Governor Polis has
extended
schools closures until April 30th.
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As of Wednesday, there are
3,342 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Colorado with
80 deaths. In Denver, there are
636 confirmed cases with
10 deaths.
Social distancing will save lives. Stay home.
As you all know, in Colorado, being a state legislator is supposed to be a
part-time
job. While many of us are doing what we can to continue working while the legislature is temporarily adjourned, some legislators are literally out on the front lines saving lives.
To respond to this crisis, a few of my colleagues in the legislature are risking their lives by providing health care on the front lines of COVID-19.
Representative Kyle Mullica,
who we profiled last week, has
been working as an ER Nurse and keeping an audio diary to give insight into the lives of health care workers treating patients with COVID-19. Read more about his experience and listen to excerpts
in
The Colorado Sun
.
"What's so scary about this is we have no tools," he says. "All hospitals are able to do - until they figure out antivirals -
is treat those symptoms. And as a provider, for me at least, that's really scary. That scares the hell out of me."
- Rep. Mullica
Getting Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to healthcare professionals, and other essential workers, has been a seemingly insurmountable challenge during this pandemic. Today Governor Jared Polis announced a shipment headed for Colorado containing 10,000 masks from China. If you have any additional PPE, find more information about donation
here
.
I am so proud to serve in Colorado General Assembly with my courageous
colleagues
. Thank you to all of the medical professionals and essentials workers who are putting their lives on the line every day.
They stay at work for you, so please stay at home for them. Keep it up, Colorado.
Boldly Forward,
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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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Motus Theater Presents: Women of Resolution -
Virtual From The Homes of Colorado Legislators
Women of Resolution
shares the autobiographical stories of Araceli Velasquez, Ingrid Encalada Latorre, Rosa Sabido and Sandra Lopez. Four women who sought sanctuary to prevent being deported and separated from their families. Scripted by Kirsten Wilson based on interviews recorded by recorded by Joel Dyer and Motus staff.
RSVP to attend an intimate virtual reading of
Women of Resolution, presented by
Motus Theater, from the homes of Representative Leslie Herod, Representative Barbara McLachlan, Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Senator Kerry Donovan.
When: Sunday, April 5th at 2PM (MT)
Where: Your house!
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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: 376 new cases were reported on Wednesday for a total of
3,342
cases and 80 deaths. [
Source
]
United States: The largest hotspots are New York (76,030
cases), New Jersey (18,696 cases), and California (8,582 cases). [
Source
]
Global:
4 countries reported more than 4,500 new cases on Tuesday: Germany (4,923), France (7,578), Spain (7,967), and the United States (24,742). After a large outbreaks, South Korea has been reporting less than 150 new cases per day.[
Source
]
|
 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 4/1 at 2:23 PM
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, expanded unemployment benefits, 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 make $75,000 or less will
receive
$1,200, plus $500 for each child 16 and younger. Individuals making more than $99,000 or couples making more than $198,000 are not eligible.
Payments will be delivered automatically to most Americans who file individual federal income tax returns. When available, electronic direct deposit will be used in place of mailing a physical check. If you haven't yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you may want to do so quickly so that the IRS has your up-to-date information on file. Find an FAQ 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.
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 4.01 at 1:43 PM
*Today Governor Polis
announced that China is sending Colorado 10,000 masks.
Many of you asked for additional information about PPE. We've added this section and will update it as new
data becomes available.
|
Types of PPE
|
Received
|
Need
|
| N95 Masks |
220,000 |
2,000,000 |
| Surgical Masks |
517,000 |
4,460,000 |
| Face Shields |
350,000 |
880,000 |
| Surgical Gowns |
720,000 |
100,140 |
| Gloves |
504,000 |
4,300,000 |
| Ventilators |
0 |
10,000 |
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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Domestic Violence and Child Abuse During COVID-19: Resources
Updated 3/31 at 1:20pm
Not everyone has a safe environment to "stay at home."
If it is not safe for you to remain home and you cannot find another safe place to stay, please contact the
National Domestic Violence Hotline
: (800) 799-7233. If you are unable to speak safely you can visit
thehotline.org
or text LOVEIS to 22522.
If you or someone you know is in an unsafe living arrangement, please call
Safe Shelter at 303-772-0432. If you are in danger, call 911.
In response to current COVID-19 pandemic, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has developed new resources and compiled state and national guidance to help domestic violence coalitions, service providers and advocates support survivors and operate effectively. View those here.
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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.
Coloradans living with Alzheimer's. Although the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado is closed, they are still working to providing resources such as a 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900), community resource finder and education. See the full list here.
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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.
|
Small Businesses & Workers
Updated 4.1 at 1:456 PM
*
Denver Metro Small Business Development Center has information
for receiving SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Small Business Emergency EIDL Grants, SBA Express Bridge Loans, Paycheck Protection Loans and the Small Business Debt Relief Program.
Small businesses impacted by
COVID-19
can apply for emergency grants up to $10,000 and loans up to $2 million as part of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
- 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 3.31 at 2:25 PM
Mental Health Colorado has updated its
resource page
with useful information for those who are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges. You can also find COVID-19 updates and tips on coping
here.
Mental Health Colorado is also currently providing services through telemental health and are accepting new clients. If you are interested in receiving services, please call 303-504-7900.
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 4.1 at 1 PM
DPS has family and student
resources for Pre-K through 12th grade including at-home
activities for art, math, reading / writing, science and more.
The Denver Public Library has free online resources including books, movies, music, story time, and other programs.
Virtual Field Trips including over 500 museums, Yellowstone National Park, and the Great Wall of China.
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Assistance for Students
and Families
Updated 4.1 at 2:17 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.
Laptops at home. Denver Public Schools are distributing laptop computers to students who need them for remote learning. Please contact your school if you still need to pick up a laptop.
Wifi at home. New Comcast customers will receive 2 months of free service, which is normally $9.95/month.
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
Updated 4/1 at 1:15 PM
If you are a family who meets the criteria above, fill out the application for child care here.
This 100% tuition credit will provide child care to all essential workers until May 17. The program is aimed at serving families in need of child care in order to continue to perform their critical duties.
Note: Parents who have options to keep their children at home with a family member or have other arrangements are encouraged to use those. Emergency child care provided through the Collaborative is for when all other non-group care settings have been exhausted and families have no other options.
Talking to kids about COVID-19:
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Updated 4.1 at 2:29 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.
*Before you donate please review the Attorney General's charity fraud page here.
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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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Each of us can do our part to fight COVID-19 by staying home as much possible and practicing social distancing when we need to leave the house. Hospitals and medical staff will be under enormous strain in the next few weeks to care for individuals with COVID-19, and by staying home, you can make sure those beds are available for others.
If you are feeling symptoms of COVID-19 or are worried about a possible exposure to someone who has tested positive, please review the guidance below from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE).
For People Experiencing Symptoms (provided by CDPHE)
- Mild symptoms (might include a combination of cough, body aches, fatigue, and chest tightness, with or without fever): Self-isolate, and use over-the-counter medications to treat your symptoms -- like you would for a cold or other respiratory illness.
-
Serious symptoms, especially trouble breathing:
Self-isolate, use over-the-counter medications and contact a health care provider or nurseline if your illness becomes more severe. The provider may recommend you be tested for COVID-19, and should be able to instruct you on how to get a test.
-
Severe symptoms: call 911 for symptoms of heart attack or stroke; difficulty breathing or choking; difficulty speaking, walking, or seeing; an allergic reaction; confusion, dizziness, or disorientation; sudden, 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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