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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

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  • Consumer Advisory: January 15 is deadline to enroll in health insurance for 2021

    Consumer Advisory: January 15 is deadline to enroll in health insurance for 2021

    DENVER – The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), reminds Coloradans who need individual health insurance (meaning not from an employer) that the deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan for 2021 is Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.

    People who enroll by Jan. 15 will have their health insurance start Feb. 1. Missing this deadline means that those who need coverage will have to wait until 2022, unless they experience certain events in their lives like marriage, birth of a child, divorce or loss of other health insurance (these are called “qualifying life events” that allow enrollment outside of open enrollment). Find more information about these events at Connect for Health Colorado’s website “When can I buy insurance?”

    “Health insurance is always critical, but it’s especially urgent in 2021, as having health insurance will cover the costs for the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “And getting everyone vaccinated will let us beat this pandemic. As always, individual, ACA-compliant plans offer coverage for preventive care, routine care and prescription benefits. They have coverage to protect you and your family if you get sick or injured.”

    Colorado individual health insurance consumers can enroll with insurance agents, directly with the insurance companies or through our state’s exchange, Connect for Health Colorado. They can enroll directly on the Connect website connectforhealthco.com, get help by calling 855-752-6749 or find in-person assistance through their statewide network of certified experts at connectforhealthco.com/person-help. 

    In addition, Connect for Health offers tools such as the Quick Cost & Plan Finder that can help you check if you are eligible for financial assistance and find a plan that fits your needs. About 70% of people applying qualify for financial help. Enrolling through Connect is the only way to receive financial help that can make health insurance more affordable. 

    According to Connect for Health Colorado, as of Jan. 6, nearly 172,000 had signed up for health insurance during this open enrollment, which surpasses last year’s total for open enrollment.

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  • Governor Polis Statement on CDC’s Recommendation to Expand COVID-19 Vaccine to Include 65 Year Olds or Older

    Governor Polis Statement on CDC’s Recommendation to Expand COVID-19 Vaccine to Include 65 Year Olds or Older

    DENVER – Governor Jared Polis today reiterated Colorado’s commitment to vaccinating 70% of the state’s residents who are 70 and older by February 28th, 2021 along with completing the vaccination of our healthcare workers and first responders. 

    The state is reviewing the announcement from the Trump administration of their updated guidance as well as actively engaging the incoming Biden administration to understand how they will approach prioritization and supply flow. 

     Colorado will not be making any changes to our vaccine program until we can get concrete details on supply quantities, timelines for receiving that supply and engaging our partners who are on the ground administering the vaccine. While the state is not making any changes today, the Polis administration is actively planning how we can scale up and expand eligibility in anticipation for receiving more supply of vaccines.  

     “I am very excited with the announcement that states will be receiving more vaccines in the near term. Here in Colorado, we have a broad current eligible population of over 562,000 people over 70 years of age and based on data-driven goals of saving lives and ending the pandemic, protecting this vulnerable population will have the biggest impact. Our broad focus on vaccinating those over 70 has been one of the reasons that Colorado is one of the top states for the vaccine to be successfully administered,” said Governor Polis. 

     The Governor agrees that risk-based criteria saves lives. The Polis administration hopes to announce by next week updated plans based on information we do not yet have on new supplies the state of Colorado will receive. Governor Polis remains hopeful that the quantity of vaccines in the state will allow for expansion of the age criteria within a few weeks.

     

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  • Arapahoe County Co-Hosting Virtual Town Hall About Latest COVID Vaccination News

    Arapahoe County Co-Hosting Virtual Town Hall About Latest COVID Vaccination News

    Adams and Douglas County officials to be joined by Tri-County Health experts

     On Thursday, January 7, Arapahoe County will lead a virtual town hall to discuss the latest COVID vaccination developments as they pertain to the counties overseen by the Tri-County Health Department. Officials from Arapahoe County will be joined by leadership from Adams and Douglas counties, and Tri-County Health officials will be on hand to take questions and provide updates.

    WHAT: Virtual Town Hall re COVID vaccine developments and latest case data

    WHEN: Thursday, January 7, 6:30-7:30pm

    WHERE: On the Facebook pages of Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties, as well as of the Tri-County Health Department. Participants can also join via ArapahoeGov.com/TownHall or by calling 855-436-3656.

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  • Colorado GOP Statement on Situation at the U.S. Capitol

    Colorado GOP Statement on Situation at the U.S. Capitol

    Greenwood Village, Colorado. — Colorado GOP Chairman Ken Buck released the following statement today regarding the situation at the United States Capitol: 

    “What has happened at the U.S. Capitol today is disgusting and anti-American. The American people have the right to protest peacefully, but this is not peaceful and it’s not a protest. I condemn this in the strongest terms and urge everyone to stop this madness immediately.

    “I want to thank the U.S. Capitol Police for their service and work in keeping members and staff safe.”  

