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Tag: Peoria

  • Skip the lines and drive time by accessing Colorado PEAK online

    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:

    • Click Am I Eligible to see what programs you may qualify for.
    • Click Apply for Benefits to complete an online application good for multiple benefit programs.
    • Click Manage My Account to view benefit information, report changes, pay premiums and read letters from Human Services.

    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:

    • Food assistance (SNAP)
    • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
    • Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
    • Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND)
    • Colorado works (CO Works) – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
    • Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program)
    • Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)

    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:

    • If you are sick, stay home and at least six feet away from other people, and call your health care provider.
    • Wash your hands often, cover your cough and sneezes with an elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue and wash your hands immediately.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Stay away from sick people.

    Visit Coronavirus: Just the facts on our website: ArapahoeGov.com to find the latest information from Tri-County Health Department including:

    • Current updates
    • Prevention and preparedness
    • Travel advisories
    • HelpLine information
    • Fact sheets in English, Spanish, and Chinese
    • Guidance for communities, schools, businesses, and healthcare professionals

    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.

     

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  • Colorado has first death from COVID-19 in El Paso County

    Colorado has first death from COVID-19 in El Paso County

     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:

    • Signed an emergency executive order aimed at minimizing the spread of the virus. 
    • Allocated $4 million dollars to immediately help response efforts in our communities.
    • Ordered paid sick leave for workers in many occupations. 
    • Set public health orders to protect our most at-risk populations, including those who live in nursing homes and similar facilities.
    • Issued directions that ensure Coloradans can get access to medical care for COVID-19 without fearing the cost. 
    • Worked diligently to ensure testing is available for all who need it through either public health or private labs. 

     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: 

    • Activated the Emergency Coordination Center to assist in resource requests.
    • Coordinating with key stakeholders and City and County partners to address community needs.
    • Activated a Joint Information Center to field inquiries and streamline communication efforts.

    The people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 are:

    • Older people (over age 60), especially those over 80 years.
    • People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease, or diabetes.
    • Older people with chronic medical conditions are at greatest risk.

    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

     

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  • Mountain lion from Wednesday’s attack in Loveland tests positive for rabies 

    Mountain lion from Wednesday’s attack in Loveland tests positive for rabies 

    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.

     

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  • DPHE confirms 23 additional new presumptive positive cases in Colorado

    DPHE confirms 23 additional new presumptive positive cases in Colorado

    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.

     

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  • Drive-up Testing Lab Will be Postponed  to Tomorrow Due to Weather-Related Safety Concerns / El laboratorio móvil no ofrecerá servicio debido al estado del tiempo

    Drive-up Testing Lab Will be Postponed  to Tomorrow Due to Weather-Related Safety Concerns / El laboratorio móvil no ofrecerá servicio debido al estado del tiempo

    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.

    • If you are ill or suspect that you were exposed, but are not able to be immediately tested, please stay home, self-isolate, and contact your physician. 
    • While waiting for their test results, individuals should stay at home. Those who receive positive test results may be issued isolation orders.
    • The Colorado Division of Insurance is directing carriers to ensure that coverage is provided for COVID-19 testing, in-network provider office visits, in-network urgent care center visits, and an emergency room visit when a covered person is seeking testing for COVID-19 without the requirement that consumers pay co-pays, deductibles or co-insurance. Carriers must also cover testing by an out-of-network provider, if they cannot conduct the testing.  The division is working on formalizing these directives. The mobile testing center in Lowry has served more than 650 people since it opened on Wednesday. 

    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:

    • Si tiene una emergencia, llame al 911 – no lo reporte a un lugar donde hacen las pruebas, debido a que estos lugares no son lugares de emergencias.  Si tiene síntomas respiratorios severos, especialmente dificultad para respirar, llame al 911 y dígale al operador sus síntomas.  No espere a hacerse una prueba de COVID-19 para llamar al 911. 
    • Si esta enfermo o piensa que ha sido expuesto, pero no pueden hacerse la prueba inmediatamente, por favor quédese en casa, aislado y contacte a su médico.  
    • Mientras esperan sus resultados, las personas deben quedarse en casa.  Los que resulten positivos, debe mantenerse aislados.
    • La División de Seguros de Colorado indicó a los proveedores que para asegurar la cobertura por la prueba de COVID-19, visitas a proveedores dentro de la red, cuidado urgente y visitas a emergencias cuando una persona tiene cobertura y busca pruebas del COVID-19 sin el requerimiento que los usuarios cubran co-pagos, deducibles o co-seguro.  Los proveedores deben cubrir la prueba para los que están fuera de la red, si no pueden hacer la prueba.  La División esta trabajando para formalizar estas directrices.

