thedenverpost--2020-07-21--Colorado issues school reopening guidance as Jeffco teachers push back on return to classrooms

State education and public health officials released guidance Monday for reopening Colorado ’ s schools in the fall , but many questions about welcoming students back into classrooms — including when that should happen — are being left to local education leaders to answer .
The new state guidelines come as Denver Public Schools , Colorado ’ s largest district , has hit the brakes on in-person learning , and the second-largest , Jeffco Public Schools , is being asked by its teachers to follow suit .
“ We know at this time there ’ s a lot of anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , ” Katy Anthes , commissioner of education for the Colorado Department of Education , said during a virtual news conference Monday .
“ We hear the stress and all of the different perspectives on this issue .
We know educators are anxious about the coronavirus and we certainly understand and share that concern.
” The state guidance stresses the importance of forming “ cohorts , ” or groups of students who stay together through the day to limit their exposure to others .
But state officials wouldn ’ t say what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in a cohort .
In delaying the start of in-person classes into September at the earliest , DPS leaders cited health officials ’ concerns that the district ’ s cohorts would be too large given the current spread of COVID-19 in Denver .
“ Cohorting significantly reduces the number of students and staff who will need to be excluded in the event of a case of COVID-19 in a school by limiting the number of close contacts of each individual , ” the state guidelines say .
Those who were in close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus will need to be quarantined up to 14 days , according to the state guidance .
Close contact is defined as anyone who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting two days before the illness ’ onset or , for asymptomatic patients , two days prior to the positive test .
Members of the same classroom cohort may be considered “ close contacts ” even if the desk spacing goes beyond six feet , according to the state guidance .
Dr. Brian Erly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said global evidence suggests younger children play a smaller role in COVID-19 transmission .
For this reason , state officials determined kindergarten and elementary schools should have different guidelines than secondary schools with older children present .
The guidelines also report that the most important limit to classroom size is the number of adults near each other because the risk of transmitting infection is greater between adults .
The guidance released Monday includes requirements that school staff and all children 11 and older wear masks unless they have medical reasons not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polis ’ statewide mask order .
It ’ s recommended that children 10 and under wear masks , too — though some districts already have said all students will be required to wear facial coverings .
Six feet of social distancing is preferred in the classroom , but three feet is acceptable in certain situations , Therese Pilonetti , Institutions Unit manager at the state health department , said during the virtual news conference .
When reporters asked questions about when schools should re-open , how cohorts could realistically be formed and whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later transition to the classroom , state education officials responded by saying those decisions were being left to local school districts and should be made with input from local health officials .
In Jefferson County , the teachers union on Monday called on its school district to postpone in-person learning , saying the majority of teachers do not feel safe returning to their school buildings during the pandemic without “ extensive measures ” taken to minimize the spread of the contagious respiratory illness .
“ We are monitoring the data about the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other school districts , both locally and around the country , ” said Cameron Bell , spokeswoman for Jeffco Public Schools , in response to the union ’ s asks .
“ We will take the time to process this information in order to make the best decision for students and our community .
We anticipate new information , changes in the spread of the virus , and more testing and mitigation guidance to be coming out which will continue to inform our thinking and decision process.
” Measures the teachers union are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems are up to Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards ; broad access to COVID-19 testing for students and educators ; and making sure cleaning protocols are up to state and federal standards and executed properly .
“ The start of school should be online or be postponed until broader conditions improve and JCEA and Jeffco Schools can come together to agree on how to respond to rapidly changing COVID conditions when deciding whether to resume in person instruction or resort to online instruction , ” Brooke Williams , president of the Jefferson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
“ The reality is school health and safety is community health and safety .
While Jeffco educators would like to see school return to normal as much as parents and students do , we have a responsibility to speak up for our school and community safety.
” Just 23 % of the 2,972 Jeffco educators who took a survey distributed by the union said they were prepared to return to in-person learning with no reservations .
Forty percent of survey respondents said they had a health condition that ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they had a family member with a health condition that ’ s a risk factor .
The Jeffco teachers union said survey results indicate far more teachers will request online assignments than are available , “ which will leave the district in the position of trying to decide whose health and safety is protected and whose is not.
” Anthes acknowledged during Monday ’ s news conference that a teacher shortage was a concern as there would be a limited number of remote positions educators could hold if their districts pursued in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be able to eliminate all risk , and we ’ re honest about that , ” Anthes said .
“ That is a concern .
We just hope that with engagement and layered risk protection , we can have a safe environment starting back , and using this guidance will really add to that .
But , ultimately , a lot of this comes down to individual decisions , and I know our districts are doing the best they can to provide alternative work provisions .
”

State education and public health officials released guidance Monday for reopening Colorado’s schools in the fall, but many questions about welcoming students back into classrooms — including when that should happen — are being left to local education leaders to answer.
The new state guidelines come as Denver Public Schools, Colorado’s largest district, has hit the brakes on in-person learning, and the second-largest, Jeffco Public Schools, is being asked by its teachers to follow suit.
“We know at this time there’s a lot of anxiety for our educators, staff and our families,” Katy Anthes, commissioner of education for the Colorado Department of Education, said during a virtual news conference Monday. “We hear the stress and all of the different perspectives on this issue. We know educators are anxious about the coronavirus and we certainly understand and share that concern.”
The state guidance stresses the importance of forming “cohorts,” or groups of students who stay together through the day to limit their exposure to others. But state officials wouldn’t say what they think the ideal number of students is in a cohort.
In delaying the start of in-person classes into September at the earliest, DPS leaders cited health officials’ concerns that the district’s cohorts would be too large given the current spread of COVID-19 in Denver.
“Cohorting significantly reduces the number of students and staff who will need to be excluded in the event of a case of COVID-19 in a school by limiting the number of close contacts of each individual,” the state guidelines say.
Those who were in close contact with someone who tests positive for the virus will need to be quarantined up to 14 days, according to the state guidance. Close contact is defined as anyone who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting two days before the illness’ onset or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to the positive test.
Members of the same classroom cohort may be considered “close contacts” even if the desk spacing goes beyond six feet, according to the state guidance.
Decisions left to local leaders
Dr. Brian Erly, an epidemiologist at the state health department, said global evidence suggests younger children play a smaller role in COVID-19 transmission. For this reason, state officials determined kindergarten and elementary schools should have different guidelines than secondary schools with older children present.
The guidelines also report that the most important limit to classroom size is the number of adults near each other because the risk of transmitting infection is greater between adults.
The guidance released Monday includes requirements that school staff and all children 11 and older wear masks unless they have medical reasons not to — essentially, following Gov. Jared Polis’ statewide mask order. It’s recommended that children 10 and under wear masks, too — though some districts already have said all students will be required to wear facial coverings.
Six feet of social distancing is preferred in the classroom, but three feet is acceptable in certain situations, Therese Pilonetti, Institutions Unit manager at the state health department, said during the virtual news conference.
When reporters asked questions about when schools should re-open, how cohorts could realistically be formed and whether districts should begin with remote learning and later transition to the classroom, state education officials responded by saying those decisions were being left to local school districts and should be made with input from local health officials.
“School health and safety”
In Jefferson County, the teachers union on Monday called on its school district to postpone in-person learning, saying the majority of teachers do not feel safe returning to their school buildings during the pandemic without “extensive measures” taken to minimize the spread of the contagious respiratory illness.
“We are monitoring the data about the spread of the virus and decisions made by other school districts, both locally and around the country,” said Cameron Bell, spokeswoman for Jeffco Public Schools, in response to the union’s asks. “We will take the time to process this information in order to make the best decision for students and our community. We anticipate new information, changes in the spread of the virus, and more testing and mitigation guidance to be coming out which will continue to inform our thinking and decision process.”
Measures the teachers union are asking for include: ensuring school ventilation systems are up to Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards; broad access to COVID-19 testing for students and educators; and making sure cleaning protocols are up to state and federal standards and executed properly.
“The start of school should be online or be postponed until broader conditions improve and JCEA and Jeffco Schools can come together to agree on how to respond to rapidly changing COVID conditions when deciding whether to resume in person instruction or resort to online instruction,” Brooke Williams, president of the Jefferson County Education Association, said in a statement. “The reality is school health and safety is community health and safety. While Jeffco educators would like to see school return to normal as much as parents and students do, we have a responsibility to speak up for our school and community safety.”
Just 23% of the 2,972 Jeffco educators who took a survey distributed by the union said they were prepared to return to in-person learning with no reservations. Forty percent of survey respondents said they had a health condition that’s a risk factor for COVID-19 and 43% said they had a family member with a health condition that’s a risk factor.
The Jeffco teachers union said survey results indicate far more teachers will request online assignments than are available, “which will leave the district in the position of trying to decide whose health and safety is protected and whose is not.”
Anthes acknowledged during Monday’s news conference that a teacher shortage was a concern as there would be a limited number of remote positions educators could hold if their districts pursued in-person learning.
“I know we won’t be able to eliminate all risk, and we’re honest about that,” Anthes said. “That is a concern. We just hope that with engagement and layered risk protection, we can have a safe environment starting back, and using this guidance will really add to that. But, ultimately, a lot of this comes down to individual decisions, and I know our districts are doing the best they can to provide alternative work provisions.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-21--Denver City Council elects all-female leadership

