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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

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  • Colorado consumers urged to be diligent about avoiding COVID-19 related scams

    Colorado consumers urged to be diligent about avoiding COVID-19 related scams

     DENVER (March 26, 2020) – The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is urging consumers to take extra precaution to avoid scams that prey on fears and anxiety related to the spread of COVID-19. During times of emergencies or natural disasters, scammers seek to take advantage of vulnerable populations, and federal agencies are receiving reports about scams related to banking, financial services, insurance, healthcare services and more. 

    Scammers seek to get your personal financial or healthcare information, credit card information, social security number, or are seeking to sell you a false product. Below are some of the top COVID-related scams:

    Banking/Financial Services Scams • Bank Deposit Seizures:  Claims or assertions that consumer-insured bank deposits can be legally seized by banks is false. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) last week demanded Newsmax media “stop and correct its misleading advertising that falsely claims consumers’ FDIC-insured deposits are at risk of forfeiture” from a precious metals trader, Monetary Gold of Woodland Park, California. Federal law is clear that in the unlikely event of a bank failure, customers’ insured deposits would be fully protected up to the $250,000 limit.

    • Fake Calls from the Feds:  Calls posing as employees from federal agencies, such as the FDIC, who ask for sensitive information like your social security number and bank account information, are scams. The FDIC or any other agency would never make unsolicited phone calls.
    • Student Loans:  Calls or emails advising you that COVID-19 will have an impact on your student loans, urging you to contact a specific number or visit a website to determine your new payment, are likely a scam. These calls seek to gain your personal information, even when they call or email from what they claim to be your own bank. If you need to verify or have questions about your loan, contact your financial institution with a phone number or email you’ve independently verified. 
    • Investment scams:  Scammers may call regarding money-making opportunities by investing in certain products or services of publicly traded companies that claim to prevent, detect or cure COVID-19. See a recent notice from the Colorado Division of Securities for more information.
    • Employment scams:  According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), employment scams may kick into high gear surrounding the current COVID-19-related employment crisis. Read BBB’s tips for avoiding employment scams. Healthcare Scams • Fake Test Kits:  COVID-19 test kits are not for sale. Any advertisement or call you receive that claims to offer free testing kits, asking for your personal information or health insurance details, is a scam. At high risk to this scam are those considered more vulnerable to COVID-19 complications, including diabetics, those on Medicare or Medicaid, and individuals over 60. 
    • Threats to Treat Coronavirus:  Reports are coming out of callers who pose as healthcare providers claiming they are treating a relative for COVID-19 and demanding immediate payment for treatment or threatening legal action if you don’t pay.  Other • Charity Scams:  With all the relief efforts taking place right now, you may receive calls or emails from fake charities. Scams like these disrupt legitimate charitable efforts, so if you receive any calls or emails to send cash donations by wire transfer or by gift card, this is a scam. If you want to donate to a specific charity, go directly to the organization’s website or call them in order to make direct donation arrangements.  
    • Fake Online Stores:  Scammers may create fake stores that appear in your social media feeds, the websites you visit, and via email addresses. They claim to sell medical supplies, test kits, cures or products that currently are in high demand. These fake stores may even use images of similar items or products you have searched for online. If you fall for a fake digital storefront and use your credit card for the “purchase,” contact your credit card company immediately.
    • Phishing, Malware and Apps:  Phishing and malware scams are used to gain access to your computer or to steal your credentials. Prevent loading malicious software or downloading apps by never clicking on an unsolicited email or text from a company or organization before verifying the source, even if initially the source appears trustworthy or legitimate. For example, scammers may pose as national and global health authorities, or your financial institutions, and send emails and texts designed to trick you into downloading malware or providing your personal and financial information. Additionally, do not download apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19. It may be a front to gain access to your personal information. Stick to visiting the official websites to get information and data regarding COVID-19.  The Bottom Line 

    Be overly cautious of emails, texts, apps, advertisements or social media posts that may be selling fake products or information about emerging coronavirus cases. Learn to recognize numbers, emails and texts that may be spoofs, and avoid engaging scam callers by promptly hanging up. Learn more about how to prevent, recognize, and report fraud and scams by visiting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Stop Fraud Colorado. 

