Federal Government Extends Social Distancing Guidelines Until April 30th
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you to all of you who joined Majority Leader Alec Garnett and me for our tele-town hall yesterday. We had over 1,500 participants with questions ranging from Colorado's supply of personal protective equipment, health insurance and the safety of home deliveries. A full list of resources offered on the call can be found here.
As of Monday, there are 2,627 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Colorado with 51 deaths. In Denver, there are 521 confirmed cases with 9 deaths.
Today, Governor Polis
announced that the spread of COVID-19 is slowing. Instead of the number of cases doubling each day, the number of cases is doubling every 5 days.
This is good news, but we aren't out of the woods yet. In fact, current models show that Colorado COVID-19 cases will peak on April 15th. That date is, of course, subject to change. One way to ensure the change is in our favor is by flattening the curve and staying home.
I know social distancing
and
isolation can be tough, but keep it up Colorado! We will beat this pandemic together.
Boldly Forward,
P.S. In an attempt to keep folks informed, I have been sending more frequent updates. As always, follow me on
facebook
,
twitter
and
instagram
for updates on COVID-19.
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Stay Informed
with reliable, up-to-date information on COVID19. For general questions, call (303) 389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. For written answers in English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more, email [email protected].
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To slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Polis has issued a mandatory statewide
stay-at-home order, which follows Denver's stay-at-home order.
Click
here
for the full text of Denver's public health order, including exemptions. Find frequently asked questions here.
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*COVID-19 By The
Numbers
Colorado: 320 new cases were reported on Sunday for a total of
2,627
cases and 51 deaths. [
Source
]
United States: The largest hotspots are New York (66,544
cases), New Jersey (16,636 cases), and California (6,855 cases). [
Source
]
Global:
4 countries reported more than 4,500 new cases on Sunday: Germany (4,740), Italy (5,217), Spain (6,875), and the United States (19,913). After large outbreaks, China and South Korea have been reporting less than 150 new cases per day. [
Source
]
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 Economic Relief
*President Tr
ump approved Colorado's request for a
major disaster declaration
. This declaration allows the state and tribes, along with some local governments and nonprofits, to receive federal money to help with COVID-19.
Governor Polis has recently taken the following executive actions:
For Individuals and Businesses in Denver:
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*Additional COVID-19 Updates from the Governor
Updated 3/30 at 11:45 AM
Click
here for a full list of Executive Orders.
*The Department of Corrections will have greater flexibility to manage the prison population in order to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak behind bars. [Full text]
Certain auto insurance requirements for restaurant delivery drivers have been lifted (Full text).
Governor Polis' statewide
"Stay-at-Home" order will last through April 11th. To read frequently asked questions about this order click
here. [
En Español]
Note: To report gatherings or business that are not complying with the stay-at-home order, please contact your county public health department (Denver) or go to the Attorney General's website.
Gov. Polis launched the state's Innovation Response Team (IRT) to ramp up a mass testing program for COVID-19 and develop alternatives for critical medical supplies in short supply.
Suspension of elective and nonessential surgeries and medical procedures, to free up medical devices and personal protective equipment for medical staff.
Hair and nail salons, spas, tattoo and massage parlors are CLOSED until April 30th.
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Federal Response
*$2 Trillion Aid Package
This package
include
s
direct payments to taxpayers, increasing unemployment benefits and providing them to independent contractors, emergency funds for small businesses that retain workers, providing distressed companies with government bailouts and providing hospitals with $100 billion in aid.
*Direct payments. Single adults with Social Security numbers who are U.S. residents and have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will receive $1,200, plus $500 for each child 16 and younger. Individuals who make more than $99,000 or couples who make more than $198,000 are not eligible.
If you've gotten a tax refund in the last two years by direct deposit, that's where the money will be sent. You do not have to apply to receive payment, which is expected
within the next three weeks
. If you
haven't yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, do it as soon as you can, so that the government has your up-to-date information on file. Frequently asked questions can be found here.
*Expanding unemployment benefits. This bill more than doubles the average unemployment benefit by adding $600 to the weekly benefit. It will also allow self-employed and part time workers to receive benefits.
*Delaying student loan payments.
Under this bill you can delay student loan payments for up to 6 months, without penalty or interest accruing. You must request this delay through your loan servicer.