Denver City Council is under new leadership and its first female president in more than half a decade .
The group unanimously voted to promote Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore to president .
She previously served two terms as president pro tem while Councilman Jolon Clark led the body .
The group then unanimously elected Councilwoman Jamie Torres as president pro tem .
As Clark prepared to hand over his gavel to Gilmore , he praised her as a consistent voice and his “ rock ” in the two terms they served together .
“ I know that you will be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this city that we all love , ” Clark said .
Gilmore thanked her colleagues for their support , noting the transformation period currently underway in the country .
She mentioned the global pandemic , record unemployment , food insecurity and a civil rights movement of “ epic proportions ” alongside divisive leadership at the federal level .
Gilmore promised that the group would embody stronger anti-racist and anti-oppressive language and improve its working relationship with Mayor Michael Hancock .
She is the first female council president since Mary Beth Susman served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Torres thanked her fellow council members for their votes and said she hopes they ’ ve found her to be thoughtful , deliberate and a fighter for her district .
City Council elects new leadership every year .
Presidents earn a salary of $ 103,000 , higher than the $ 92,000 the other council members earn .

Denver City Council is under new leadership and its first female president in more than half a decade.
The group unanimously voted to promote Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore to president. She previously served two terms as president pro tem while Councilman Jolon Clark led the body. The group then unanimously elected Councilwoman Jamie Torres as president pro tem.
As Clark prepared to hand over his gavel to Gilmore, he praised her as a consistent voice and his “rock” in the two terms they served together.
“I know that you will be an amazing and collaborative leader for us and for this city that we all love,” Clark said.
Gilmore thanked her colleagues for their support, noting the transformation period currently underway in the country. She mentioned the global pandemic, record unemployment, food insecurity and a civil rights movement of “epic proportions” alongside divisive leadership at the federal level.
Gilmore promised that the group would embody stronger anti-racist and anti-oppressive language and improve its working relationship with Mayor Michael Hancock.
She is the first female council president since Mary Beth Susman served from 2012 to 2014.
Similarly, Torres thanked her fellow council members for their votes and said she hopes they’ve found her to be thoughtful, deliberate and a fighter for her district.
City Council elects new leadership every year. Presidents earn a salary of $103,000, higher than the $92,000 the other council members earn.


thedenverpost--2020-07-21--Charlie Blackmon could start in right field for Rockies in Friday’s opener

The Rockies ’ all-star outfielder has been in the Rockies ’ starting lineup on opening day for six consecutive seasons , batting leadoff in each of those games .
But less than a week ago , when he rejoined the team after recovering from the coronavirus , it looked like Blackmon might not be ready for Friday ’ s opener at the Texas Rangers .
In a short amount of time , however , Blackmon has shown manager Bud Black that he ’ s close to “ game ready , ” and with exhibition games against the Rangers on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at-bats .
“ Don ’ t discount Charlie playing right field on opening night , ” Black said Monday , noting that Blackmon played six innings in the field during Sunday night ’ s intrasquad game at Coors Field .
“ He got a lot of bats and his legs feel good .
… We ’ re confident about where he is and we ’ re staying positive about Charlie.
” Black also said that Blackmon might serve as the designated hitter on Friday .
Setting the rotation .
Colorado ’ s rotation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with right-hander German Marquez getting the start on Friday , followed by right-hander Jon Gray on Saturday and lefty Kyle Freeland on Sunday .
Black did not announce the rest of the rotation , but righty Antonio Senzatela will be the No .
4 starter .
He ’ s scheduled to pitch in an exhibition game against the Rangers on Wednesday , lining him up to pitch at Oakland on July 28 .
Black said right-handers Chi Chi Gonzalez and Jeff Hoffman have made the team , but he didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be key in the early going , so both Gonzalez and Hoffman could pitch out of the bullpen .
And with two days off in the first week of the season , the Rockies could go with a four-man rotation for a time .
Oberg update .
Although right-hander Scott Oberg pitched an inning of relief Sunday night , his strained back remains a concern and there is a chance he won ’ t be ready for the opener .
“ That ’ s going to be an 11th-hour decision , ” Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but his back is just a little worrisome .
We ’ ll assess that over the next few days.
” Butera ’ s chance .
Tony Wolters is the starting catcher , but who will be his backup ?
It ’ s looking more and more likely that it will be veteran Drew Butera , who hit two home runs in intrasquad games at Coors Field .
Butera is competing with Elias Díaz and Dom Nunez for a spot on the 30-man roster , but Butera played first base in the last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his ability to call games , could give him the edge .
“ Drew has really played well , I ’ m really happy where he is , ” Black said .
“ He worked really hard during the shutdown .
He came in here in great shape .
The body is , for a guy who ’ s ( 36 ) , really moving well .
He ’ s got a great arm , and there ’ s a presence to Drew .
”

Don’t count Charlie Blackmon out.
The Rockies’ all-star outfielder has been in the Rockies’ starting lineup on opening day for six consecutive seasons, batting leadoff in each of those games.
But less than a week ago, when he rejoined the team after recovering from the coronavirus, it looked like Blackmon might not be ready for Friday’s opener at the Texas Rangers.
In a short amount of time, however, Blackmon has shown manager Bud Black that he’s close to “game ready,” and with exhibition games against the Rangers on Tuesday and Wednesday, Blackmon will get more at-bats.
“Don’t discount Charlie playing right field on opening night,” Black said Monday, noting that Blackmon played six innings in the field during Sunday night’s intrasquad game at Coors Field. “He got a lot of bats and his legs feel good. … We’re confident about where he is and we’re staying positive about Charlie.”
Black also said that Blackmon might serve as the designated hitter on Friday.
Setting the rotation. Colorado’s rotation vs. the Rangers this weekend is set, with right-hander German Marquez getting the start on Friday, followed by right-hander Jon Gray on Saturday and lefty Kyle Freeland on Sunday. Black did not announce the rest of the rotation, but righty Antonio Senzatela will be the No. 4 starter. He’s scheduled to pitch in an exhibition game against the Rangers on Wednesday, lining him up to pitch at Oakland on July 28.
Black said right-handers Chi Chi Gonzalez and Jeff Hoffman have made the team, but he didn’t announce their roles yet. Flexibility will be key in the early going, so both Gonzalez and Hoffman could pitch out of the bullpen. And with two days off in the first week of the season, the Rockies could go with a four-man rotation for a time.
Oberg update. Although right-hander Scott Oberg pitched an inning of relief Sunday night, his strained back remains a concern and there is a chance he won’t be ready for the opener.
“That’s going to be an 11th-hour decision,” Black said. “His arm feels great but his back is just a little worrisome. We’ll assess that over the next few days.”
Butera’s chance. Tony Wolters is the starting catcher, but who will be his backup? It’s looking more and more likely that it will be veteran Drew Butera, who hit two home runs in intrasquad games at Coors Field.
Butera is competing with Elias Díaz and Dom Nunez for a spot on the 30-man roster, but Butera played first base in the last two games. That versatility, combined with his ability to call games, could give him the edge.
“Drew has really played well, I’m really happy where he is,” Black said. “He worked really hard during the shutdown. He came in here in great shape. The body is, for a guy who’s (36), really moving well. He’s got a great arm, and there’s a presence to Drew.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-21--Trump, Congress square off over coronavirus aid as crisis worsens

