Community Corner
Coronavirus Live Colorado Updates: 4,950 Cases, 140 Deaths
LIVE BLOG: Here's the latest information about the new coronavirus in Colorado.
COLORADO — According to government data posted Sunday afternoon, there were 4,950 cases of the new coronavirus in Colorado among 25,773 people who have been tested. There were 924 people hospitalized, and 140 deaths were confirmed.
In a news conference Friday afternoon, Gov. Jared Polis asked all Coloradans to wear face masks whenever they leave the house. Several hours after the news conference, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the recommendation for everyone in the country.
Health officials urged Coloradans to visit the Colorado Mask Project to learn how to make masks. Instructions for a mask that doesn't require sewing can be found here (scroll down for YouTube tutorial).
Find out what's happening in Across Coloradofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The masks, which can be handmade from scarves or old clothing, should be worn during grocery shopping and other essential tasks, Polis said.
"Wear masks, and save lives," Polis said. "They're literally allowing us to return to work sooner."
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Polis also emphasized what the economic stimulus payments are for.
“Don’t consider this free money — we’re asking you to earn this money by staying at home, that is what the federal government is paying you to do,” Polis said.
Colorado's first death of a law enforcement officer from the new coronavirus was confirmed Thursday. An El Paso County deputy who tested positive for the virus died Monday, officials said.
"It is with profound sadness we announce Deputy Jeff Hopkins, while off duty, passed away on April 1 from the COVID-19 virus," the El Paso County Sheriff's Office says in a social media post. "Deputy Hopkins was 41 years old and leaves behind his wife, Wendy."
Hopkins had been employed with the sheriff's office since 2001.
The mandatory closure of Colorado schools will be extended until April 30, Polis announced Wednesday. The order was previously slated to end April 17. The announcement extends most local school districts' closures by about two weeks.
More than a dozen school metro Denver school districts announced Friday they're canceling in-person classes for the rest of the school year.
Colorado's stay-at-home order is "buying time" for the state to gather the necessary hospital beds and medical supplies, Polis said. Hospitals in Colorado are still lacking millions of surgical masks, face shields, gowns, gloves and coveralls.
Our state is securing many essential supplies from countries such as China, where suppliers are rapidly creating millions of much-needed protective equipment products, Polis said. China's Huan Province is sending our state 10,000 masks.
Upon their arrival, the products then need to undergo quality checks and tests by Colorado State University scientists before the suppliers get paid.
Our state requested supplies from the federal government, however, Colorado has only received a small percentage of that request.
To avoid overcapacity in hospitals, the state has developed a four-tier system to classify patients by their stage of sickness, and provide them will the best-suited facility, so that critical care will always be available for critical patients. The state plans to increase ICU beds from 1,800 to 5,000 by April 18.
Latest updates:
Metro Denver Districts Continue Remote Learning For Rest Of Year
More than a dozen school metro Denver school districts have announced they're canceling in-person classes for the rest of the school year.
First Coronavirus Rapid Tests Go To Denver First Responders
Thousands of rapid new coronavirus tests have arrived in Colorado, and the first 2,000 kits are going to first responders.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival Postpones 2020 Season
“This unprecedented decision is not one we came to lightly ..." the festival's producing artistic director said.
Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments: What You Need To Do In CO
Coloradans are expected to start receiving stimulus payments soon. Here's what you need to do beforehand.
Boulder Coronavirus Update: Closures Extended, Cases In County
The closure of City of Boulder buildings has been extended until April 30, officials announced.
Thursday updates:
El Paso County Deputy Dies From The Coronavirus
"It is with profound sadness we announce Deputy Jeff Hopkins, while off duty, passed away," the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said.
CO Secretary Of State Announces Support Resources For Businesses
Here's how small businesses in Colorado can access support resources.
CO School Districts Won't Be Required To Conduct Teacher Evaluations This Year
As Colorado educators grapple with the unprecedented challenge of teaching remotely, Gov. Jared Polis has suspended this requirement.
Coronavirus Update In Denver: Latest Cases, Deaths
Here's a look at the rate of Denver cases compared to other counties.
Feed The Frontlines Boulder Kicks Off Amid Coronavirus Spread
Boulder community members are stepping up to help feed healthcare workers and support local independent restaurants.
How Many People In Colorado Are Burdened With Medical Debt?
The U.S. spends more per capital on health care than any other country. As a result, many Americans are saddled with debt.
Coronavirus Update In Jefferson County: Latest Cases, Deaths
Here's a look at the rate of Jefferson County cases compared to other counties.
Wednesday updates:
Colorado Coronavirus Cases By County
Here's a breakdown of cases and deaths in each Colorado county.
