, sanitary products, agriculture.
    • Critical Retail, including grocery stores, liquor stores, farms, gas stations, restaurants and bars for takeout, marijuana dispensaries but only for medical or curbside delivery, hardware stores.
    • Critical Services, including trash and recycling, mail, shipping, laundromats, child care, building cleaning and maintenance, auto supply and repair, warehouses/distribution, funeral homes, crematoriums, cemeteries, animal shelters and rescues. 
    • News Media.
    • Financial Institutions.
    • Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations.
    • Construction.
    • Defense.
    • Public Safety Services like law enforcement, fire prevention and response, EMTs, security, disinfection, cleaning, building code enforcement, snow removal, auto repair.
    • Vendors that Provide Critical Services or Products including logistics, child care, tech support, or contractors with critical government services.
    • “Critical Government Functions.”   

    Here are some examples of how this public health order could be implemented:

      • Critical businesses: (e.g., hospital): the 50% reduction in workforce will not apply, but social distancing (6 feet apart) and gathering no more than 10 people does apply, to the extent possible. 

    • Non-critical businesses (e.g., a retail storefront that sells goods other than food): the 50% reduction in workforce does apply. This can be done by implementing teleworking, staggering your workforce, or using other tools. Social distancing and gathering no more than 10 people also applies. If you can show that your employees and customers can maintain a distance of six feet from one another during work hours, you can fill out a waiver form that allows your business to continue operating at more than 50%. This “Self-certification for businesses” attestation form is available now at covid19.colorado.gov/schools-workplaces-community.   The order takes effect on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 8 a.m. and is set to last through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2020.  The order may be extended, changed, ended or replaced, so it is important to follow local sources of good information, like covid19.colorado.gov to stay informed.    On March 5, CDPHE’s public health laboratory confirmed the first presumptive positive COVID-19 test result in Colorado. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has continued to climb. Colorado needs to take these precautions for the preservation of public health and safety throughout our entire State and to ensure our health care delivery system can serve those who are sick.     To read the public health order, click here. To see frequently asked questions, click here. 

     

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.  

     

    El Departamento de Salud de Colorado emite una orden de salud pública para reducir el número de trabajadores presenciales en empleos “no críticos” y recomienda distancia social extrema

    DENVER, Marzo 23, 2020: De acuerdo con la orden ejecutiva del Gobernador Polis, el Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente de Colorado emitió una orden de salud pública que implementa una reducción de 50% de trabajadores presenciales en empleos “no críticos” y extrema distancia social.

    Con el fin de proteger la salud pública y disminuir el contagio del COVID-19, esta orden de salud pública incrementa la distancia social e identifica a los lugares de trabajo que están exentos, con el fin de asegurar que Colorado pueda proveer bienes y servicios mientras se combate el COVID-19. 

    “Le hacemos un llamado a los líderes de los negocios en Colorado para unirse a estos esfuerzos,” así los dijo Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Directora Ejecutiva del Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente de Colorado. “Ayúdenos a proteger a los habitantes de Colorado al usar el sentido común sobre en qué categoría su fuerza de trabajo se encuentra en la orden de salud pública.  Depende de nosotros mantener la fuerza laboral, asociados y la seguridad pública”.

     

    Los lugares de trabajo que están exentos, incluyen:  • Cuidado de salud.

    • Infraestructura esencial, incluyendo servicios básicos, gasolina, agua, telecomunicaciones, transportación, hoteles, organizaciones que brindan servicio a personas con necesidades especiales y alimentos. 
    • Manufactura esencial, alimentos, bebidas, químicos, equipo médico, farmacéutico, productos sanitarios, agricultura.
    • Ventas de minoristas, supermercados, licorerías, granjas, gasolineras, entrega a domicilio de restaurantes y bares, dispensarios de marihuana pero solo medicinal y la entrega será afuera del dispensario, ferreterías.  
    • Servicios esenciales, incluyendo basura y reciclaje, correo, envíos, lavanderías, cuidado infantil, mantenimiento y limpieza de edificios, talleres de autos, bodegas/distribución, funerarias, crematorios, cementerios, albergues y rescate animal.  
    • Medios de comunicación.
    • Instituciones financieras.
    • Proveedores de necesidades básicas para poblaciones en desventaja económica.
    • Construcción.
    • Defensa.
    • Servicios de seguridad como policías, bomberos, EMTs, seguridad, desinfección, limpieza, cumplimiento del código de edificios, limpieza de nieve y reparación de autos. 
    • Proveedores de servicios esenciales que incluyen logística, cuidado infantil, apoyo técnico o proveedores de servicios de gobierno esenciales.
    • “Funciones de Gobierno esenciales.”   