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump acknowledged Monday a “ big flare up ” of COVID-19 cases , but divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans and differences with Democrats posed fresh challenges for a new federal aid package with the U.S. crisis worsening and emergency relief about to expire .
Trump convened GOP leaders at the White House as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared to roll out his $ 1 trillion package in a matter of days .
But the administration criticized the legislation ’ s money for more virus testing and insisted on a payroll tax cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline appeared to quickly shift .
“ We ’ ve made a lot of progress , ” Trump said as the meeting got underway .
But the president added , “ Unfortunately , this is something that ’ s very tough.
” Lawmakers returned to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists , another sign of the nation ’ s difficulty containing the coronavirus .
Rather than easing , the pandemic ’ s devastating cycle is churning again , leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue .
Businesses are shutting down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen and jobs are disappearing , all while federal aid will expire in days .
Without a successful federal strategy , lawmakers are trying to draft one .
“ We have to end this virus , ” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said Monday on MSNBC .
She said any attempt by the White House to block money for testing “ goes beyond ignorance.
” The political stakes are high for both parties before the November election , and even more so for the nation , which now has registered more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 140,800 than any other country .
McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy huddled with Trump , Vice President Mike Pence , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows .
Mnuchin vowed passage by month ’ s end , as earlier benefits expire , and said he expected a fresh $ 1 trillion jolt of business tax breaks and other aid would have a “ big impact ” on the struggling economy .
Back at the Capitol , McConnell downplayed his proposal as simply a “ starting point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does he face pressure from the White House , but splits within his ranks have chiseled away at his majority power and left him relying on Democrats for votes .
The package from McConnell , being crafted behind closed doors , is expected to include $ 75 billion to help schools reopen .
It will likely replace an expiring $ 600 weekly unemployment benefits boost with a smaller amount , send a fresh round of direct $ 1,200 cash payments to Americans below a certain income level , and create a sweeping five-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration was panning the proposal ’ s $ 25 billion in new funds for virus testing and tracing , said two Republicans familiar with ongoing discussions but granted anonymity to discuss them .
McCarthy said Trump ’ s push for a payroll tax break is included in the bill .
GOP senators swiftly pushed back as the Republicans and the White House battle over priorities .
Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee , the chairman of the Health committee , said , “ All roads to opening school , going back to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was among several Republicans saying he ’ s “ not a fan ” of a payroll tax holiday .
Easing the payroll tax is dividing Trump ’ s party because that tax is used to finance Social Security and Medicare .
Cutting it adds to the nation ’ s rising debt load at a time when conservatives are wary of any new spending , and the break does little for out-of-work Americans .
McConnell is straining to keep the bill ’ s total price tag at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus would “ disappear , ” but the president ’ s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the alarming U.S. caseload and death toll .
On a conference call with the nation ’ s governors Monday , Pence called the rising numbers in Sunbelt states “ serious.
” And a somber McConnell said in his home state of Kentucky last week , “ it ’ s not going to magically disappear.
” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned Monday his side will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short .
The New York Democrat is reviving his strategy from the last virus aid bill that forced Republicans to the negotiating table after McConnell ’ s original bill was opposed by Democrats .
This time , the House has approved Pelosi ’ s sweeping $ 3 trillion effort , giving Democrats momentum heading into negotiations .
Joe Biden , the Democrats ’ presumed presidential nominee , stated his own priorities .
The new package should “ deliver a lifeline to those who need it most : working families and small businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing .
Testing is seen as the best way to track and trace the virus to contain its spread .
One of the Republicans familiar with the aid-legislation process said about half of the $ 25 billion previously approved remains unspent .
Senate Democrats are investigating why the administration has left so much on the table .
During Monday ’ s White House meeting , Trump put economist Art Laffer on speaker phone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newt Gingrich and key conservatives , according to a person familiar with the exchange and granted anonymity to discuss it .
It would require hospitals and providers to disclose some prices to patients before receiving medical care , putting Trump ’ s executive actions into law .
The proposed virus aid package would be the fifth , following the $ 2.2 trillion bill passed in March , the largest U.S. intervention of its kind .
While many Republicans hoped the virus would ease and economy rebound , it ’ s become clear more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of relief runs out .
With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — typically about 200,000 — many households are facing a cash difficulties and losing employer-backed health insurance .
Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June , a federal ban on evictions from millions of rental units is about to expire and the jobless rate has remained in double digits , higher than it ever was in the last decade ’ s Great Recession .
Pelosi ’ s bill , approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for virus testing and tracing , funnels $ 100 billion to schools to safely reopen and calls for $ 1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs .
The measure would give cash stipends to Americans , and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections .
In the two months since Pelosi ’ s bill passed , the U.S. has had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections .
Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani , Andrew Taylor , Zeke Miller and Alexandra Jaffe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Va. , contributed to this report .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

By LISA MASCARO
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump acknowledged Monday a “big flare up” of COVID-19 cases, but divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans and differences with Democrats posed fresh challenges for a new federal aid package with the U.S. crisis worsening and emergency relief about to expire.
Trump convened GOP leaders at the White House as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But the administration criticized the legislation’s money for more virus testing and insisted on a payroll tax cut that could complicate quick passage. The timeline appeared to quickly shift.
“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Trump said as the meeting got underway.
But the president added, “Unfortunately, this is something that’s very tough.”
Lawmakers returned to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle is churning again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses are shutting down again, many schools will not fully reopen and jobs are disappearing, all while federal aid will expire in days.
Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.
“We have to end this virus,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Monday on MSNBC.
She said any attempt by the White House to block money for testing “goes beyond ignorance.”
The political stakes are high for both parties before the November election, and even more so for the nation, which now has registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,800 than any other country.
McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy huddled with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mark Meadows.
Mnuchin vowed passage by month’s end, as earlier benefits expire, and said he expected a fresh $1 trillion jolt of business tax breaks and other aid would have a “big impact” on the struggling economy.
Back at the Capitol, McConnell downplayed his proposal as simply a “starting point” for eventual discussions. Not only does he face pressure from the White House, but splits within his ranks have chiseled away at his majority power and left him relying on Democrats for votes.
The package from McConnell, being crafted behind closed doors, is expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen. It will likely replace an expiring $600 weekly unemployment benefits boost with a smaller amount, send a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans below a certain income level, and create a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.
But the administration was panning the proposal’s $25 billion in new funds for virus testing and tracing, said two Republicans familiar with ongoing discussions but granted anonymity to discuss them. McCarthy said Trump’s push for a payroll tax break is included in the bill.
GOP senators swiftly pushed back as the Republicans and the White House battle over priorities.
Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the chairman of the Health committee, said, “All roads to opening school, going back to work, opening child care lead through testing.”
GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was among several Republicans saying he’s “not a fan” of a payroll tax holiday.
Easing the payroll tax is dividing Trump’s party because that tax is used to finance Social Security and Medicare. Cutting it adds to the nation’s rising debt load at a time when conservatives are wary of any new spending, and the break does little for out-of-work Americans. McConnell is straining to keep the bill’s total price tag at $1 trillion
Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would “disappear,” but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the alarming U.S. caseload and death toll.
On a conference call with the nation’s governors Monday, Pence called the rising numbers in Sunbelt states “serious.” And a somber McConnell said in his home state of Kentucky last week, “it’s not going to magically disappear.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned Monday his side will block any effort from McConnell that falls short.
The New York Democrat is reviving his strategy from the last virus aid bill that forced Republicans to the negotiating table after McConnell’s original bill was opposed by Democrats. This time, the House has approved Pelosi’s sweeping $3 trillion effort, giving Democrats momentum heading into negotiations.
Joe Biden, the Democrats’ presumed presidential nominee, stated his own priorities. The new package should “deliver a lifeline to those who need it most: working families and small businesses,” he said.
Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Testing is seen as the best way to track and trace the virus to contain its spread. One of the Republicans familiar with the aid-legislation process said about half of the $25 billion previously approved remains unspent. Senate Democrats are investigating why the administration has left so much on the table.
During Monday’s White House meeting, Trump put economist Art Laffer on speaker phone to discuss a health care provision backed by Newt Gingrich and key conservatives, according to a person familiar with the exchange and granted anonymity to discuss it. It would require hospitals and providers to disclose some prices to patients before receiving medical care, putting Trump’s executive actions into law.
The proposed virus aid package would be the fifth, following the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind. While many Republicans hoped the virus would ease and economy rebound, it’s become clear more aid is needed as the first round of relief runs out.
With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — typically about 200,000 — many households are facing a cash difficulties and losing employer-backed health insurance.
Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, a federal ban on evictions from millions of rental units is about to expire and the jobless rate has remained in double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.
Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, includes $75 billion for virus testing and tracing, funnels $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and calls for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.
In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. has had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.
___
Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Andrew Taylor, Zeke Miller and Alexandra Jaffe in Washington and Alan Suderman in Richmond, Va., contributed to this report.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-07-21--NFL offers players to scrap all preseason games, AP source says