Denver Officials Issue Citations To 'Nonessential' Businesses
Some Denver businesses say they have a right to remain open during the stay-at-home order, but health officials disagree.
Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments: What You Need To Do
Americans are expected to start receiving stimulus payments soon. Here's what you need to do beforehand.
No School Day Minimums: With Campuses Closed, CO Just Wants Students To Engage In Learning
School districts in Colorado will not have to meet minimum days or hours of instruction this school year.
More Than 150 Volunteer To Help Boulder County Hospitals
The county is preparing for a surge of patients, and practicing, retired and non-practicing medical professionals have signed up to help.
2020 Census Response Rate In Colorado; Bureau Suspends Field Work
As the coronavirus crisis keeps census takers off the streets, many Colorado residents are still responding to this year's questionnaire.
Coronavirus Funding Workshop Offered To Jeffco Businesses
Jefferson County businesses are encouraged to participate in an online workshop Friday about funding options amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuesday updates:
Colorado Coronavirus Cases By County: Tuesday, March 31
Here's a breakdown of cases and deaths in each Colorado county.
Denver's Stay-At-Home Order Set To Be Extended Until April 30
The statewide stay-at-home order will be in effect until April 11, but Mayor Michael Hancock says Denver's order will likely be extended.
Colorado Coronavirus: 'Essential' Businesses, Services List
Many people have been asking about which businesses and services are considered 'essential' in Colorado. Here's a list.
CO Firearms Background Checks: Wait Times Increase Amid Surge
The average wait time for firearms background checks now exceeds the federal limit by three days, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said.
List Of Store Closures Amid Coronavirus Outbreak In Colorado
More than 50 retail chains have temporarily shuttered in response to the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak.
Boulder County's 2nd Coronavirus Death Confirmed
The county's public health director said he's "heartbroken to learn that another Boulder County family has been torn apart by this disease.”
Remote Learning: How One Small CO School District Leverages Its Closeness With Families
In the Sheridan school district just southwest of Denver, longstanding connections with families are paying off.
MAP: Colorado Students Can Get School Lunches At These Locations During Coronavirus Shutdown
Colorado school districts say they're committed to keeping students and their families fed for as long as schools are closed.
Ziggi's Offers Free Drinks To Nurses, Doctors, 1st Responders
Ziggi's Coffee, which has more than 10 locations in Denver's metro area, is offering free drinks to nurses, doctors and first responders.
Monday updates:
Colorado Coronavirus Cases And Deaths By County
Here's a breakdown of cases and deaths in each Colorado county.
The inmate has been isolated in the prison's medical unit, officials said.
Macy’s To Furlough Most Employees, Including In Colorado
Macy’s announced Monday it is furloughing the majority of its almost 130,000 employees, including in Colorado.
Police Impersonators Pull Over CO Drivers Amid Stay-At-Home Order
Suspects in Colorado pretended to be law enforcement officers and pulled over drivers during the stay-at-home order, police said.
Phoenix Nurses Help Fight Coronavirus Outbreak In Colorado
A group of 10 Phoenix-area nurses with Banner Health traveled to Colorado on Sunday for a two-week assignment battling the coronavirus spread.
Coronavirus In Colorado: What To Know Monday, March 30
President Trump approved a disaster declaration for Colorado. As of Sunday, the state had more than 2,300 cases.
Woman Says She Has Coronavirus, Spits On Officer: Arvada Police
Brenda Johnson, 62, faces DUI and assault charges after she spat on a police officer and said she has the new coronavirus, police said.
Boulder County DA Issues Domestic Violence Advisory
Amid the new coronavirus outbreak, domestic violence victims are at risk, the Boulder County District Attorney said.
Instacart Shoppers Plan Strike Over Treatment During Coronavirus
As many as 200,000 Instacart employees, including those in Colorado, could walk off their jobs on Monday.
Lakewood Coronavirus Update: Cases, Disaster Declaration Extended
Here's the latest news about the new coronavirus in Lakewood.
Boulder Stay-At-Home Order: Police Hope Education Will Suffice
"The hope is that criminal enforcement of the public health order will not become necessary," City of Boulder officials said.
Over the weekend:
3 Colorado Corrections Employees Test Positive For Coronavirus
As of Friday, no inmates had tested positive for the new coronavirus, the Colorado Department of Corrections said.
Coronavirus: CO Mental Health Counselors See Patients Online
Mental health professionals across the U.S. are seeing a spike in demand for their services.
2nd Colorado Avalanche Player Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A second Colorado Avalanche player is in isolation after he tested positive for the new coronavirus, the team confirmed Saturday.
What About Grocery Store Workers? Advocates Push CO To Extend Emergency Child Care
Advocates are calling for grocery store and food processing workers to be eligible for emergency child care.
More coverage:
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