    Estos son algunos ejemplos de cómo podría ser implementada esta orde de salud pública:

      • Negocios esenciales: (por ejemplo hospital): la reducción del 50% de su fuerza laboral no aplica, pero distancia social (6 pies de distancia) y agrupaciones de no más de 10 personas si aplica, en la medida de lo posible. 

    • Negocios no esenciales (por ejemplo tiendas minoristas que no sean de alimentos): la reducción del 50% de la fuerza laboral aplica. Esto podría ser por medio de trabajo a distancia, escalonando su fuerza laboral o por medio de otras alternativas. Distancia social y no más en grupos de 10 personas aplica.  Si puede mostrarle a sus empleados y clientes a mantenerse en una distancia de 6 pies uno de otro durante las horas de trabajo, puede llenar un documento que le permite continuar operando con más del 50% de su fuerza laboral. Los puede encontrar en “Self-certification for businesses” attestation form en la página covid19.colorado.gov/schools-workplaces-community.   Esta orden toma efecto el martes 24 de marzo, 2020 a partir de las 8:00 a.m. y está pautado hasta las 11:59 p.m. del viernes, 10 de abril, 2020.   El 5 de marzo, el laboratorio del CDPHE confirmó el primer caso presuntamente positivo del COVID-19 en Colorado. Desde esa fecha, el número de casos confirmados se han incrementado.  Colorado necesita tomar estas medidas de precaución para salvaguardar la salud pública y la seguridad en en el estado de Colorado y así asegurar que el sistema del cuidado de salud pueda atender a todos lo que están enfermos.     Para leer la orden pública visite  aqui.  Para preguntas frecuentes visite aqui.   

    Actualizaciones en  covid19.colorado.gov.

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  • Arapahoe County extends closure of county facilities to the public through April 17

    Arapahoe County extends closure of county facilities to the public through April 17

    The Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners has announced that all county facilities will remain closed to the public effective through at least April 17, 2020. This closure is designed to help curb the spread of COVID-19, and the decision is consistent with guidelines issued by the White House, and by state and public health officials.

    The county will continue to make a number of its services available online, and many county operations will continue during this closure. 

    The Board of County Commissioners is working closely with the Tri-County Health Department and the county’s Office of Emergency Management to monitor the situation and will make any changes as new data or guidance becomes available.

    County departments and offices will maintain reduced staffing levels to support essential operations, while other employees will work from home.

    For more information, visit ArapahoeGov.com/covid19.

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  • Gov. Polis Secures Federal Loan Assistance for Colorado’s Small Businesses

    DENVER – Colorado small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can seek individual small business loans up to $2M as part of the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Small businesses throughout all 64 counties may seek SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Governor Jared Polis announced that Colorado’s application for federal disaster area designation has been approved.  

    “The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt across our state. We are committed to protecting public health and safety and will continue fighting to ensure the pain that Colorado’s small businesses are feeling is limited. This critical designation allows small businesses in all 64 Colorado counties to seek federal recovery loans that can help them through this challenging time. I thank the Colorado federal delegation for their efforts to help unlock this assistance,” said Governor Polis. 

    The SBA Disaster assistance provides low-interest federal loans for working capital to Colorado small businesses that have realized economic injury from COVID-19. Funding was appropriated through the US congressional Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. 

    “Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade is committed to helping our small businesses access these vital funds,” said Executive Director Betsy Markey. “Eligibility information, loan application links and emerging economic recovery resources can all be found at choosecolorado.com.”

    “Small businesses are the fabric of our economy and their success is dependent on the ability to freely market products and services to communities across the state and world,” said SBA Regional Administrator Dan Nordberg. “Local small businesses are bearing the brunt of that impact and facing a severe decline in customer traffic.  SBA’s top priority is to assist businesses adversely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our Economic Injury Disaster Loans can be the working capital lifelines they need to weather this difficult time.”