    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.

     

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  • Three People Test Positive for COVID-19 in Adams County

    Three People Test Positive for COVID-19 in Adams County

    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:

    • Manage your symptoms at home the same way you manage other cold symptoms. To reduce the risk of transmission, people with respiratory illness should remain at home.
    • If you need medical care, consult with your health care provider. Let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
    • Only contact 911 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care and let them know if you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
    • Restrict visits to the hospital emergency room or urgent care – only individuals needing immediate care should visit these facilities. If you must visit an ER or urgent care facility, call ahead and let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
    • Follow social distancing recommendations (i.e., limit contact of people within 6 feet from each other);
    • You can potentially be exposed to the virus if you are in close contact with someone who is ill with COVID-19. Exposure can occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes and you are within 6 feet of the ill person for a prolonged period of time.
    • You need a doctor’s order to be tested for COVID-19.

    Practice actions that protect others

    • Clean your hands often
      • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. When using hand sanitizer, cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Soap and water is preferred if hands are visibly dirty.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes
      • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve. If you use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, then throw the tissue away and immediately clean your hands.
    • Avoid sharing personal household items
      • Don’t share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
      • After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
    • Clean surfaces every day
      • Clean “high touch” surfaces like counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. 
      • Clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
      • Use a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Follow the label directions for correct and safe use of the cleaning product.

    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.

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  • Adams County Buildings Closing Immediately through March 23

    Adams County Buildings Closing Immediately through March 23

    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:

    • Aurora Motor Vehicle – 3449 N. Chambers Rd., Aurora
    • Adams County Government Center – 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Brighton
    • Commerce City Sheriff’s Substation – 4201 E. 72nd Ave., Commerce City
    • Adams County Human Services Center – 11860 Pecos St., Westminster
    • Westminster Motor Vehicle – 8452 N. Federal Blvd., Westminster
    • Strasburg Sheriff’s Substation – 2550 Strasburg Rd., Strasburg

     

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  • The 2020 Census is Ready for Colorado to Respond

    The 2020 Census is Ready for Colorado to Respond

    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. 

    • The 2020 Census is a short questionnaire that asks about who lives in your household. One person should respond for an entire household.
    • Plan to include everyone you expect to live in your home on April 1.
    • You can self-respond online or by phone in one of 13 languages and find assistance in 59 languages.
    • On March 20, use this map to track the daily 2020 Census self-response rates.
    • Those who do not respond online or by phone should also expect to receive a paper questionnaire in April.  
    • After a series of reminder mailings, if the household has not self-responded (online, by phone, or by mail), the Census Bureau plans to send census takers door-to-door to collect responses in May.
    • The 2020 Census is a massive undertaking. It requires counting a diverse and growing population in the United States and the five U.S. territories.
    • The 2020 Census is important because it will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade. 
    • Responding to the 2020 Census is safe and secure. Individual responses are confidential and protected by law.
    • The Census Bureau is committed to making the 2020 Census quick, easy, and safe.
    • Take the 2020 Census HERE

    VIDEOS

    What is the 2020 Census?

    Is my 2020 Census data safe?

    Video guide to completing the 2020 Census online

    Public Service Announcement (PSA) for kids

    General B-Roll for TV

     

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  • Boyd Lake opens to boating; other boat ramps, campgrounds opening soon across Northeast Region

    Boyd Lake opens to boating; other boat ramps, campgrounds opening soon across Northeast Region

    DENVER – With spring inching closer, some of the warmer-weather outdoor activities will begin to pick-up in the coming days and weeks. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is issuing an update on projected openings to campgrounds and boating at its Northeast Region parks and state wildlife areas.

    Boyd Lake State Park kicked it all off for the season by opening its boat ramp at 8 a.m. today (Friday, March 6). It’s aquatic nuisance species (ANS) inspection station hours will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the month of March, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in April and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from May through the remainder of the summer. Please remember to get your boat inspected prior to launch, check your lifejackets, boat plugs and have a great 2020 boating season.