The NFL has offered to scrap all preseason games , a person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press .
The players ’ association had sought no preseason games and the league had reduced the exhibition schedule to two games .
But on Monday evening , the NFL said it would eliminate those preseason contests and also would offer players 18 days for acclimation , up from seven days .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the offer has not been made public .
Another part of the offer is to provide a means for players concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to opt out and receive a stipend .
The union has not yet accepted the offers .
Should it do so , both sides would have taken a major step toward starting the season on time .
Earlier Monday , the league said players will be tested daily for the coronavirus for at least the first two weeks of training camp , per the league ’ s new testing protocols .
The NFL and the players ’ union reached an agreement as rookies for Houston and Kansas City were set to report to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving Tuesday .
Players and all Tier 1 , Tier 2 , Tier 2M or Tier 3 individuals must test negative two times separated by 72 hours using a nasal swab before initially entering the building to begin physical exams or any form of team activity .
After two weeks of daily testing , if the positivity rate of those tests falls below 5 % among players and Tier I and Tier II individuals , as described previously in NFL protocols , testing would go to every other day .
If the positivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threshold , daily testing would continue until it drops .
“ There ’ s no finish line with health and safety and I think these protocols are very much living and breathing documents , which means they will change as we gain new knowledge about this virus , as we gain new knowledge about transmission , as we gain new knowledge about testing and there are new tests and new techniques that come online , ” said Dr. Allen Sills , the NFL chief medical officer .
“ We very much anticipate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has sought input from other leagues that have already returned to action , including leagues outside the country .
It ’ s not known how many positive tests would result in shutting down the football season .
“ These are complicated issues which involve a lot of factors , ” Sills said .
“ But suffice it to say we very much look at it from a medical and public health standpoint , and we want to make sure that first and foremost we ’ re creating the safest possible environment for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , but that we ’ re also operating within the safest environment for each one of our clubs ’ locations , which means ongoing and regular communication with the public health authorities in those areas.
” The league and the NFLPA already finalized protocols regarding team travel , media , and treatment response , and updated the facilities protocol to specifically address training camp based on recommendations from a joint committee of doctors , trainers and strength coaches formed by the league and players ’ union .
“ Our union has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and treatment protocols to keep our players safe .
The testing protocols we agreed to are one critical factor that will help us return to work safely , and gives us the best chance to play and finish the season , ” the union said in a statement Monday .
On Friday , the league sent players and teams an “ Education Protocol ” for camp which requires clubs to distribute joint educational materials and to conduct educational sessions for players , staff and family members .
“ Everything that we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk mitigation , ” Sills said .
“ We know that we can ’ t eliminate risk , but we ’ re trying to mitigate it as much as possible for everyone .
We know that this is going to be a shared responsibility.
” Sills stressed the importance of responsible behavior away from team facilities .
Unlike the NBA and NHL , the NFL can ’ t put its clubs in a bubble environment , so players and team personnel will have outside risk .
“ What ’ s good for players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safer also makes coaches , staff and teams safer and , quite frankly , it makes our communities safer , ” Sills said .
The NFL ’ s testing will run through a national laboratory company .
The league spoke with the CDC ; the White House task force ; a number of public health officials ; infectious disease experts and national laboratory medicine leaders to make sure its testing protocol would not have a negative impact on the country ’ s testing supply or the health care system .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it would not have a negative impact , ” Sills said .
“ That ’ s a very important point to us , we take that responsibility very seriously .
We ’ ve also discussed that at length with our testing vendor to make sure we are not having a negative impact on any of their business .
”

The NFL has offered to scrap all preseason games, a person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press.
The players’ association had sought no preseason games and the league had reduced the exhibition schedule to two games. But on Monday evening, the NFL said it would eliminate those preseason contests and also would offer players 18 days for acclimation, up from seven days. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the offer has not been made public.
Another part of the offer is to provide a means for players concerned about participating in training camp and/or games to opt out and receive a stipend.
The union has not yet accepted the offers. Should it do so, both sides would have taken a major step toward starting the season on time.
Earlier Monday, the league said players will be tested daily for the coronavirus for at least the first two weeks of training camp, per the league’s new testing protocols.
The NFL and the players’ union reached an agreement as rookies for Houston and Kansas City were set to report to camp. Rookies for other teams begin arriving Tuesday.
Players and all Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2M or Tier 3 individuals must test negative two times separated by 72 hours using a nasal swab before initially entering the building to begin physical exams or any form of team activity.
After two weeks of daily testing, if the positivity rate of those tests falls below 5% among players and Tier I and Tier II individuals, as described previously in NFL protocols, testing would go to every other day. If the positivity rate doesn’t fall below that threshold, daily testing would continue until it drops.
“There’s no finish line with health and safety and I think these protocols are very much living and breathing documents, which means they will change as we gain new knowledge about this virus, as we gain new knowledge about transmission, as we gain new knowledge about testing and there are new tests and new techniques that come online,” said Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL chief medical officer. “We very much anticipate that these protocols will change.”
The NFL has sought input from other leagues that have already returned to action, including leagues outside the country. It’s not known how many positive tests would result in shutting down the football season.
“These are complicated issues which involve a lot of factors,” Sills said. “But suffice it to say we very much look at it from a medical and public health standpoint, and we want to make sure that first and foremost we’re creating the safest possible environment for our players, for our coaches and our staff, but that we’re also operating within the safest environment for each one of our clubs’ locations, which means ongoing and regular communication with the public health authorities in those areas.”
The league and the NFLPA already finalized protocols regarding team travel, media, and treatment response, and updated the facilities protocol to specifically address training camp based on recommendations from a joint committee of doctors, trainers and strength coaches formed by the league and players’ union.
“Our union has been pushing for the strongest testing, tracing and treatment protocols to keep our players safe. The testing protocols we agreed to are one critical factor that will help us return to work safely, and gives us the best chance to play and finish the season,” the union said in a statement Monday.
On Friday, the league sent players and teams an “Education Protocol” for camp which requires clubs to distribute joint educational materials and to conduct educational sessions for players, staff and family members.
“Everything that we’re doing is centered around the concept of risk mitigation,” Sills said. “We know that we can’t eliminate risk, but we’re trying to mitigate it as much as possible for everyone. We know that this is going to be a shared responsibility.”
Sills stressed the importance of responsible behavior away from team facilities. Unlike the NBA and NHL, the NFL can’t put its clubs in a bubble environment, so players and team personnel will have outside risk.
“What’s good for players and what makes players and their families safer also makes coaches, staff and teams safer and, quite frankly, it makes our communities safer,” Sills said.
The NFL’s testing will run through a national laboratory company. The league spoke with the CDC; the White House task force; a number of public health officials; infectious disease experts and national laboratory medicine leaders to make sure its testing protocol would not have a negative impact on the country’s testing supply or the health care system.
“We’ve received unanimous response across the board that it would not have a negative impact,” Sills said. “That’s a very important point to us, we take that responsibility very seriously. We’ve also discussed that at length with our testing vendor to make sure we are not having a negative impact on any of their business.”
___
AP Pro Football Writer Simmi Buttar contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-07-21--Dr. Anthony Fauci to throw out first pitch at Yankees-Nationals opener in DC

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci , the country ’ s top infectious disease expert , will throw out the ceremonial @ @ @ @ @ game of Major League Baseball ’ s pandemic-delayed regular season .
The Washington Nationals announced @ @ @ @ @ self-described fan of the reigning World Series champions — accepted the team ’ s invitation @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night .
The Nationals host the New York Yankees to open the season nearly @ @ @ @ @ was scheduled to begin .
Spring training was halted in March because of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ to play this month .
In their new release about Fauci ’ s role at @ @ @ @ @ refer to him as “ a true champion for our country ” during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ career .
”

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the first game of Major League Baseball’s pandemic-delayed regular season.
The Washington Nationals announced Monday that Fauci — a self-described fan of the reigning World Series champions — accepted the team’s invitation to have the pregame honor Thursday night.
The Nationals host the New York Yankees to open the season nearly four months after it originally was scheduled to begin. Spring training was halted in March because of the COVID-19 outbreak and teams resumed preparing to play this month.
In their new release about Fauci’s role at the opener, the Nationals refer to him as “a true champion for our country” during the pandemic “and throughout his distinguished career.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-20--“Men’s rights” lawyer eyed in shooting of New Jersey judge’s family