    Small businesses, private non-profit organizations, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises impacted by COVID-19 can seek federal loans to pay key needs such as fixed debts, payroll, and accounts payable.

    About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; and the Colorado Innovation Network. Learn more at www.choosecolorado.com.

     

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  • Colorado Continues to Take Action in Response to COVID-19

    Colorado Continues to Take Action in Response to COVID-19

    DENVER – Today Governor Polis announced a number of state actions to address the impact of COVID-19. Actions include a special enrollment period for uninsured Coloradans, executive orders temporarily suspending elective surgeries and reducing in-person contact related to election requirements, and an updated public health order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

    “As a state, we are looking at all possible solutions to ensure we are protecting the health and safety of Coloradans and minimizing the duration of the crisis,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This is a coordinated effort with all state agencies and community partners to utilize every resource available during this difficult time to reduce the severity and duration of the crisis. Together, we will get through this.”

    The Governor signed an executive order today temporarily suspending elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures to preserve important medical equipment, like personal protective equipment and ventilators, needed to combat COVID-19. The executive order is in effect from March 23 to April 14, with the exception of rural and critical access hospitals. The state recognizes the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals and their essential role in providing support to their communities. This includes all voluntary or elective surgeries or procedures, whether medical, dental, or veterinary. A voluntary or elective surgery or procedure means the surgery can be delayed without risk to the current or future health of the patient. Read the full executive order here. 

    The Governor also issued an updated executive order for in-person contact regarding elections and operations in the Secretary of State’s Office. This includes the suspension of any in-person filings of forms, statements, applications or any other documents with the Secretary of State’s office. This executive order also includes directives for the Title Board, county clerk’s offices and county canvass board. Read the full executive order here.

    In addition, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an updated public health order closing bars, restaurants, theaters, gyms and casinos to include nonessential personal services facilities, horse track and off-track betting facilities statewide. Nonessential personal services include hair or nail salons, spas, or tattoo or massage parlors. Click here to read the updated public health order. 

    The Division of Insurance and Connect for Health Colorado today announced that Emergency Regulation 20-E-02 will establish a special enrollment period (SEP) for uninsured Coloradans to get health insurance. Uninsured people will be allowed to enroll in individual health insurance plans (meaning plans NOT from an employer) from March 20 through April 3, 2020. Coverage will be effective starting on April 1, regardless of when someone enrolls during that window. Only people who are currently uninsured are eligible to enroll, as this is not a period for people with coverage to change plans. Uninsured spouses and children will also be allowed to enroll at this time, even if one spouse or a child’s parent may already be insured.

    “Many people are unaware that they are eligible for financial assistance to help lower their premiums,” said Michael Conway, Colorado Insurance Commissioner. “We encourage everyone who is uninsured to use this opportunity to visit Connect for Health Colorado, check what assistance they may be eligible for, and enroll in coverage.”

    Coloradans who lose their job, or who may lose their job in the coming weeks, and thus lose their employer-based health insurance, are reminded that loss of such coverage allows them a 60-day window to enroll in individual coverage, whenever that might happen throughout the year. See Connect for Health Colorado’s “When can I buy insurance?” page for details. 

    “We’re ready to do our part to help protect the health and well-being of as many Coloradans as possible,” said Connect for Health Colorado® Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “It is our mission to increase access to health insurance, and I am pleased we can make it easier for people to get the coverage they need at this critical time. I encourage all uninsured Coloradans, especially those who are newly uninsured, to enroll now by reaching out to Connect for Health Colorado.”

    Colorado consumers are encouraged to enroll through our state’s exchange, Connect for Health Colorado. Financial assistance for those who qualify is only available when enrolling through Connect for Health Colorado. Contact Connect at 855-752-6749 or find in-person assistance through their statewide network of certified experts at connectforhealthco.com/person-help, including appointments with a broker or assister by phone. In addition, Connect for Health offers tools such as the Quick Cost & Plan Finder that can help check eligibility for financial assistance while finding plans that fit consumers’ needs. 

     

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  • State health department calls on people, especially those who think they might have the illness, to self-isolate

    State health department calls on people, especially those who think they might have the illness, to self-isolate

    Close contacts of sick people should self-quarantine  

    DENVER, March 19, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is urging self-isolation or self-quarantine for Coloradans and visitors to Colorado.