For more F.A.Q on stimulus checks, unemployment and the Coronavirus bill, click
here.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Signed on March 18th. To read more on what this Act includes, click here.
T
he
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental
Signed on March 6th.
See what this $8.3 billion package includes
here
.
For more information on the federal response to COVID-19, click
here.
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*Personal Protective Equipment
Updated 3.30 at 6:00 PM
Many of you asked for additional information about PPE's. We've added this section and will update it as new
data becomes available.
Colorado's Medical Supply Tracker:
|
Types of PPE
|
Requested
|
Delivered
|
Need
|
| N95 |
654,207 |
417,540 |
236,667 |
| Surgical Masks |
1,475,135 |
368,500 |
1,106,635 |
| Face Shields |
244,934 |
41,280 |
203,654 |
Gowns
|
269,984 |
73,800 |
196,184 |
Gloves
|
832,290 |
712,000 |
120,390 |
Coveralls
|
25,700 |
0 |
25,700 |
To donate Personal Protective Equipment. If you have small quantities of supplies to contribute, between 1-25 boxes of personal protective equipment, donate these supplies to your
local public health department
,
local community health center
, community clinic, or local hospital. If you have more than 25 boxes, or the pieces of larger equipment such as anesthesia machines or ventilators, fill out
THIS FORM
.
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Connect for Health CO Open!
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Resources for Seniors
Senior shopping hours. Stores are dedicating hours for seniors,
click here.
Show our seniors some love and support.
Read
7 ways to boost your loved one's morale here (provided by AARP).
Transportation
for seniors. The Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council has transportation options for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Older Adult Resource Directory. An extensive directory of contact information, including benefits, emergency services, meals and healthcare.
Food pantry schedule. A listing of food pantries in the Denver Metro area.
Denver Regional Council of Governments Aging and Disability Resources. A collection of resources including guides to in-home healthcare, transportation, and legal assistance.
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Paying Rent & Utilities
Updated 3.30 at 12:30 PM
T-Mobile has announced that they will not terminate service because of inability to pay and will waive ate fees.
1) N
ot terminate service to customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.
2) W
aive late fees caused by circumstances related to COVID-19.
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Small Businesses & Workers
Updated 3.30 at 12:30 PM
Small businesses impacted by
COVID-19
can seek loans up to $2 million as part of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
If you have been laid off due to a business closure related to COVID-19, are experiencing wage reductions or are working fewer hours, you can file a claim here.
- Economic Injury Hotline, call them at 303-860-5881.
- Small Business Navigator email, [email protected]
- COVID-19 resource website
*Several employers are hiring, including health care, grocery stores, package delivery companies, and companies offering online products for delivery. Register here
for more details.
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Mental Health
Updated 3.30 at 12:40 PM
Mental Health Colorado has updated its
resource page
with useful information for those who are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges.
Colorado Crisis Services. If you are more seriously concerned about your own mental health or that of someone close to you, call 1-844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.
Denver Therapy Match. Search for Denver providers
here.
Open Path.
For additional reduced rate
options
.
Psychology Today. Search for statewide providers here.
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*
At Home Learning & Activities
Updated 3.30 at 12:40 PM
Although The Denver Public Library is closed, they still have many free online resources you can access such as book clubs, story time, and programs like daily Ukulele lessons. See an extensive list of these programs here. Additional resources gathered by The Denver Public Library for teens, children and Spanish speakers can be found here.
Rocky Mountain PBS will air educational programs from 6AM - 5PM, weekdays, to support at-home learning. View the program schedule and learning resources here.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance will launch Cyber Dance 2020
. CPRD's Cyber Dance 2020 begins an ongoing series of classes and movement activities, serving all ages and levels of ability. These classes will be "pick your price". Please pay what you can. Any questions contact Amelia Dietz at
[email protected]
.
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Assistance for Students
and Families
Updated 3.30 at 12:45 PM
Technology needed. The state is working to ensure that every child has access to computers for online and distance learning. Learn more about communities in need and technology requested
here. Fill out this
form to donate.
Please note the new times for grab-and-go meal pick up. Denver Public School students and family members
can receive
free meals at twelve sites
. Breakfast and Lunch will now both be available for pick up on weekdays from 11 AM - 12:30 PM only.
