thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Local grocery workers union plans $1 million coronavirus emergency fund

A local union representing grocery store workers , and other food and service employees , will establish a $ 1 million emergency hardship fund for its members who are working long hours and are in prolonged public contact during the novel coronavirus pandemic .
The United Food & Commercial Workers Local 7 announced Tuesday that its starting the fund to benefit members , including health care workers at Kaiser Permanente , who have suffered loss of income or incurred expenses because of the coronavirus , the union said in a news release .
“ UFCW Local 7 members are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs of our community , ” the release said .
“ Local 7 is proud to support our members in their critical role in confronting this national crisis.
” The union represents about 22,000 members in Colorado and Wyoming in supermarkets , packing houses , food processing plants , and health care facilities , as well as barbers and cosmetologists .
Earlier this month , a Denver King Soopers employee , at the LoDo store , 1950 Chestnut Place , tested positive for the coronavirus .
The new fund can be drawn upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eligible by the “ hardship committee ” of the executive board of the union .
The fund will provide one-time payments up to $ 200 for eligible members who have suffered loss or hardship because of COVID-19 .
Criteria includes loss of income because of coronavirus , caring for a family member with coronavirus , loss of income because of isolation requirements , child care expenses and COVID-19 medical costs .
The union says it ’ s been negotiating with employers to provide paid sick-time leave and child care expenses for members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ food processing plants to match the emergency fund contribution .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

A local union representing grocery store workers, and other food and service employees, will establish a $1 million emergency hardship fund for its members who are working long hours and are in prolonged public contact during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The United Food & Commercial Workers Local 7 announced Tuesday that its starting the fund to benefit members, including health care workers at Kaiser Permanente, who have suffered loss of income or incurred expenses because of the coronavirus, the union said in a news release.
“UFCW Local 7 members are working tirelessly to meet the food and healthcare needs of our community,” the release said. “Local 7 is proud to support our members in their critical role in confronting this national crisis.”
The union represents about 22,000 members in Colorado and Wyoming in supermarkets, packing houses, food processing plants, and health care facilities, as well as barbers and cosmetologists.
Earlier this month, a Denver King Soopers employee, at the LoDo store, 1950 Chestnut Place, tested positive for the coronavirus.
The new fund can be drawn upon by members if they’re determined eligible by the “hardship committee” of the executive board of the union. The fund will provide one-time payments up to $200 for eligible members who have suffered loss or hardship because of COVID-19.
Criteria includes loss of income because of coronavirus, caring for a family member with coronavirus, loss of income because of isolation requirements, child care expenses and COVID-19 medical costs.
The union says it’s been negotiating with employers to provide paid sick-time leave and child care expenses for members. Local 7 is urging major grocers and food processing plants to match the emergency fund contribution.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Keeler: Coronavirus chased Mines alum from Italy to Denver — and she’s seeing history repeat itself