    Self-isolation applies to people who: • Have a positive COVID-19 test.

    • Have symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, shortness of breath and/or fever).
    • Are getting ill and think they might have COVID-19. Symptoms, especially early on, may be very mild and feel like a common cold. Symptoms could include a combination of cough, body aches, fatigue, and chest tightness. Some people may not develop fever or fever may not appear until several days into the illness. Self-quarantine applies to: •People who are close contacts of a person who either has a positive test or symptoms —  even early symptoms — of illness.

    “Right now not everyone who has been exposed to or becomes ill with COVID-19 will be able to or need to have a test to confirm whether or not they have the illness,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE, “but isolation and quarantine, even without test results, is what people must do to slow the spread of this illness in our state. Even people who feel mild illness, and aren’t sure, should follow self-isolation orders, and their contacts should follow self-quarantine orders.”

    Self-isolation is for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and means staying away from others until 7 days have passed since the symptoms began and until any fever has been gone for 72 hours and all other symptoms are improving.

    Self-quarantine is for people who don’t have symptoms but are close contacts of people who have symptoms. It means staying away from others for 14 days to see if one becomes ill. People who become ill with COVID-19 symptoms (even early symptoms) while self-quarantining then start the self-isolation period.

    CDPHE has put together how-tos for people who are self-isolating and self-quarantining. They are available at covid19.colorado.gov/isolation-and-quarantine.

    “We’re calling on all people in Colorado now to take personal responsibility and self-quarantine and self-isolate in order to protect people and our health care system,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE, “and we are counting on everyone, including the media to share this information quickly and responsibly.”

    Increasingly, cities and counties, including some in Colorado, are issuing stricter social distancing orders than those that currently are in place in Colorado. The stricter orders mean everyone must stay home, except for certain essential activities. The terms of such orders could vary by location. More restrictive orders are a more aggressive approach intended to enforce social distancing and keep people at home to limit disease spread.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

     

    El Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente de Colorado pide a la población, especialmente a aquellos que podrían tener la enfermedad, a auto-aislarse.

    Los contactos cercanos de estas personas enfermas, deben de estar en auto-cuarentena.

    DENVER, marzo 19, 2020: El Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente del Estado de Colorado (CDPHE) urge a auto-asilarse o ponerse en auto-cuarentena a todos los habitantes de Colorado y a sus visitantes.

    El auto-aislamiento incluye a las personas que:

    • Hayan dado resultado positivo a la prueba del COVID-19.

    • Presenten síntomas del COVID-19 (tos, dificultad de respirar y/o fiebre).

    • Se están enfermando y sospechen que pueden tener el COVID-19. Los síntomas, especialmente al inicio, pueden ser muy leves y pueden sentirse como un resfriado común. Los síntomas pueden incluir una combinación de tos, dolores de cuerpo, fatiga y rigidez en el pecho. Algunas personas pueden no presentar síntomas hasta varios días después de estar enfermos.

     La auto-cuarentena incluye a:

    • Personas que estén en contacto cercano con una persona que ha resultado positivo a la prueba, o con síntomas — aún síntomas leves — de la enfermedad.

     “Ahora mismo cualquier persona que haya sido expuesta o se haya enfermado con el COVID-19 podrá o necesitará llevar a cabo una prueba para confirmar si tiene o no la enfermedad,” dijo la Dra. Rachel Herlihy, epidemióloga del estado, “pero el aislamiento y la cuarentena, aún sin los resultados, es lo que las personas deben hacer para disminuir la propagación de la enfermedad en nuestro estado. Aún las personas que sientan una leve enfermedad, y no estén seguros de tenerla, deben seguir la instrucción de un auto-aislamiento y sus contactos deben seguir la instrucción de la auto-cuarentena”.

     El auto-aislamiento es para las personas que tengan síntomas del COVID-19 y significa estar lejos de los demás hasta que 7 días hayan pasado desde que los síntomas hayan comenzado y hasta que la fiebre haya desaparecido por 72 horas y todos los demás síntomas hayan mejorado.