    Jackson Lake State Park anticipates being open to boating by March 15, depending on weather and ice. It was scheduled to open on March 1, but because ice was still on the lake the opening day was pushed back. It’s northern campgrounds and shower houses will open April 1.

    North Sterling State Park anticipates opening to boating around March 14, depending on weather and ice. Its south campgrounds (Inlet Grove and Chimney View) will open for the season on March 27. The swim beach will open around May 12, depending on water temperatures. 

    Barr Lake State Park’s boat ramp and 3D archery range will open on Saturday, April 4.

    St. Vrain State Park’s Coot, Kestrel, and Pelican campgrounds are now open for the season.

    Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks have not established opening dates for boating yet, those will be dependent on weather and ice.

    Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area will open to boating on April 17 and close the season on Oct. 18.

    Be sure to call the park or area office you plan on visiting in advance to check on current conditions. 

    Learn more about boating, camping or other outdoor activities by visiting cpw.state.co.us. For more information on mandatory aquatic nuisance species inspections, please visit https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/ISP-ANS.aspx.

    Always check with your destination reservoir before going to verify hours of operation.

    Area offices across the region:

    Denver: 303-291-7227

    Fort Collins: 970-472-4300

    Brush: 970-842-6300

     

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  • Update on State’s Response to COVID-19

    Update on State’s Response to COVID-19

    DENVER – On Tuesday, Gov. Polis declared a state of emergency in response to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 in Colorado (COVID-19). The declaration will help ensure resources are available to the State to combat COVID-19. The Governor has urged Coloradans to exercise personal responsibility to protect public health, especially vulnerable populations like older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions.

    “Our state is responding to this virus by taking bold action to protect our most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Polis. “We will continue working together to put health and safety first and be guided by science. Colorado is in this together.”

    Details of the executive order: 

    • Directs Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to engage in emergency rulemaking to ensure workers in the following industries get paid sick leave if they exhibit flu-like symptoms and have to miss work while they await testing results for COVID-19: leisure and hospitality, food services, child care, education at all levels, home health care, operating a nursing home, or operating a community living facility. 
    • For workers who test positive and lack access to paid leave, directs CDLE to identify additional supports and wage replacement such as access to emergency unemployment assistance.  These steps are especially important for those who work with vulnerable populations like older Coloradans and those with underlying health issues. When those workers lack access to paid sick leave, it poses a great risk to our ability to protect the public. 
    • Directs the Department of Revenue to temporarily allow Coloradans over the age of 65, a vulnerable population, to renew their driver’s licenses online to avoid having to congregate at DMV offices at this time.
    • Directs the Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA) to engage in emergency rulemaking regarding state employees. The administration wants to ensure that state functions continue to run smoothly and that state workers who are subject to mandatory or voluntary quarantine or isolation and who cannot work from home have access to paid leave. For employees who may be put either in quarantine or isolation and can work from home, they should do so. If these workers fall ill and cannot perform their duties, they will be able to use paid leave, and the state will be flexible with that paid leave. For impacted employees who cannot work remotely, such as correctional officers, assisted living staff, etc., the administration is working to ensure paid leave options for those who are ill to ensure that those workers can continue to put food on the table while protecting public health.
    • Suspends statutory provisions that exclude temporary employees from the definition of “employee” for the purposes of leave benefits eligibility, and directs the State Personnel Director to determine what, if any, state leave benefits may be provided to temporary employees.
    • Suspends the requirement that state employees who are absent from work due to COVID-19-like symptoms for three or more consecutive days provide a medical certificate form from a health care provider, and directs the State Personnel Director to create and promulgate an Employee Self-Certification Form that shall be used by employees in lieu of a medical certificate form.  

    Read the executive order here. 

    Last night, the Governor issued guidelines to all K-12 schools, preschools, and child care centers requiring closure for 72 hours if they have a student or faculty member who tests positive for COVID-19, allowing for schools to be disinfected. The guidelines also cover institutions of higher education.  More details on the guidelines are available here.  

    Per the Governor’s instruction, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) are engaging in emergency rulemaking to limit visitation to facilities that serve older Coloradans, to screen all employees and visitors to these facilities, and to take necessary steps to protect those in these facilities. Older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions are much more vulnerable to COVID-19. Read more here. 

    CDPHE recently provided information on social distancing, how to prevent community spread, ways Coloradans can reduce fear and take care of themselves. 

     

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