     

     

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  • Full weekend closure of Quebec Street under I-70 starts Jan. 8

    Full weekend closure of Quebec Street under I-70 starts Jan. 8

    DENVER — As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Central 70 Project, Quebec Street will close in both directions under Interstate 70 from 8 p.m., Jan. 8, to 10 a.m., Jan. 10. Overnight closures to I-70 will also be required to allow crews to safely demolish the I-70 bridge above Quebec Street. 

    TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

    • Full closure of Quebec Street under I-70  – 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8, to 10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 10
      • Motorists traveling northbound will use the Quebec Street on-ramp to eastbound I-70, exit at Central Park Boulevard, travel north to the Central Park Boulevard on-ramp, and exit at the westbound I-70 off-ramp to Quebec Street
      • Motorists traveling southbound on Quebec Street will take the Quebec Street on-ramp to Stapleton North Drive, turn left on Holly Street, turn left to Stapleton South Drive to the Holly Street on-ramp to eastbound I-70, and exit at Quebec Street
      • Motorists traveling to Monaco Street north of I-70 during this time will travel south on Monaco Street to Sandown Road and turn left to Quebec Street. Here they will follow the marked detour for northbound Quebec Street, travel north to the Central Park Boulevard on-ramp, exit at the westbound I-70 off-ramp to Quebec Street, and then travel across Quebec Street to Stapleton North Drive. 
    • Intermittent lane closures on westbound and eastbound I-70 at Quebec Street – 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8 to 8 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9 and from 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 9 to 8 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 10

    This work is weather-dependent and subject to change. 

    Detour map: 

    COVID-19 

    Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for all of us, particularly for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, CDOT maintenance and construction crews follow social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing and wearing face masks. As traffic returns to normal levels, motorists must drive cautiously and heed the speed limit so all of us can return home safely. 

    Whole System.Whole Safety 

    Last year, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization’s operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

    About the Central 70 Project

    The Central 70 Project will reconstruct a 10-mile stretch of I-70, add one new Express Lane in each direction, remove the aging 57-year-old viaduct and lower the interstate between Brighton and Colorado boulevards. More information on the Project, including a list of the Project’s community commitments, are available at central70.codot.gov.

     

    Stay Informed

    • Text Alerts – Text Central70 to 77948
    • Email Updates – Sign up for Project updates at c70.codot.gov 
    • Website – c70.codot.gov – Traffic Impacts page 
    • Watch progress on the webcam 

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  • Department of Natural Resources Announces January Meeting of Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board

    The Colorado Department of Natural Resources announced the January meeting of the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board (Board). The Board was established by Governor Jared Polis to evaluate proposals concerning name changes, new names, and name controversies of geographic features and certain public places in the State of Colorado and then make official recommendations to the Governor. 

    The January afternoon meeting will continue the orientation of the board, including final consideration of by-laws and processes.  

     

    WHO: Members of the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board

    WHAT: January meeting of the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board

    WHEN: Friday, January 8, 2021, 1 PM to 3 PM

WHERE: Find zoom contact info at: https://dnr.colorado.gov/initiatives/colorado-geographic-naming-advisory-board

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  • State releases updated public health order

    State releases updated public health order

    Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released an amended public health order that provides updates to the COVID-19 dial framework. 

    The new changes are effective today, Monday, January 4, 2021 and will expire in 30 days unless extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing.

    The main changes include: 

    • Adding the 5 Star State Certification Program to the order. The program requires businesses to implement safety measures beyond what is already required by public health orders and guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19. In doing so, certified businesses are able to expand operations. 
      • Depending on the county’s level and metrics, certified businesses may be eligible for less restrictive capacity limits. A 5 Star certification reassures employees and customers that businesses are adhering to enhanced guidance in other areas. The program is completely voluntary for local governments.
      • Counties that moved from the Red to Orange levels this week will need to maintain a 7 day Orange Level average incidence trend in order to operate under Yellow Level restrictions. Counties must engage in a consultation process with CDPHE, which may entail moving to a more restrictive level, when they are out of compliance with any of the metrics for more than seven days.
      • 5 Star certified businesses currently in Orange Level counties may be eligible for less restrictive capacity limits outlined in Yellow Level, after engaging in a consultation and approval process with their local public health agency.
    • Additional flexibility for professional performing arts in Level Red.
    • Increases the capacity restrictions for gyms, aligning with restaurants.
    • Review the summary of changes.

    The Colorado COVID-19 dial is a tool that allows Colorado to balance the urgent need to contain the virus with the need for localized guidance during the pandemic. Learn more about the dial.

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

     

     

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  • Tri-County Health Department rescinds COVID-19 public health order that had limited activities in Adams County

    Tri-County Health Department rescinds COVID-19 public health order that had limited activities in Adams County

    Effective immediately, Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) is rescinding a Public Health Order issued December 7, 2020, for Adams County, which limited gatherings, restricted alcohol sales and imposed a curfew.