    Sources:

          • Better Business Bureau (BBB) – https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21781-coronavirus-creates-perfect-storm-for-scammers

    image credit— MGN online 

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  • Colorado State Patrol, CDOT, Ski Areas join forces to combat dangerous parking

    Colorado State Patrol, CDOT, Ski Areas join forces to combat dangerous parking

    COLORADO – Despite the public health order to remain at home and the continued pleas of government officials to self-isolate away from other people, thousands of individuals are congregating to the same areas – and that means hundreds of vehicles being parked dangerously.

    Berthoud and Loveland Passes have seen a high influx of hikers and backcountry skiers recently. When searching for areas to park vehicles or trailers, the public is reminded to do so safely and lawfully. Backcountry users should park only in clearly marked and designated parking areas. Parking on the side of a highway or mountain pass, with narrow to no shoulders, may put part of your car in live traffic lanes, which is extremely dangerous to you and other motorists. By blocking roadways, it makes it difficult or even impossible for emergency responders and maintenance crews, including avalanche workers, to do their jobs.

    Additionally, Loveland Pass is a designated HAZMAT route, which includes delivery of much needed essential products to help the COVID-19 crisis. The Colorado Department of Transportation will not close Loveland Pass except as an extreme last resort, due to its importance in the distribution of food, supplies, and commerce; inappropriately parked vehicles can impede maintenance crews and the much-needed supplies being transported.  

    As a result of these parking safety issues, Colorado State Patrol Troopers and Clear Creek County Sheriff Deputies will be adding extra officers to Berthoud and Loveland Passes to prevent illegal or dangerous parking from happening. Vehicles that park anywhere other than designated parking areas are subject to citations or being towed. Additional signs will be in place for both parking or no-parking areas; when in doubt, do not park.

    “We understand that being isolated is difficult, especially if you have a lot of free time and are so close to the natural beauty that Colorado provides” said Captain Jared Rapp, local Colorado State Patrol Troop Commander.  “The problem arises when dozens or even hundreds of vehicles are parked in areas not designed for parking, like on highways or blocking roadways.  It’s dangerous in a variety of ways.”

    US 40 and US 6 are vital links for commodities to be transported statewide. This means large commercial motor vehicles traveling in areas with tight curves and limited visibility. Therefore, traffic cannot become choked into a single lane due to motorists parking out of designated areas, especially where little or no shoulder exists. Vehicles parked in these areas may also be trapped with snow as plows go through the area. Not to mention, backcountry users must be aware of avalanche conditions as well with known slide path areas along the highway, which are clearly signed, and avoid parking in those slide paths. Additionally, last weekend, many people were seen walking in the roadway with their backs to traffic; not only improper but highly dangerous.

    “Each contact we need to make with someone who has parked illegally raises the risk of exposure to everyone involved” said Colorado State Patrol Master Sergeant Don Enloe. “Nobody wants to take this home or injure someone else as a result of being in a place they didn’t need to be at in the first place.”

     As the COVID-19 crisis continues, residents and visitors are reminded to continue practicing social distancing and not make non necessary trips out, especially around other people. Doing so will not only help the crisis to pass quicker, but will literally help save lives in the process.

    photo credit : Denver Post via online

     

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  • Metro Denver Public Health Departments Rescind Stay at Home Public Health Orders; Adopt State Order

     

    statewide stay at home order

    Statement: Metro Denver Public Health Departments Rescind Stay at Home Public Health Orders; Adopt State Order

    Boulder County Public Health, Jefferson County Public Health and Tri-County Health Department applaud Gov. Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for issuing a Stay at Home Public Health Order effective Mar. 26 to protect the health and safety of our communities. After much discussion and consideration, our three local health departments have decided to rescind our local level Orders and formally adopt the state’s Order. We believe this action will ensure social distancing requirements are consistent across the state, and that our communities are not confused by multiple Orders.