     La auto-cuarentena es para las personas que no tienen síntomas pero que estuvieron en contacto con personas que tienen síntomas. Significa estar lejos de los demás por 14 días para ver si se presenta la enfermedad.  Personas que se enfermen con COVID-19 (aún primeros síntomas) mientras estén en auto-cuarentena, deben comenzar el periodo de auto-aislamiento.

     El CDPHE ha puesto una serie de procedimientos para personas que estén en auto-aislamiento y auto-cuarentena. Estos están disponibles en covid19.colorado.gov/isolation-and-quarantine.

     “Le estamos haciendo un llamado a toda la población de Colorado para que tomen la responsabilidad y se auto-aíslen y se pongan en auto-cuarentena para proteger a las personas y a nuestro sistema de salud,” dijo Jill Hunsaker Ryan, directora ejecutiva del CDPHE, “ y estamos contando con todos, incluyendo los medios de comunicación para que compartan esta información rápidamente y con responsabilidad”.

     Algunas ciudades y condados, incluyendo algunos en Colorado, han realizado órdenes de distancia social más estrictas que las actuales en Colorado. Órdenes más estrictas significa que todos deben quedarse en casa, excepto para algunas actividades esenciales. Los términos de estas órdenes pueden variar de lugar a lugar.  Órdenes más estrictas son medidas más agresivas destinadas a hacer obligatorio la distancia social y mantener a las personas en casa para limitar la propagación de la enfermedad.

     Actualizaciones en: covid19.colorado.gov.

     

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  • Telephone Town Hall rescheduled for Tuesday, March 24

    Telephone Town Hall rescheduled for Tuesday, March 24

    Due to the spring blizzard that hit the Front Range and the impact it has on our emergency responders, last nights  COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall is being rescheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you’ll join us next week for important updates. Visit arapahoegov.com/townhall for more details

     

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  • State health department pursues strategic approach to testing in face of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Colorado

    State health department pursues strategic approach to testing in face of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Colorado

    DENVER, March 18, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is pursuing a strategic approach to testing in the state to steward our state and country’s scarce resources in the face of widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Colorado. CDPHE is sending testing resources to specific communities that have not yet had testing that will yield vital information about how the disease is spreading. There is unprecedented collaboration between state government, local government, and the private sector to increase testing capacity over the next few weeks. However, CDPHE is strongly advising the public: If you have symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), don’t wait for a test to self-isolate.

    The State is expanding testing to include a temporary site in Pueblo on Thursday, March 19. The Colorado National Guard and Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment are supporting these efforts. CDPHE also plans to send testing resources to other locations later this week. CDPHE is prioritizing testing in areas that have not been highly tested to better understand where the disease is occurring and respond. These sites will serve high-risk patients who have been pre-selected by area health care providers. They will not accept walk-up or drive-up patients. 

    “We are prioritizing testing in certain areas in order to better understand where and how much transmission is occurring,” said Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist. “It’s critical that we are gathering data in all areas of the state, especially areas where there hasn’t been a lot of testing.”

    The state health department is also strongly advising that if you have mild symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. Call your health care provider only if your illness becomes more severe, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and tell the dispatcher your symptoms. People who are not at high risk of severe illness may not need to be evaluated in person or tested for COVID-19. Not everyone with symptoms will be tested right away. 

    If you have mild symptoms, suspect you were exposed, and are either unable to get tested or waiting on test results:

    • Please stay home and isolate yourself until:
      • You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of medicine) AND
      • Other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved AND
      • At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
    • Anyone in your household you have had close contact with (within six feet for approximately 10 minutes) should self-quarantine for 14 days, even if you haven’t been tested for COVID-19.

    Testing completed at the State Laboratory will be prioritized in order to:

    • Identify and monitor for community transmission of COVID-19.
    • Investigate potential outbreaks in health care and residential facilities.
    • Ensure a safe workforce in health care and other facilities serving high-risk populations.
    • Test critically ill patients for whom commercial testing will not provide timely enough results.

    As state epidemiologists keep a close eye on this rapidly changing situation, recommendations will change. At the beginning of any public health outbreak, it’s important to test and confirm individual cases. This information helps public health responders confirm when and where transmission is happening in a community. However, once community spread becomes more evident, public health moves away from diagnosing the illness in individuals and toward identifying community outbreaks. 

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

     

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  • 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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