The locations are:
- Abraham Lincoln High School, 2285 Federal Blvd
- Valverde Elementary School, 2030 W Alameda Ave
- Joe Shoemaker School, 3333 S Havana St.
- Place Bridge Academy, 7125 Cherry Creek N Dr.
- Cowell Elementary School, 4540 W 10th Ave
- North High School, 2960 Speer Blvd
- STRIVE Prep - Sunnyside, 4735 N Pecos St
- Bruce Randolph School, 3955 Steele St
- Denver Center for International Studies - Baker, 574 W 6th Ave
- Manual High School, 1700 E 28th Ave
- The Evie Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride St
- The Montbello Campus, 5000 Crown Blvd
In addition, Food for Thought Denver
will be providing Powersacks at all twelve locations, every Friday. Each Powersack contains enough food for a family of four for two days. They are available for anyone in need, not just DPS students.
Hunger Free Colorado
has set up a Food Resource Hotline for anyone who needs help locating food. Call 855-855-4626, M - F (8 am - 4:30 pm) to find school meals, food pantries, and SNAP and WIC enrollment.
Students outside Denver can find nearby locations to pick up meals
here.
A full list of Food Distribution sites from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment
here.
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Childcare and Resources for Parents
If you are a health care professional or work in public safety, and need childcare, you may be eligible to receive it through the
Emergency Childcare Collaborative
.
How to talk to your child about COVID-19.
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Updated 3.30 at 4:44 PM
*
Help Colorado Now has raised $7.7 million dollars from nearly 4,000 individuals, foundations and companies since the fund launched. More than 9,000 volunteers including 2,000 health care volunteers have signed up to date.
The grant process has now begun and will be on a rolling basis.
Those interested in applying for relief funds up to $25K can apply
here
.
Blood donors needed. Donor eligibility here
. Make an appointment here.
*Consider signing up to be a volunteer, or a neighborhood team leader here. Volunteer needs will vary depending on where you are located and what you are willing and able to do. Some volunteer options are administrative, client advocacy, construction, mental wellness, food bank support, language skills, healthcare, volunteer management, childcare, delivery of goods and more!
*Health Care Response Volunteer Sign Up. Once you sign up you will be contacted and matched with a hospital or care facility in need in your area.
*Denver is working to support residents who are experiencing homelessness and in need of shelter. They have an immediate need for volunteers to support this work. If you are healthy, willing and not in an at-risk category, email [email protected] to sign up and someone will contact you with more information.
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College Students and Higher Education
Updated 3/27 at 2:23PM
FedLoan Servicing will reduce their interest rates to 0%. This went into effect on March 13, 20202 and will hold for at least 60 days.
*Right now, Coloradans across the state are dealing with financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and student loans are making it worse for young people, especially young people of color. Click here for some tips from New Era Colorado if you're struggling to pay back your student loans during this uncertain period of time.
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Do not call 911
if you are seeking general medical advice or a COVID-19 test.
For people with mild symptoms:
Early on, symptoms
may feel like a cold, including cough, body aches, fatigue, and chest tightness.
-
If you have mild symptoms including a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or suspect that you were exposed, please stay home and self-isolate.
Use over-the-counter medication to treat mild symptoms. M
ost individuals recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications.
For people with more serious symptoms,
especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath:
-
Continue to self-isolate.
Call your health care provider or a nurseline if your illness becomes more severe, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath. Your provider may recommend you be tested for COVID-19.
For people with severe symptoms:
(severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing)
-
Call 911 and tell the dispatcher your symptoms. These could include symptoms
of heart attack or stroke; d
ifficulty breathing; c
hoking; d
ifficulty speaking, walking, or seeing; s
evere allergic reactions; c
onfusion, dizziness, or disorientation; or s
udden, severe pain.
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Past COVID-19 Newsletters
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Paid for by Leslie Herod for Colorado. Contributions are limited to $400 every 2 year election cycle from individuals, sole proprietorships, LLPs, LLCs and state PACS and $5,350 from small donor committees. Contributions from corporations, labor unions, foreign governments and non-US citizens are prohibited. Contributions are not tax deductible. Donations from registered Colorado lobbyists or principals of lobbyists are prohibited during the legislative session running from January 8th to May 6th, 2020 and any email or donation page from this campaign is not soliciting a contribution from lobbyists or principals of lobbyists.
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