    For more information about the state’s order, please visit: covid19.colorado.gov

    While Tri-County Health Department is rescinding the current order we also recognize the unique needs of our counties and will if necessary seek waivers from the state to address those needs. 

    We are reaching out to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for clarification on provisions, if provisions are interpreted to be more restrictive than we think is appropriate we will ask CDPHE to modify their order. If CDPHE is unwilling or unable to modify, we will ask for a waiver.

    For general questions about COVID-19: Community members can call CO-HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, or email for answers in English, Spanish, Mandarin and more.

    For more information about COVID-19 in your county: 

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  • USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

    USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

    WASHINGTON, March 25, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.

    OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF

    Rural Housing Service

    Single-Family Housing

    Effective March 19, borrowers with USDA single-family housing Direct and Guaranteed loans are subject to a moratorium on foreclosure and eviction for a period of 60 days. This action applies to the initiation of foreclosures and evictions and to the completion of foreclosures and evictions in process.

    Guaranteed Loan Program:

    Direct Loan Program:

    • USDA has waived or relaxed certain parts of the application process for Single-Family Housing Direct Loans, including site assessments, and has extended the time period that certificates of eligibility are valid.
    • A Direct Loan borrower who is experiencing a reduction of income by more than 10 percent can request a Payment Assistance package to see if he/she is eligible for payment assistance or for more assistance than currently received.
    • Moratorium Assistance is available for Direct Loan borrowers experiencing medical bill expenses (not covered by insurance) or job loss because of COVID-19. Qualifying borrowers can receive a moratorium on house payments for a period of time, repaid at a later date.
    • Direct Loan questions should be directed to USDA’s Customer Service Center at 800-414-1226 (7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday-Friday) or https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/loan-servicing. Call volume and wait times are high at this time.

    Multi-Family Housing

    Multi-Family Housing is taking several steps to help owners, management agents and tenants maintain quality housing during the COVID-19 outbreak. Specifically, three immediate steps are effective for Section 515 Multi-Family properties:

    • Tenant certifications due March 31, April 30 and May 31 for Multi-Family properties have been extended to June 30 with no late fees or overage charges, as allowed in Multi-Family guidance (HB-3-3560, Chapter 4, Section 4.11). This extension will allow for additional time to complete needed certifications while avoiding face-to-face meetings as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    • Late fees on Section 515 mortgages will be waived, subject to waiver authority in 7 CFR 3560.403 (c)(3).
    • Section 515 Annual Financial Statements due March 31 will be extended 30 days, as per Multi-Family guidance (HB-2-3560 Chapter 4, Section 4.16-H). USDA is exploring whether a longer extension is appropriate and will provide further guidance. 
    • Current policy states that owners must process an interim recertification at the tenant’s request if there is a change in income of $50 or more per month. The owner should already have this policy in writing and apply it consistently. To the maximum extent possible, we encourage all owners to work with all tenants with impacted income to adjust rent payments.
    • USDA encourages all owners to work with impacted residents and families to adjust rent payments, enter into forbearance agreements, and lessen the impact on affected residents. At this time, no additional subsidy funding has been made available. If borrowers are temporarily unable to make loan payments, the Agency may waive late fees and enter into an official workout plan.

    Rural Utilities Service

    Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    • Beginning immediately, through July 31, 2020, USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Guaranteed lenders may assist borrowers experiencing temporary cash flow issues by deferring payments for a period no longer than 120 days. The lender must notify The Agency in writing of any payment deferments. Written notification to the Agency will meet the standard for concurrence until July 31, 2020. A response from the Agency is not required. This guidance applies to ALL borrowers that had a current repayment status as of March 1, 2020.
      • If the guaranteed loan has been sold on the secondary market, the secondary market holder and lender must agree to the deferment actions being taken. The Agency will expect a written agreement from both parties in these instances. 
    • RBCS intermediary borrowers continue to have authority to service loan portfolios independent of USDA. Intermediary borrowers participating in these programs may approve loan payment deferrals may to their borrowers without USDA approval. These programs are:
      • Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)
      • Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
      • Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDL and REDG)
      • Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
    • For existing Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) and Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) borrowers, the Agency is committed to maintaining well-capitalized intermediary lenders and will work with you on loan servicing requests on a case-by-case basis to make sure you remain a pillar in our rural business communities.