A self-described “ anti-feminist ” lawyer found dead in the Catskills of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound is considered the prime suspect in the shooting of a federal judge ’ s family in New Jersey , the FBI said Monday .
Roy Den Hollander , who received media attention including appearances on Fox News and Comedy Central for lawsuits challenging perceived infringements of “ men ’ s rights , ” was found dead Monday in Sullivan County , New York , two officials with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press .
The FBI said Den Hollander was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and confirmed he had been pronounced dead but provided no other details .
Found among his personal effects was information about another judge , New York Chief Judge Janet DiFiore , a state court spokesperson said .
A day earlier , a gunman posing as a FedEx delivery person went to the North Brunswick , New Jersey , home of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas , and started shooting , wounding her husband , the defense lawyer Mark Anderl , and killing her son , Daniel Anderl .
Salas was at home but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unharmed , said the officials , who could not discuss an ongoing investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity .
Den Hollander had a gender-equity lawsuit , filed in 2015 , that was being heard by Salas involving a young woman who wanted to register for the military draft .
He also mentioned the judge in writings posted online , deriding her as a ladder climber who traded on her Hispanic heritage to get ahead .
A package addressed to Salas was found along with Den Hollander ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a screed Den Hollander posted online , he also wrote of posing as a FedEx delivery person to speak with a young girl , the same tactic the gunman apparently used at the door to the judge ’ s family home .
Den Hollander was best known in years past for unsuccessful lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of “ ladies night ” promotions at bars and nightclubs .
His litigation , and willingness to appear on television , earned him spots on The Colbert Report and MSNBC .
Daniel Anderl , Salas ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back shortly to The Catholic University of America in Washington , D.C. , where he was named to the Dean ’ s List this spring .
“ I was shocked last night to hear news of Daniel Anderl ’ s tragic death Sunday evening in New Jersey .
Daniel was a rising junior , enrolled for classes beginning in the next few weeks , ” university President John Garvey wrote on Twitter .
“ He turned 20 last week.
” Salas , seated in Newark , was nominated by President Barack Obama and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in New Jersey , after working as an assistant public defender for several years .
In more than 2,000 pages of often misogynistic , racist writings , Den Hollander criticized Salas ’ life story of being abandoned by her father and raised by her poor mother as “ the usual effort to blame a man and turn someone into super girl.
” In another section — part of a collection posted online that resembled an early draft of a memoir — he wrote : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun , what do you want for a defense—PC ideology or a six-shooter ?
” Hollander ’ s writings also point to a possible connection to the area where he was found dead .
He described going to a family cabin in the Catskills community of Beaverkill , about 40 minutes by car from Liberty .
Hollander hardly got wealthy from his chauvinistic crusades and filed for bankruptcy in 2011 , citing more than $ 120,000 in credit card debt , as well as rent and other expenses that tallied up well above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hollander estimated he made about $ 300 a month from his work , with the bulk of his income coming from a $ 724 monthly Social Security payment .
Salas , born in California to a Cuban immigrant mother and Mexican father , spent most of her childhood in Union City , New Jersey .
After helping her family escape a devastating house fire , she acted as her mother ’ s translator and advocate , foreshadowing her career in law as she argued her family ’ s case to welfare officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the profile , Salas spoke of her son possibly following his parents into the legal profession .
“ He ’ s been arguing with us since he could talk — practicing his advocacy skills , ” Salas told New Jersey Monthly .
“ I don ’ t want to dissuade him , but I was pulling for a doctor.
” Several college friends had spent the weekend visiting Daniel for his birthday , leaving just hours before the shooting , neighbor Marion Costanza said .
“ These are people that will never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of Esther losing her only child .
It ’ s just devastating , ” said Costanza , a lawyer who watched Daniel grow up , and had dinner plans this coming week with his parents .
“ I want the world to know what a beautiful kid this was , ” she said .
“ It ’ s just devastating.
” She said that Salas a few years ago “ was a little nervous because she was getting high-profile cases , ” but had not mentioned any recent concerns .
She last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s two large dogs on Saturday .
Just last week , Salas was appointed to hear an ongoing lawsuit brought by Deutsche Bank investors who claim the company made false and misleading statements about its anti-money laundering policies and failed to monitor “ high-risk ” customers including convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
Her highest-profile case in recent years was the financial fraud case involving husband-and-wife “ Real Housewives of New Jersey ” reality TV stars Teresa and Joe Giudice , whom Salas sentenced to prison for crimes including bankruptcy fraud and tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that one of them could be available to take care of their four children .
In 2017 , she barred federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty against an alleged gang leader charged in several Newark slayings , ruling the man ’ s intellectual disability made him ineligible for capital punishment .
Salas later sentenced the man to 45 years in prison .
Attorney General William Barr said in a statement Monday that the FBI and the U.S .
Marshals will continue investigating the shooting , adding : “ This kind of lawless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the federal judiciary will not be tolerated.
” Sisak reported from New York and Balsamo from Washington , D.C .

Maryclaire Dale, Michael Balsamo, Michael R. Sisak

A self-described “anti-feminist” lawyer found dead in the Catskills of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound is considered the prime suspect in the shooting of a federal judge’s family in New Jersey, the FBI said Monday.
Roy Den Hollander, who received media attention including appearances on Fox News and Comedy Central for lawsuits challenging perceived infringements of “men’s rights,” was found dead Monday in Sullivan County, New York, two officials with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press.
The FBI said Den Hollander was the “primary subject in the attack” and confirmed he had been pronounced dead but provided no other details. Found among his personal effects was information about another judge, New York Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, a state court spokesperson said.
A day earlier, a gunman posing as a FedEx delivery person went to the North Brunswick, New Jersey, home of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, and started shooting, wounding her husband, the defense lawyer Mark Anderl, and killing her son, Daniel Anderl.
Salas was at home but in another part of the house and was unharmed, said the officials, who could not discuss an ongoing investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
Den Hollander had a gender-equity lawsuit, filed in 2015, that was being heard by Salas involving a young woman who wanted to register for the military draft. He also mentioned the judge in writings posted online, deriding her as a ladder climber who traded on her Hispanic heritage to get ahead.
A package addressed to Salas was found along with Den Hollander’s body, the officials said.
In a screed Den Hollander posted online, he also wrote of posing as a FedEx delivery person to speak with a young girl, the same tactic the gunman apparently used at the door to the judge’s family home.
Den Hollander was best known in years past for unsuccessful lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of “ladies night” promotions at bars and nightclubs. His litigation, and willingness to appear on television, earned him spots on The Colbert Report and MSNBC.
Daniel Anderl, Salas’ son, was set to be heading back shortly to The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he was named to the Dean’s List this spring.
“I was shocked last night to hear news of Daniel Anderl’s tragic death Sunday evening in New Jersey. Daniel was a rising junior, enrolled for classes beginning in the next few weeks,” university President John Garvey wrote on Twitter. “He turned 20 last week.”
Salas, seated in Newark, was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed in 2011. Prior to that, she served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in New Jersey, after working as an assistant public defender for several years.
In more than 2,000 pages of often misogynistic, racist writings, Den Hollander criticized Salas’ life story of being abandoned by her father and raised by her poor mother as “the usual effort to blame a man and turn someone into super girl.”
In another section — part of a collection posted online that resembled an early draft of a memoir — he wrote: “When a lunatic shows up with a gun, what do you want for a defense—PC ideology or a six-shooter?”
Hollander’s writings also point to a possible connection to the area where he was found dead. He described going to a family cabin in the Catskills community of Beaverkill, about 40 minutes by car from Liberty.
Hollander hardly got wealthy from his chauvinistic crusades and filed for bankruptcy in 2011, citing more than $120,000 in credit card debt, as well as rent and other expenses that tallied up well above his means. In the filing, Hollander estimated he made about $300 a month from his work, with the bulk of his income coming from a $724 monthly Social Security payment.
Salas, born in California to a Cuban immigrant mother and Mexican father, spent most of her childhood in Union City, New Jersey. After helping her family escape a devastating house fire, she acted as her mother’s translator and advocate, foreshadowing her career in law as she argued her family’s case to welfare officials, according to a 2018 magazine profile.
In the profile, Salas spoke of her son possibly following his parents into the legal profession.
“He’s been arguing with us since he could talk — practicing his advocacy skills,” Salas told New Jersey Monthly. “I don’t want to dissuade him, but I was pulling for a doctor.”
Several college friends had spent the weekend visiting Daniel for his birthday, leaving just hours before the shooting, neighbor Marion Costanza said.
“These are people that will never see their friend again. Then to think of Esther losing her only child. It’s just devastating,” said Costanza, a lawyer who watched Daniel grow up, and had dinner plans this coming week with his parents.
“I want the world to know what a beautiful kid this was,” she said. “It’s just devastating.”
She said that Salas a few years ago “was a little nervous because she was getting high-profile cases,” but had not mentioned any recent concerns. She last saw Mark Anderl walking the family’s two large dogs on Saturday.
Just last week, Salas was appointed to hear an ongoing lawsuit brought by Deutsche Bank investors who claim the company made false and misleading statements about its anti-money laundering policies and failed to monitor “high-risk” customers including convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Her highest-profile case in recent years was the financial fraud case involving husband-and-wife “Real Housewives of New Jersey” reality TV stars Teresa and Joe Giudice, whom Salas sentenced to prison for crimes including bankruptcy fraud and tax evasion. Salas staggered their sentences so that one of them could be available to take care of their four children.
In 2017, she barred federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty against an alleged gang leader charged in several Newark slayings, ruling the man’s intellectual disability made him ineligible for capital punishment. Salas later sentenced the man to 45 years in prison.
Attorney General William Barr said in a statement Monday that the FBI and the U.S. Marshals will continue investigating the shooting, adding: “This kind of lawless, evil action carried out against a member of the federal judiciary will not be tolerated.”
___
Sisak reported from New York and Balsamo from Washington, D.C.