Instead of slaying dragons , Emily Garnier started bingeing them .
Saddled with a week of stay-at-home orders , she bought a ukulele and taught herself to strum “ Party Favor ” by Billie Eilish .
Then Garnier and her roommate decided to speed-watch HBO ’ s “ Game of Thrones ” from Season 1 onward .
“ Neither of us had seen it before , ” the former D ’ Evelyn High School and Mines soccer alum said of the fantasy phenomenon .
“ And then we had two friends from England that were stuck in Florence that hadn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d watch it at the same time as them .
“ Just don ’ t let yourself be isolated .
Even though you have to stay home , you can still reach out through technology .
You don ’ t have to be alone , even though you have to physically separate.
” Garnier saw this coming .
All of it .
Three weeks ago , she was locked down at her apartment in the little town of Empoli , Italy , caught in the middle of a nationwide stay-at-home edict .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of isolation , she made it back home to her parents ’ place in Littleton .
Only to watch the same coronavirus concerns , and cases , start sweeping across the Front Range .
Once Denver mayor Michael Hancock on Monday ordered locals to close up shop , it felt like déjà vu all over again .
“ It ’ s strange , ” said Garnier , a defender with the Empoli FC professional women ’ s club .
“ A lot of what ’ s happening in the U.S. is what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s kind of weird .
“ It ’ s like I ’ m doing it twice .
It ’ s a little unfortunate , but I guess it ’ s a little less shocking the second time around.
” On the upside , Garnier says she ’ s shown no symptoms of the virus .
Neither have any of her teammates , now scattered around the globe .
She ’ s remained in self-quarantine at her parents ’ home since her return , just to stay on the safe side .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here ’ s what ’ s probably coming , based on what she experienced just a few weeks ago in central Italy : • Grocery and department stores allowing patrons , but only so many at a time — and one-in and one-out , for example , in smaller shops .
• And if you ’ ve got to be out and about , you might need to bring along paperwork that justifies clear passage .
“ You also had to have information ( on you ) as to where you live , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re in Empoli and they find you in Florence , ( police would ) be like , ‘ What are you doing here ?
Go home .
Get inside .
Don ’ t spread this.
’ ” Since January 2019 , Garnier has been a defender for Empoli FC , based in Empoli , a town of roughly 48,000 roughly 30 minutes west of Florence and 45 minutes east of Pisa .
The women ’ s side plays in Serie A , the highest professional tier of Italian soccer , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B .
If you think trying to get straight dope on COVID-19 is tricky here , try being at a place where the ground rules are piped out in a different language entirely .
Once the lockdown started there , Empoli FC sent Garnier and her teammates “ self-declaration ” forms to fill out and take with them in case authorities questioned where they were going and why .
“ They were in total lockdown and I was like , ‘ What does this mean ?
’ I don ’ t know if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ Italy ’ s a lot smaller than the U.S .
So I don ’ t know — it ’ s hard to compare to Colorado .
“ It ’ s very similar to what Italy was ( at the start of the month ) .
We ’ re not all the way to where Italy was when I left .
But we ’ re pretty close.
” And getting closer all the time .
Despite a nationwide lockdown that ’ s slated to run through April 3 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 6,077 deaths from the disease as of Monday “ I ’ ve heard some of the horror stories , ” Garnier said .
“ You ’ re in the hospital and people can ’ t come in and see you .
And they ’ re overcrowded .
It really breaks my heart to hear that stuff .
“ That ’ s why you want to do your part .
I didn ’ t want to get anyone sick to cause horror stories to happen to other people .
We need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve seen some pretty irresponsible stuff.
” Garnier wanted to stay in Empoli , to ride it out .
But for one , it was clear pretty quickly that the rest of the season was going to be suspended indefinitely .
For another , there are only eight seasons of GOT out there to keep you from bouncing off the dang walls .
“ They kept losing more things , ” Garnier said of Italy .
“ The rules were getting stricter , and you had to have a form to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotionally settled at home , too .
A sense of safety.
” “ I don ’ t think we should panic , ” Garnier said .
“ I think we ’ re going to be OK. “ I guess the scary part in all of it is not really knowing when it will happen or when it will be over .
Just , in general , in my life , I try to stay optimistic with things .
That ’ s what I ’ m going to do with this as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with restrictions and hope for ( the best ) .
I think , as much as it ( stinks ) , people understand that this is the best thing to do right now .
”