    EXTENSION OF APPLICATION DEADLINES

    USDA is extending the application window for the following programs:

    Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    • USDA extended the application deadline for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program to no later than April 15, 2020. Contact the Rural Development office for the deadline in your state. USDA announced the extension in an Unnumbered Letter posted March 19, 2020.
    • USDA extended the application deadline for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to April 15, 2020. For additional information, see page 16925 of the March 25, 2020, Federal Register.

     

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  • Farmers and ranchers celebrate Colorado Ag Day in the fields

    Farmers and ranchers celebrate Colorado Ag Day in the fields

    In a Time of Uncertainty Agriculture Remains “Open for Business”  

    Farmers and ranchers celebrate Colorado Ag Day in the fields CENTENNIAL, Colo.—March 25, 2019— Even though the 2020 Ag Day celebration at the Colorado Capitol is canceled, the Colorado Farm Bureau assures Coloradans that the agriculture industry is “Still Open for Business” and farmers and ranchers are committed to maintaining a reliable and resilient food supply. 

    “We are all navigating a time that is unlike any other. There is uncertainty all around us and many unanswered questions about what the future holds,” says Chad Vorthmann, Executive Vice President of the Colorado Farm Bureau. “However, even in all this uncertainty, Colorado agriculture remains open for business. Farmers and ranchers around the state and around the country will continue producing high quality food for your table.”

    As people shop and prepare for quarantine periods, consumer purchasing of particular goods has spiked causing a change in the food supply chain. Many have seen grocery stores sell out of many goods due to surge buying of particular items. While grocery store shelves may be temporarily empty, it’s important to note that there is not a food shortage and replacements for those items are on the way. The supply chain just needs time to replenish and adjust to differences in purchasing behavior.

    Efforts are underway to ensure that the supply of goods happens as quickly as possible. State and federal governments have declared agriculture as a ‘critical’ industry, allowing farming operations and agriculture-related industries to continue working together to ensure safe, reliable and timely delivery of goods. However, there are still certain assurances the industry needs to continue operating as needed, including the processing of H-2A visas to recruit critical labor; ensuring meat, dairy and other processing plants continue operating; waiving hours of service requirements for food transportation and trucking across the agricultural supply chain; and maintaining stable and fair markets across the agriculture sector. 

    “We are thankful to Governor Polis and President Trump for declaring the agriculture industry as critical infrastructure. The job of farmers and ranchers never ends and it’s important to have the tools to continue to care for our livestock and crops while delivering food to people,” adds Vorthmann. “Our leaders are working hard to keep every element of the supply chain strong so that the food supply remains stable, and we are confident that our leaders in Denver and Washington, D.C. will continue to get it done.” 

    The Colorado Farm Bureau has launched AgisOpen.com as a one stop resource for those looking for information about COVID-19’s impact on the agriculture community. The resource, “Ag is Open” will address various issues like those listed above as well as provide information on rural mental health, life on the farm, agriculture job listings and much more. 

    Throughout the week, Colorado Farm Bureau will be celebrating Ag Day with helpful information for the agriculture industry and consumers alike, as well as a look into the lives of farmers and ranchers during this time.

    photo credit — MGN online 

     

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  • Colorado Delegation Calls on Federal Health Agency to Grant Colorado More Flexibility to Respond to Coronavirus Pandemic

    Colorado Delegation Calls on Federal Health Agency to Grant Colorado More Flexibility to Respond to Coronavirus Pandemic

    Delegation Letter Supports State of Colorado’s Application for 1135 Waiver from HHS  

     Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R), along with Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D), Joe Neguse (D), Scott Tipton (R), Ken Buck (R), Doug Lamborn (R), Jason Crow (D), and Ed Perlmutter (D), requested the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) waive certain requirements hampering the State of Colorado’s efforts to provide much-needed care to Coloradans during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In their letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, the lawmakers requested a swift review of the state’s application for an 1135 waiver, which would provide Colorado’s Medicaid program more flexibility to serve Coloradans during this turbulent period.

