Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As of Friday, there are
4,173 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Colorado with 111
deaths. In Denver, there are 763 confirmed cases with 20 deaths. To slow the spread of COVID-19,
p
lease stay home
. If you do need to leave, you should now start
covering your face.
Between this necessary social distancing and battles with mental health, job changes or loss, school closures, or all of the above, many of us are struggling to connect.
Our immigrant community is especially vulnerable during this time.
I am proud that our bill to
ban courthouse arrests was signed by the governor.
However, many of those living without citizen status fear they may be arrested or deported if they leave the house to visit a doctor, school, or food pantry.
In Denver, the police SHOULD NEVER ask for your immigration status.
Unless you are a member of our immigrant community, you may not understand the feeling of living in fear simply because of your
immigration
status. A simple act of taking your child to school or the more heroic act of seeking a better life for your family could get you deported.
I've learned the shortest distance between people is their story.
This Sunday, I'll join the
Motus Theater
for a live virtual reading of
"
Women of Resolution"
. This piece shares the stories of four women living in sanctuary in Colorado to avoid being deported and separated from their families. I will be reading the story of Araceli Velasquez.
When: Sunday, April 5th, 2-4PM
Where: Your home.
Learn more and RSVP
here
.
Join us (virtually) as we reflect on the ongoing human rights threats against members of our community.
Social distancing doesn't mean disconnecting. Connect with us.
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 2 PM (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: 445 new cases were reported on Friday for a total of
4,173
cases and 111 deaths. [
Source
]
United States: The largest hotspots are New York (102,863
cases), New Jersey (29,895 cases), and California (11,277 cases). [
Source
]
Global: 4
countries reported more than 4,500 new cases on Thursday: Italy (4,668), Germany (6,813), Spain (7,947), and the United States (29,874). After a large outbreak, South Korea has 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 taken the following executive actions:
Allowing homeowners to
split their property tax payments over April and May.
For Individuals and Businesses in Denver:
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Additional COVID-19 Updates from the Governor
Updated 4/1 at 2:23 PM
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.
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*Federal Response
$2 Trillion Aid Package
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. 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.
*PERA. Waives the penalty for coronavirus-related distributions up to $100,000 during 2020, along with other changes.
For an F.A.Q on direct payments, unemployment and the rest of the 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 (PPE)
Updated 4.01 at 1:43 PM
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.
|
Type 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!
Updated 4.2 at 11:30 AM
- If you sign up by April 3rd, coverage will start immediately.
- If you sign up after April 3rd, coverage will start on May 1st.
COVID-19 testing is free if you're uninsured, but if you test positive and have a serious case, you may incur large costs for treatment without insurance.
If you are uninsured, consider signing up to protect your health and safety during this epidemic.
Get coverage today.
Note: you have 60 days to get health insurance anytime you lose job-based health coverage.
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Domestic Violence and Child Abuse During COVID-19: Resources
Updated 4/2 at 2:50pm
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
Updated 4.2 at 11:50 AM
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.
*A Colorado Tenant's Guide to COVID-19 can be found here. This guide is designed to help tenants navigate conversations with their landlords, respond to eviction proceedings, and seek out support in this challenging time. We are updating this document constantly, so please check back as the situation on the ground changes.
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Small Businesses
Updated 4.2 at 1:30 PM
*The Coronavirus Small Business Loan Program: What You Need To Know, read
here.
Colorado has opened applications for the Colorado COVID Relief Fund,
which provides small business relief funds up to $25,000.
Denver businesses who have had to temporary close, lay off staff, or are struggling to pay rent and utilities, can
apply for grants
up to $7,500.
To apply,
click here
.
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*Employment
Updated 4.2 at 1 PM
Layoff / separations assistance, information and
resources.
Finding New Work
Health care facilities, grocery stores, package delivery companies, and companies offering online products for delivery are hiring. Register here
for more details.
Connecting Colorado state database for job seekers.
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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 4/2 at 2:15 PM
Emergency Childcare Collaborative. A
100% tuition credit will provide child care to all essential workers, including health care, food industry, and public safety, until May 17. The program is aimed at serving families in need of child care in order to continue to perform their critical duties.
If you are a family who meets the criteria above, fill out the application for child care here.
Other Resources for Parents
Talking to kids about COVID-19:
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Updated 4.2 at 12:05 PM
Help Colorado Now has raised $7.7 million dollars from nearly 4,000 individuals, foundations and companies.
More than 9,000 volunteers including
2,500
health care volunteers have signed up to date. You can donate or sign up to volunteer here.
Apply here for grants up to $25,000.
Blood donors needed. Donor eligibility here
. Make an appointment here.
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.
Other Volunteer Sign-up here. Roles include administrative, client advocacy, construction, mental wellness, food bank support, language skills, healthcare, volunteer management, childcare, delivery of goods and more.
Denver is seeking volunteers to support residents experiencing homelessness and in need of shelter. If you are healthy, willing and not in an at-risk category, email [email protected].
Review the Attorney General's charity fraud page here before donating.
How to help feed unemployed workers, hospital staff, school kids and others in need around Denver.
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College Students and Higher Education
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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.
Guidance For People Experiencing Symptoms, provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health (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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