thedenverpost--2020-07-20--Jefferson, Larimer counties warn they may have to scale back reopening as COVID-19 cases rise

Public health officials in at least two Colorado counties warn they may have to roll back some aspects of their reopening as novel coronavirus infections continue to rise in the state .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment notified Larimer and Jefferson counties that they ’ re at risk of losing their variances , which allow local governments to loosen restrictions on certain events and businesses after they show progress in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 .
“ We must take swift , strategic action now to help keep our cases below the permitted threshold , so we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backwards in our county ’ s recovery efforts , ” said Dr. Mark Johnson , executive director for Jefferson County Public Health , in a statement .
As a result , Jefferson County Public Health on Monday issued a new order requiring venues to receive approval from the agency before holding events with more than one designated activity , and which would have more than 100 people inside or 175 people outside , according to a news release .
The order , which goes into effect at 5 p.m. Monday , comes weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speedway violated social-distancing requirements at a July 4 event .
A ruling in the court case stemming from that dispute is expected Tuesday morning .
Under its variance , Jefferson County has a limit of 580 new cases during a two-week period .
The county reported 486 cases between July 5 and July 18 , according to the news release .
Jeffco ’ s state variance , which was approved in June , affects the number of people allowed to gather , including in gyms , malls , breweries and houses of worship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved in May and covers the opening of gyms , theaters , bowling alleys , pools and other businesses .
The variance will be rescinded if Larimer County confirms more than 25 new cases , or 10 % of individuals tested on three separate days , during a two-week period .
The increase in COVID-19 cases in Larimer County is partly attributed to large gatherings during the July 4 weekend , according to a news release .
“ I know that we will regroup and reverse this uptick , ” said Tom Gonzales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ But in order to do that , we must all take this seriously and be diligent with handwashing , face coverings and social distancing .
We must slow our case count to keep our businesses open.
” The county has two weeks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus or its variance could be modified or revoked , according to the news release .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Public health officials in at least two Colorado counties warn they may have to roll back some aspects of their reopening as novel coronavirus infections continue to rise in the state.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment notified Larimer and Jefferson counties that they’re at risk of losing their variances, which allow local governments to loosen restrictions on certain events and businesses after they show progress in curtailing the spread of COVID-19.
“We must take swift, strategic action now to help keep our cases below the permitted threshold, so we do not have to take giant steps backwards in our county’s recovery efforts,” said Dr. Mark Johnson, executive director for Jefferson County Public Health, in a statement.
As a result, Jefferson County Public Health on Monday issued a new order requiring venues to receive approval from the agency before holding events with more than one designated activity, and which would have more than 100 people inside or 175 people outside, according to a news release.
The order, which goes into effect at 5 p.m. Monday, comes weeks after Jefferson County Public Health said Bandimere Speedway violated social-distancing requirements at a July 4 event. A ruling in the court case stemming from that dispute is expected Tuesday morning.
Under its variance, Jefferson County has a limit of 580 new cases during a two-week period. The county reported 486 cases between July 5 and July 18, according to the news release.
Jeffco’s state variance, which was approved in June, affects the number of people allowed to gather, including in gyms, malls, breweries and houses of worship.
Larimer County’s variance was approved in May and covers the opening of gyms, theaters, bowling alleys, pools and other businesses. The variance will be rescinded if Larimer County confirms more than 25 new cases, or 10% of individuals tested on three separate days, during a two-week period.
The increase in COVID-19 cases in Larimer County is partly attributed to large gatherings during the July 4 weekend, according to a news release.
“I know that we will regroup and reverse this uptick,” said Tom Gonzales, Larimer County public health director, in a statement. “But in order to do that, we must all take this seriously and be diligent with handwashing, face coverings and social distancing. We must slow our case count to keep our businesses open.”
The county has two weeks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus or its variance could be modified or revoked, according to the news release.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-07-20--Conor Timmins making case for Avalanche roster spot in Edmonton NHL bubble

Conor Timmins ’ rookie impression at Avalanche training camp was so strong in 2017 that coach Jared Bednar faced a difficult choice : Jumpstart the second-round defenseman ’ s NHL career ?
Or ship him back to juniors for more development ?
Colorado played it safe but knew his future was bright .
“ We had discussions about him playing for ( us ) , ” Bednar said .
“ That ’ s how good he was.
” On Monday , after three years of setbacks and growth , the Timmins buzz returned to Pepsi Center as Colorado enters its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Avs ’ postseason seeding games start Aug. 2 in the Edmonton NHL bubble against the St. Louis Blues .
Bednar , on a Monday video conference call , told reporters Timmins is “ definitely a guy that we ’ re considering taking with us.
” “ He ’ s been really good , ” Bednar said .
“ I like his puck-moving ability .
I think he ’ s a real good passer .
He ’ s a real heads-up player and finds a way to move the puck in and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive side of things , I think he ’ s really good , and his physicality and competitiveness in practice are starting to pick up in these scrimmages.
” Timmins ’ NHL ascension was delayed shortly after he signed his entry-level Avalanche contract in 2018 .
A concussion he suffered near the end of his final season of junior hockey had lingering symptoms — holding Timmins out of the entire 2018-19 season for Avs ’ AHL-affiliate Colorado Eagles .
Timmins appeared unfazed .
He returned for the 2019 Avs training camp , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roster .
But Timmins played in only two NHL games before joining the Eagles , where he went on to miss several weeks with a lower-body injury .
“ It ’ s been kind of a tough couple of years , ” Timmins said Monday .
“ I haven ’ t really had a lot of opportunities to play a lot of games .
Anytime I can be around the rink and get extra reps , especially with these guys , is great for my development .
It ’ s going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Timmins said this past season in the AHL — 27 points ( 3 goals ) over 40 games — allowed his skillset to grow , especially on defense , as Timmins works toward earning a spot on the Avs ’ 30-man roster .
“ After playing a year in the American League , and battling through some injuries even this year , I feel like ( Timmins ) is in a pretty good place , ” Bednar said .
“ He ’ s coming in here as a confident player and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact for our team.
” Makar missing .
For the second consecutive training camp practice , the Avalanche were without Calder Memorial Trophy finalist Cale Makar .
The rookie defenseman left the ice midway through Saturday ’ s workout for unspecified reasons , with NHL rules in the coronavirus pandemic allowing Bednar to say only that Makar was “ unfit ” to complete the practice .
On Monday , with Colorado scrimmaging five-on-five with power-play scenarios , Makar remained absent .
Bednar did not have an update on Makar ’ s status or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be available to play in Edmonton .
Coronavirus update .
The NHL announced Monday that only two players have tested positive for COVID-19 since July 13 for its third phase for return to play ( the start of training camps ) .
“ I think ( the numbers ) are encouraging , ” Bednar said .
“ When you spend time around our guys in our group and you see how serious everyone is taking it , the way they ’ re going about their daily lives , and making sure they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of our little bubble here in Denver , I think other teams are doing the same thing .
We ’ re testing every day and doing everything we can to stay healthy so we can get into Edmonton as a healthy group .
”