     The lawmakers’ letter follows an announcement on Monday from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that it will grant 11 other states 1135 waivers.

     “On March 24, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the State’s Single State Medicaid agency, submitted an 1135 waiver, designed to reduce administrative burdens on: clients seeking access to care; on the state’s Medicaid program; and, on providers seeking to participate in Medicaid,” wrote Bennet and the lawmakers. “This three-pronged approach will free up valuable state resources during a time when, more than ever, Coloradans need seamless access to care and the state needs to devote as many resources as possible to the COVID-19 response.”

     “On behalf of our constituents, we urge HHS to complete full and fair consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application in the most expeditious manner possible,” concluded the lawmakers.

     The text of the letter is available HERE and below. 

     Dear Secretary Azar:

     We write to request the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to give its quick, fair, and full consideration to Colorado’s application for a waiver under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act, which the state submitted today, March 24, 2020 [see attachment].

     On March 5, 2020, the first Colorado patient tested presumptive positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), now a global pandemic. On March 10, Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency. As of this morning on March 24, Colorado had 720 COVID-19 cases in 31 of its 64 counties, 72 hospitalizations, seven deaths, and five outbreaks at residential and non-residential health care facilities.

     Governor Polis, working with state agencies, has expeditiously deployed resources across the state to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Colorado has developed and implemented innovative approaches to addressing the increasing demands on state and private resources, including working with private business to address the personal protective equipment shortage, issuing Executive Orders to stop the spread of the disease, and implementing numerous measures to increase access to care, including through telehealth.

     On March 24, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the State’s Single State Medicaid agency, submitted an 1135 waiver, designed to reduce administrative burdens on: clients seeking access to care; on the state’s Medicaid program; and, on providers seeking to participate in Medicaid. This three-pronged approach will free up valuable state resources during a time when, more than ever, Coloradans need seamless access to care and the state needs to devote as many resources as possible to the COVID-19 response.

     We fully support quick consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application, including both the check list of flexibilities under numbers 1 through 5 and the additional flexibilities under “Number 6 – Other Section 1135 Waiver Flexibilities,” to ensure they have the flexibility they need to effectively combat COVID-19.

     On behalf of our constituents, we urge HHS to complete full and fair consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application in the most expeditious manner possible.

    photo credit: MGN online

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  • CDA Celebrates Colorado’s Farmers & Ranchers

    CDA Celebrates Colorado’s Farmers & Ranchers

    To all who work in agriculture: the Colorado Department of Agriculture thanks you!

    At the Colorado Department of Agriculture, we celebrate Colorado’s farmers and ranchers every day. But this week is particularly special.

    Today is Colorado Ag Day. Normally we would be celebrating together under the Gold Dome, but instead we celebrate with a virtual “Hats Off!” to our farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, truck drivers, processors, suppliers, and all the rest who help get food from the field to our plate. In honor of Colorado agriculture, Governor Polis has officially recognized today as Colorado Ag Day.

    Our many thanks to our Ag Council partners for putting on such a great event every year and for continuing to highlight all the incredible food we grow and raise here, even while we’re all social distancing for a while.

    Though we can’t be together in person today, I encourage you to join us in celebrating. Try a new dish from some of our own Colorado Proud recipes, or listen to our podcast, Cultivation Station, for business tips on starting or growing your own farm or ranch business. Browse through our Crop Calendar to see when Pueblo Chiles, Palisade Peaches, and San Luis Valley Potatoes will be ready. You can also check out our Farm Fresh Directory and sign up to support your local farmers through Community Supported Agriculture. (Also: remember to practice excellent personal hygiene and check in with your local public health office for the latest guidance).

    Rest assured, agriculture is not just critical to the state of Colorado; it’s part of who we are. As we move into spring, know that you can count on the Colorado Department of Agriculture to be here for you, through good times and bad.