    “The 30-day Order was set to expire January 7, so it is appropriate to rescind the Public Health Order effective immediately since it is no longer necessary after Governor Polis moved numerous counties, including Adams County, from Level Red to Level Orange,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department. “The people of Colorado have done well to reduce the spread of the virus, and compared to many other states, we did not see a spike in cases following the Thanksgiving holiday. Likewise, the residents of Adams County have done a great job working together as a community to take steps to reduce COVID-19 transmission, and we appreciate their cooperation with our county public health order as well as the restrictions imposed by the Red Level. ”

    Starting today, counties in Level Orange on the state’s COVID-19 Dial can have gatherings of up to 10 people from no more than two households; gyms can operate at 25% capacity; and restaurants can have indoor dining at a capacity of 25% or no more than 50 people, with last call at 10 p.m. People still need to continue to reduce the spread of the virus by wearing masks, keeping a social distance of six feet, limiting gatherings, and washing their hands.

    For more information on public health orders and a wide variety of COVID-19 health information, visit www.tchd.org/coronavirus.

     

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  • Red level counties move to Orange level effective today

    Red level counties move to Orange level effective today

    (Jan. 4 , 2020): Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has allowed local public health agencies with counties in the Red level on the state’s dial to move to the Orange level, which went into effect at 12:00 a.m. today.  As always, counties can choose to continue to operate with more restrictive guidance. The state’s decision to move the counties simply provides greater flexibility for local jurisdictions. CDPHE notified counties of the decision last week.

    “Our goal is to empower counties to operate with the least restrictions possible, while at the same time ensuring protection of the public’s health and Colorado’s hospital capacity. We are closely monitoring disease transmission while working to provide much-needed economic relief by allowing businesses to operate with fewer restrictions,” Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of CDPHE, said. 

    Colorado’s dial framework standardizes different levels of “openness” at the county level and enables counties to balance, to the greatest extent possible, controlling the virus with our social and economic needs. The dial framework has five levels that guide a county’s response to COVID-19. Capacity restrictions for businesses, restaurants, schools, and other things vary based on a county’s dial level.  A county’s dial level is determined by three metrics, as well as other public health considerations: 

    1. Number of new cases. The case count provides information on how prevalent the virus is circulating in communities.
    2. Percent positivity of COVID tests. The percent positivity is a clear indication if enough testing is being done. 
    3. Impact on hospitalizations. Hospitalization data provides information about health care capacity.

    The dial dashboard now reflects these changes as of its last update at 4 p.m. today. We have also added information by city at the bottom of that page. 

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

    Find more info on:

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

     

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  • Denver Motor Vehicle Branches Reopen to In-Person Transactions January 5

    Denver Motor Vehicle Branches Reopen to In-Person Transactions January 5

    DENVER – Denver Motor Vehicle Title and Registration (DMV) will resume in-person services at all branch locations on Tues., Jan. 5, 2021, for the regular hours of 7 am-3:30 pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri., and 7:30 am-3:30 pm on Wed. The city closed all five DMV Title and Registration branches to in-person transactions on Nov. 23, 2020 amidst a winter surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations to help reduce community spread of COVID-19 in Denver. With hospitalizations and positivity rates stabilizing or declining, the city is moving to reopen the DMV Title and Registration branches. 

     Upon reopening, masks will be required for all customers and social distancing will be enforced. To keep lobby areas at a safe capacity, DMV Title and Registration staff will serve customers in the order in which they arrive, except for seniors and people living with disabilities who will receive priority service. Customers will receive a number when they arrive and will be notified by DMV Title and Registration staff when it is safe to enter the lobby. Additionally, dealers must utilize a specific dealer window at the Tremont branch location at 2855 Tremont Place, Denver, CO 80205.

     The following are examples of transactions that require an in-person visit:

    • Assigned VIN Processes
    • Suspense Title Transactions
    • Tiny Home Title Establishment
    • Trust Title Establishment
    • Most Title Transfers

    As the DMV reopens to in-person transactions, extremely high customer volumes are anticipated. Most title and registration transactions can be completed online at denvergov.org/dmv or by mail. Customers who can utilize online, mail, and drop box options are strongly encouraged to do so. For customers using online, mail, and drop box service, new tags or stickers will be mailed in approximately 3-4 business days after processing.

     Additionally, beginning Feb. 1, 2021, customers paying by credit/debit card and e-check via online, in-person, or by phone will now incur a transaction fee. Credit/debit card transactions will incur a 2.25% plus $0.75 fee, while e-check transactions will incur a flat $1.00 fee. The city is reinstating credit/debit card and e-check transaction fees as part of 2021 budget reductions caused by the economic impact of COVID-19 to the city budget. The city began covering credit/debit/e-check transaction fees in 2015; prior to that, customers were responsible for paying credit/debit/e-check transaction fees. No fees are applied to cash or mail-in check payments.

     DPD officers and Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Right of Way Enforcement agents will not be enforcing expired tags in Denver through Jan. 31, 2021. As a reminder, all drivers are provided a 30-day grace period from the date of expiration of their vehicle registration/tags.

     Denver Motor Vehicle provides title and registration services and is only available for Denver residents. Residents of other counties must use the motor vehicle offices located in their home county. Driver license services and emissions testing are offered by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.

     For more information on Denver’s response to COVID-19, visit denvergov.org/COVID-19.

     

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