Conor Timmins’ rookie impression at Avalanche training camp was so strong in 2017 that coach Jared Bednar faced a difficult choice: Jumpstart the second-round defenseman’s NHL career? Or ship him back to juniors for more development?
Colorado played it safe but knew his future was bright.
“We had discussions about him playing for (us),” Bednar said. “That’s how good he was.”
On Monday, after three years of setbacks and growth, the Timmins buzz returned to Pepsi Center as Colorado enters its second week of training camp 2.0. The Avs’ postseason seeding games start Aug. 2 in the Edmonton NHL bubble against the St. Louis Blues.
Will Timmins make the trip?
Bednar, on a Monday video conference call, told reporters Timmins is “definitely a guy that we’re considering taking with us.”
“He’s been really good,” Bednar said. “I like his puck-moving ability. I think he’s a real good passer. He’s a real heads-up player and finds a way to move the puck in and out of the zone. … On the offensive side of things, I think he’s really good, and his physicality and competitiveness in practice are starting to pick up in these scrimmages.”
Timmins’ NHL ascension was delayed shortly after he signed his entry-level Avalanche contract in 2018. A concussion he suffered near the end of his final season of junior hockey had lingering symptoms — holding Timmins out of the entire 2018-19 season for Avs’ AHL-affiliate Colorado Eagles.
Timmins appeared unfazed. He returned for the 2019 Avs training camp, and surprisingly, made Colorado’s opening-night roster. But Timmins played in only two NHL games before joining the Eagles, where he went on to miss several weeks with a lower-body injury.
“It’s been kind of a tough couple of years,” Timmins said Monday. “I haven’t really had a lot of opportunities to play a lot of games. Anytime I can be around the rink and get extra reps, especially with these guys, is great for my development. It’s going to be really cool to be on this run.”
Timmins said this past season in the AHL — 27 points (3 goals) over 40 games — allowed his skillset to grow, especially on defense, as Timmins works toward earning a spot on the Avs’ 30-man roster.
“After playing a year in the American League, and battling through some injuries even this year, I feel like (Timmins) is in a pretty good place,” Bednar said. “He’s coming in here as a confident player and a player that wants to help make an impact for our team.”
Makar missing. For the second consecutive training camp practice, the Avalanche were without Calder Memorial Trophy finalist Cale Makar. The rookie defenseman left the ice midway through Saturday’s workout for unspecified reasons, with NHL rules in the coronavirus pandemic allowing Bednar to say only that Makar was “unfit” to complete the practice.
On Monday, with Colorado scrimmaging five-on-five with power-play scenarios, Makar remained absent. Bednar did not have an update on Makar’s status or whether the team is concerned if he will be available to play in Edmonton.
Coronavirus update. The NHL announced Monday that only two players have tested positive for COVID-19 since July 13 for its third phase for return to play (the start of training camps).
“I think (the numbers) are encouraging,” Bednar said. “When you spend time around our guys in our group and you see how serious everyone is taking it, the way they’re going about their daily lives, and making sure they’re limiting their contact with people outside of our little bubble here in Denver, I think other teams are doing the same thing. We’re testing every day and doing everything we can to stay healthy so we can get into Edmonton as a healthy group.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-21--Pandemic is hurting Americans’ finances in disparate ways, poll finds

BURTON , Mich. — Crystal and Chris Martin put off some payments on their home in this blue-collar town near Flint and are pinching pennies to make ends meet until they return to work .
In Windsor , Connecticut , Anne Druce ’ s family canceled home improvement projects out of an abundance of caution but remains financially secure .
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on , a new poll finds it is having different effects on Americans ’ economic well-being .
For some , the virus has meant lost income or struggles to pay bills on time — particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Others , most notably college-educated and older Americans , have transitioned to working from home or have experienced the nation ’ s economic decline through a dip in the value of their investments .
“ It ’ s just all been kind of frustrating , ” said Crystal Martin , who lost her job managing a roller skating rink in March and waited 10 weeks for her first unemployment check .
Her husband , an X-ray technician at a Flint hospital , was laid off for about month , then took parental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , to reduce the chances of bringing home the virus .
“ We had to go into our savings , and we were crunching numbers to see how long it would last , ” said Martin , adding that the couple , who have six children in their blended family , still aren ’ t sure if their mortgage company will add the deferred house payments to the end of their loan or demand the money all at once later this year .
Overall , roughly a quarter of Americans say they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lost income , according to the latest COVID Response Tracking Study , conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago .
About 2 in 10 report losing a job and roughly another 2 in 10 say they have put themselves at risk of exposure to the virus for work .
Meanwhile , the survey also finds about a third of Americans say their investments were negatively impacted during the pandemic .
About a quarter say they have had to change their work routine , including having to work from home .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband , James , are fortunate to have well-paying jobs — she ’ s a process engineering consultant for an insurance company and he works for a mutual fund company — that allow working from home .
While feeling financially stable , they ’ re saving as much money as possible — aside from spending to take a beach vacation in August with their two young boys — because “ anything can change , ” Druce said .
“ I know it sounds insanely privileged , ” said Druce , “ but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll finds that disparities of economic experience during the pandemic by race and ethnicity , age and education are stark .
• More college-educated Americans have lost investments , 45 % , compared with 28 % of those without a college degree .
By contrast , Americans without a degree were more likely to have delayed paying bills — 26 % , compared with 10 % of college graduates .
• Hispanic and Black Americans were more likely than white Americans to have lost income ( 42 % and 32 % vs. 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills ( 38 % and 35 % vs. 14 % ) .
• Thirty-one percent of Hispanics say they have put themselves at risk of exposure for work , compared with 19 % of white Americans .
• Younger Americans were more likely to have lost a job , put themselves at risk of exposure or delayed paying bills , while more older Americans lost investments .
Beyond the dollars-and-cents impacts of the pandemic , the survey found the economic effects taking a toll on Americans ’ mental health , with stress rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income , a loss of savings and trouble paying bills .
Tom W. Smith , director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Society at NORC and the study ’ s lead investigator , said people are also feeling more lonely than might be expected given the recent easing of restrictions and the reopening of businesses .
That could be because people still are severely restricting normal activities , perhaps because of finances or because they ’ re “ not willing to take the chance yet ” on potentially exposing themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty and anxiety : Some initiatives meant to help people get through the crisis — including extra unemployment compensation and moratoriums on evictions and utility shut-offs — are set to expire soon , said Joy Peterman , development director at the Salvation Army in Flint .
Her organization has seen a 25 % increase in requests for assistance during the pandemic , mostly from people who were forced to seek help for the first time and many of whom were still working .
“ They just didn ’ t have enough money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ) shorter hours and less pay , ” said Peterman , who believes needs will increase in coming months .
“ You still have rent , you still have utilities , you still have a car payment , insurance and the phone bill .
And you still have to feed your children .
”

BURTON, Mich. — Crystal and Chris Martin put off some payments on their home in this blue-collar town near Flint and are pinching pennies to make ends meet until they return to work. In Windsor, Connecticut, Anne Druce’s family canceled home improvement projects out of an abundance of caution but remains financially secure.
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, a new poll finds it is having different effects on Americans’ economic well-being. For some, the virus has meant lost income or struggles to pay bills on time — particularly among Hispanic, Black and younger Americans. Others, most notably college-educated and older Americans, have transitioned to working from home or have experienced the nation’s economic decline through a dip in the value of their investments.
“It’s just all been kind of frustrating,” said Crystal Martin, who lost her job managing a roller skating rink in March and waited 10 weeks for her first unemployment check. Her husband, an X-ray technician at a Flint hospital, was laid off for about month, then took parental leave after Crystal had a baby in July, to reduce the chances of bringing home the virus.
“We had to go into our savings, and we were crunching numbers to see how long it would last,” said Martin, adding that the couple, who have six children in their blended family, still aren’t sure if their mortgage company will add the deferred house payments to the end of their loan or demand the money all at once later this year.
Overall, roughly a quarter of Americans say they have lost savings and about as many have lost income, according to the latest COVID Response Tracking Study, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago. About 2 in 10 report losing a job and roughly another 2 in 10 say they have put themselves at risk of exposure to the virus for work.
Meanwhile, the survey also finds about a third of Americans say their investments were negatively impacted during the pandemic. About a quarter say they have had to change their work routine, including having to work from home.
That includes Druce, who said she and her husband, James, are fortunate to have well-paying jobs — she’s a process engineering consultant for an insurance company and he works for a mutual fund company — that allow working from home.
While feeling financially stable, they’re saving as much money as possible — aside from spending to take a beach vacation in August with their two young boys — because “anything can change,” Druce said.
“I know it sounds insanely privileged,” said Druce, “but I 1,000% feel fortunate.”
The poll finds that disparities of economic experience during the pandemic by race and ethnicity, age and education are stark.
More college-educated Americans have lost investments, 45%, compared with 28% of those without a college degree. By contrast, Americans without a degree were more likely to have delayed paying bills — 26%, compared with 10% of college graduates.
Hispanic and Black Americans were more likely than white Americans to have lost income (42% and 32% vs. 21%) and to have delayed paying bills (38% and 35% vs. 14%).
Thirty-one percent of Hispanics say they have put themselves at risk of exposure for work, compared with 19% of white Americans.
Younger Americans were more likely to have lost a job, put themselves at risk of exposure or delayed paying bills, while more older Americans lost investments.
Beyond the dollars-and-cents impacts of the pandemic, the survey found the economic effects taking a toll on Americans’ mental health, with stress rising among those who report a loss of income, a loss of savings and trouble paying bills.
Tom W. Smith, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Society at NORC and the study’s lead investigator, said people are also feeling more lonely than might be expected given the recent easing of restrictions and the reopening of businesses. That could be because people still are severely restricting normal activities, perhaps because of finances or because they’re “not willing to take the chance yet” on potentially exposing themselves to the virus.
Adding to the uncertainty and anxiety: Some initiatives meant to help people get through the crisis — including extra unemployment compensation and moratoriums on evictions and utility shut-offs — are set to expire soon, said Joy Peterman, development director at the Salvation Army in Flint.
Her organization has seen a 25% increase in requests for assistance during the pandemic, mostly from people who were forced to seek help for the first time and many of whom were still working.
“They just didn’t have enough money to continue to pay their bills (because of) shorter hours and less pay,” said Peterman, who believes needs will increase in coming months. “You still have rent, you still have utilities, you still have a car payment, insurance and the phone bill. And you still have to feed your children.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-21--Rare trench fever found among Denver’s homeless population