    Colorado agriculture is strong and healthy. Our farmers and ranchers are resilient. We’ve been through tough times before, and as we face tough times now, we remember a few key basics: We stand up to serve others in times of need. We lean on one another. And we will emerge stronger from this moment in time by our hard work, our commitment, and our shared meals with all who need to eat.

    We are so grateful for the efforts of all who keep our food system growing and moving, now more than ever.

    With deep gratitude and sincere appreciation, hats off to Colorado agriculture!

    Sincerely,

    Commissioner Kate Greenberg & the entire CDA team

    Photo credit : MGN Online 

     

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  • Gov. Polis Sends Letter Encouraging  New Safety Protocols for Grocery Stores

    Gov. Polis Sends Letter Encouraging  New Safety Protocols for Grocery Stores

    DENVER – Today Gov. Polis sent a letter to the Presidents of Albertsons Companies, which owns Safeway, and The Kroger Co., which owns King Soopers and City Market, encouraging new safety protocols for customers and employees. In the letter, the Governor also applauds efforts currently underway. 

    “I want to thank you, as a business leader in Colorado, for your efforts to date working in partnership with our state, your employees, and your customers to better protect our public health and food security during this extraordinarily challenging period,” the letter reads. 

    The letter includes proposals for providing the greatest possible protections for workers and customers while minimizing economic disruption. 

    Proposals include:

    • Providing appropriate gloves, masks, face screens, and other personal protective equipment to grocery store workers to the extent possible
    • Consider expanding into grocery delivery services, prioritizing service to those at the highest risk
    • Provide daily designated time periods for higher-risk individuals to shop
    • Establish entrance/access controls to ensure crowds are in compliance with safe social distancing practices 
    • To the extent possible, assign those employees with higher health-risks to tasks with lowest exposure risks such as backroom work

    To read the letter and see the full list of recommendations, click here. 

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  • State health department begins to distribute resources from Strategic National Stockpile

    State health department begins to distribute resources from Strategic National Stockpile

    The Colorado State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are now shipping supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile across Colorado to help communities respond to COVID-19. 

    The Strategic National Stockpile is “the nation’s largest supply of potentially life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out.” Colorado received the following materials:

    49,200 N95 masks

    115,000 surgical masks

    21,420 surgical gowns 

    21,800 face shields

    84 coveralls

    CDPHE estimates that these supplies are sufficient for approximately one full day of statewide operations.

    The State Unified Command Group, which is part of the EOC, will distribute these materials to every county health department and tribe throughout the state where they are needed most. The following factors were used to determine allocation:

    county population

    portion of the population that is older than age 65 proportional to the state population

    the number of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals

    if the county or tribe has received supplies previously All county health departments and tribes in the state will receive supplies. CDPHE will work with regional staff to coordinate deliveries.

    “We are relieved that we have finally received materials from the Strategic National Stockpile, but it’s not nearly enough,” said Scott Bookman, COVID Incident Commander, CDPHE. “We’re going to need more supplies and are grateful to all our partners across the state who are donating supplies and stepping up to help Colorado meet the demand.”

    There are many ways people can contribute to these efforts:

    The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is coordinating requests for supplies and donations of supplies, as well as trained medical personnel. Please follow the three steps on the Colorado Business EOC website [colorado.gov/cobeoc/business-members-and-vendors] to create an account in the state resource database. The State EOC uses this database to fill all resource requests from state and local agencies during emergencies.

    Coloradans who wish to donate or volunteer to help those affected by COVID-19 should visit www.helpcoloradonow.com.

    There is an urgent need for blood. Go to vitalent.org to sign up to donate blood. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is meant for single-use and is recommended by the CDC to be used for COVID-19 testing. In order to preserve these important resources for critical health care needs, CDPHE is urging the public to not wait for a test to self-isolate. 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. Call your health care provider only if your illness becomes more severe, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath. 

    If you have any symptoms — even mild ones — public health urges you to 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.

    If you have a medical emergency, call 911. If you have severe respiratory symptoms, especially shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, tell the 911 dispatcher about your symptoms. Do not wait for a COVID-19 test to call 911. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

     

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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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