Dr. Michelle Barron , medical director of infection prevention and control at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital , received an unusual call last month from the microbiology lab : Confirmation of the third case this year of trench fever , a rare condition transmitted by body lice that plagued soldiers during World War I .
“ Two is always an outbreak , and then when we found a third — OK , we clearly have something going on , ” Barron recalled thinking .
Barron , who said she ’ d never before seen a case in her 20 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who issued an advisory Thursday and said a fourth person with a suspected case had been identified .
They asked physicians to be on the lookout for additional cases .
Trench fever is characterized by relapsing fever , bone pain ( particularly in the shins ) , headache , nausea , vomiting and malaise .
Some of those infected can develop skin lesions or a life-threatening infection of their heart valves .
The condition is caused by the bacterium Bartonella quintana , a close relative of the bug that causes cat scratch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the digestive systems of body lice and are excreted in their feces .
The bugs can enter the body through a scratch in the skin or through the eyes or nose .
Dried lice feces can be infectious for up to 12 months .
Trench fever is most commonly diagnosed among people experiencing homelessness or living in conditions where good hygiene is difficult .
Those with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk .
Public health officials are trying to find a common thread among the four cases identified so far in Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patients appear to have no connection other than having been homeless in the Denver area .
Other cases of the disease may have been overlooked .
This outbreak comes , after all , at a time when much attention is being diverted to the coronavirus pandemic .
But the economic fallout of that crisis could be fueling the outbreak of an illness that thrives on hardship .
Trench fever can be an easy diagnosis to miss , Barron said .
Patients often have other health problems that could explain their symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more common causes before considering a rare one .
Moreover , the bacteria grow very slowly in lab cultures — it can take up to 21 days , and labs usually discard cultures after seven days .
Barron said the bacteria in two of the confirmed cases grew just before the cell cultures were due to be thrown out .
Doctors will often treat the symptoms of a disease like trench fever with antibiotics .
If the patient heals , it ’ s possible no tests will be pursued to determine the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kristy Murray , an infectious disease specialist with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children ’ s Hospital in Houston .
“ With this particular disease , unless you work in a setting where you ’ re with the homeless all the time , you ’ re not thinking about it or looking for it , ” she said .
“ It is very rare.
” Nonetheless , in recent years , outbreaks have occurred in San Francisco and Seattle homeless camps .
Barry Pittendrigh , a Michigan State University entomologist who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lice that cause trench fever , said head lice can also carry the bacteria , but their immune systems are strong enough to keep it in check .
Body lice live in clothing , coming on and off to feed on the body .
Their immune systems aren ’ t as strong , he said , so the bacteria can flourish .
“ We see scenarios when social crises are occurring — wars , economic downturn , displacement of people — when there is this chance that we ’ ll have problems around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ louse populations take off and you get these diseases , ” Pittendrigh said .
A spike in body lice occurred during the 2008 recession , he said , and before that , during the Great Depression and the two world wars .
The current economic and health disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to another increase .
As public health agencies struggle with the coronavirus , fewer resources are left to track down outbreaks of other infectious diseases .
Colorado is committed to battling both issues , said state health department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to grow the COVID-19 response staff , which allows us to balance other outbreaks and needs with responding to the global pandemic , ” she wrote in an email .
“ Scaling to the size we have is a tremendous undertaking , but we have a staff that is absolutely committed to being as responsive as possible to the needs of all Coloradans.
” Murray said an outbreak often can be interrupted with outreach to homeless shelters and other groups that provide services to those living on the street .
Mobile showers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothes can help .
Body lice can be killed by washing and drying clothes at high temperatures — at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit .
The pesticide permethrin can also be used to treat clothing , bedding and backpacks to prevent lice infestation .
Most people don ’ t need to worry , though : According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , infestation is unlikely to persist on anyone who bathes regularly and switches to clean clothes and bedding every week .
Still , trench fever has been considered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Old infectious diseases always still have the potential to come back , ” Barron said .
“ Even though we live in a society that we consider very modern and very safe on so many levels , these organisms , at the end of the day , have been here longer than us and plan to survive.
” Kaiser Health News ( KHN ) is a national health policy news service .
It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news sent straight to your inbox .

By Markian Hawryluk, Kaiser Health News
Dr. Michelle Barron, medical director of infection prevention and control at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, received an unusual call last month from the microbiology lab: Confirmation of the third case this year of trench fever, a rare condition transmitted by body lice that plagued soldiers during World War I.
Barron’s epidemiological training kicked in.
“Two is always an outbreak, and then when we found a third — OK, we clearly have something going on,” Barron recalled thinking.
Barron, who said she’d never before seen a case in her 20 years here, contacted state public health officials, who issued an advisory Thursday and said a fourth person with a suspected case had been identified. They asked physicians to be on the lookout for additional cases.
Trench fever is characterized by relapsing fever, bone pain (particularly in the shins), headache, nausea, vomiting and malaise. Some of those infected can develop skin lesions or a life-threatening infection of their heart valves.
The condition is caused by the bacterium Bartonella quintana, a close relative of the bug that causes cat scratch fever. Colonies of it live in the digestive systems of body lice and are excreted in their feces. The bugs can enter the body through a scratch in the skin or through the eyes or nose. Dried lice feces can be infectious for up to 12 months.
Trench fever is most commonly diagnosed among people experiencing homelessness or living in conditions where good hygiene is difficult. Those with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk.
Public health officials are trying to find a common thread among the four cases identified so far in Colorado. They occurred months apart, and the patients appear to have no connection other than having been homeless in the Denver area.
Other cases of the disease may have been overlooked. This outbreak comes, after all, at a time when much attention is being diverted to the coronavirus pandemic. But the economic fallout of that crisis could be fueling the outbreak of an illness that thrives on hardship.
Trench fever can be an easy diagnosis to miss, Barron said. Patients often have other health problems that could explain their symptoms, and doctors will try to rule out the more common causes before considering a rare one.
Moreover, the bacteria grow very slowly in lab cultures — it can take up to 21 days, and labs usually discard cultures after seven days. Barron said the bacteria in two of the confirmed cases grew just before the cell cultures were due to be thrown out.
Doctors will often treat the symptoms of a disease like trench fever with antibiotics. If the patient heals, it’s possible no tests will be pursued to determine the organism causing the illness, said Dr. Kristy Murray, an infectious disease specialist with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
“With this particular disease, unless you work in a setting where you’re with the homeless all the time, you’re not thinking about it or looking for it,” she said. “It is very rare.”
Nonetheless, in recent years, outbreaks have occurred in San Francisco and Seattle homeless camps.
Barry Pittendrigh, a Michigan State University entomologist who was part of an international collaborative studying the lice that cause trench fever, said head lice can also carry the bacteria, but their immune systems are strong enough to keep it in check. Body lice live in clothing, coming on and off to feed on the body. Their immune systems aren’t as strong, he said, so the bacteria can flourish.
“We see scenarios when social crises are occurring — wars, economic downturn, displacement of people — when there is this chance that we’ll have problems around hygiene that, in turn, these louse populations take off and you get these diseases,” Pittendrigh said.
A spike in body lice occurred during the 2008 recession, he said, and before that, during the Great Depression and the two world wars. The current economic and health disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to another increase.
As public health agencies struggle with the coronavirus, fewer resources are left to track down outbreaks of other infectious diseases.
Colorado is committed to battling both issues, said state health department spokesperson Deanna Herbert. “We are continuing to grow the COVID-19 response staff, which allows us to balance other outbreaks and needs with responding to the global pandemic,” she wrote in an email. “Scaling to the size we have is a tremendous undertaking, but we have a staff that is absolutely committed to being as responsive as possible to the needs of all Coloradans.”
Murray said an outbreak often can be interrupted with outreach to homeless shelters and other groups that provide services to those living on the street. Mobile showers or offering to launder or replace their clothes can help. Body lice can be killed by washing and drying clothes at high temperatures — at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pesticide permethrin can also be used to treat clothing, bedding and backpacks to prevent lice infestation. Most people don’t need to worry, though: According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infestation is unlikely to persist on anyone who bathes regularly and switches to clean clothes and bedding every week.
Still, trench fever has been considered a reemerging disease since the 1990s.
“Old infectious diseases always still have the potential to come back,” Barron said. “Even though we live in a society that we consider very modern and very safe on so many levels, these organisms, at the end of the day, have been here longer than us and plan to survive.”
Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
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