Instead of slaying dragons, Emily Garnier started bingeing them. Saddled with a week of stay-at-home orders, she bought a ukulele and taught herself to strum “Party Favor” by Billie Eilish. Then Garnier and her roommate decided to speed-watch HBO’s “Game of Thrones” from Season 1 onward.
“Neither of us had seen it before,” the former D’Evelyn High School and Mines soccer alum said of the fantasy phenomenon. “And then we had two friends from England that were stuck in Florence that hadn’t seen it, so we’d watch it at the same time as them.
“Just don’t let yourself be isolated. Even though you have to stay home, you can still reach out through technology. You don’t have to be alone, even though you have to physically separate.”
Garnier saw this coming. All of it. Three weeks ago, she was locked down at her apartment in the little town of Empoli, Italy, caught in the middle of a nationwide stay-at-home edict.
On March 12, after a week of isolation, she made it back home to her parents’ place in Littleton. Only to watch the same coronavirus concerns, and cases, start sweeping across the Front Range.
Once Denver mayor Michael Hancock on Monday ordered locals to close up shop, it felt like déjà vu all over again.
“It’s strange,” said Garnier, a defender with the Empoli FC professional women’s club. “A lot of what’s happening in the U.S. is what I was seeing (there). It’s kind of weird.
“It’s like I’m doing it twice. It’s a little unfortunate, but I guess it’s a little less shocking the second time around.”
On the upside, Garnier says she’s shown no symptoms of the virus. Neither have any of her teammates, now scattered around the globe. She’s remained in self-quarantine at her parents’ home since her return, just to stay on the safe side.
On the downside, buckle up. Because here’s what’s probably coming, based on what she experienced just a few weeks ago in central Italy:
• Grocery and department stores allowing patrons, but only so many at a time — and one-in and one-out, for example, in smaller shops.
• And if you’ve got to be out and about, you might need to bring along paperwork that justifies clear passage.
“You also had to have information (on you) as to where you live,” Garnier said. “So if you’re in Empoli and they find you in Florence, (police would) be like, ‘What are you doing here? Go home. Get inside. Don’t spread this.’”
Since January 2019, Garnier has been a defender for Empoli FC, based in Empoli, a town of roughly 48,000 roughly 30 minutes west of Florence and 45 minutes east of Pisa. The women’s side plays in Serie A, the highest professional tier of Italian soccer, a partner club to the men in Serie B.
If you think trying to get straight dope on COVID-19 is tricky here, try being at a place where the ground rules are piped out in a different language entirely. Once the lockdown started there, Empoli FC sent Garnier and her teammates “self-declaration” forms to fill out and take with them in case authorities questioned where they were going and why.
“They were in total lockdown and I was like, ‘What does this mean?’ I don’t know if anybody knew what was really happening,” she said. “Italy’s a lot smaller than the U.S. So I don’t know — it’s hard to compare to Colorado.
“It’s very similar to what Italy was (at the start of the month). We’re not all the way to where Italy was when I left. But we’re pretty close.”
And getting closer all the time. Despite a nationwide lockdown that’s slated to run through April 3, Italy had reported 63,927 confirmed coronavirus cases and 6,077 deaths from the disease as of Monday
“I’ve heard some of the horror stories,” Garnier said. “You’re in the hospital and people can’t come in and see you. And they’re overcrowded. It really breaks my heart to hear that stuff.
“That’s why you want to do your part. I didn’t want to get anyone sick to cause horror stories to happen to other people. We need to be responsible. Especially my generation. I’ve seen some pretty irresponsible stuff.”
Lookin’ at you, Sarasota.
Garnier wanted to stay in Empoli, to ride it out. But for one, it was clear pretty quickly that the rest of the season was going to be suspended indefinitely. For another, there are only eight seasons of GOT out there to keep you from bouncing off the dang walls.
“They kept losing more things,” Garnier said of Italy. “The rules were getting stricter, and you had to have a form to go outside. … I definitely feel more emotionally settled at home, too. A sense of safety.”
A sense of familiarity.
Buckle up.
“I don’t think we should panic,” Garnier said. “I think we’re going to be OK.
“I guess the scary part in all of it is not really knowing when it will happen or when it will be over. Just, in general, in my life, I try to stay optimistic with things. That’s what I’m going to do with this as well. Take each day as it comes and deal with restrictions and hope for (the best). I think, as much as it (stinks), people understand that this is the best thing to do right now.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Driver of pickup, going 100 mph in San Miguel County, injured in fiery crash, sheriff says

A driver in a pickup truck speeding at about 100 mph crashed Tuesday in San Miguel County , ripping the @ @ @ @ @ from the bed and bursting the engine into flames , authorities said .
A deputy @ @ @ @ @ and passing motorists extinguished the fire and pulled the seriously injured driver out of the @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff ’ s office .
The single-vehicle crash happened on Colorado 145 near Placerville @ @ @ @ @ , “ nearly running several cars off the road , including the deputy , ” @ @ @ @ @ said on Facebook .
“ The driver lost control , struck the side of a @ @ @ @ @ s cab from the frame and causing the engine to catch on fire.
” Emergency @ @ @ @ @ the top of Dallas Divide where he was taken by helicopter to a local hospital @ @ @ @ @ identified and an investigation is ongoing .
Further details on his condition were not released @

A driver in a pickup truck speeding at about 100 mph crashed Tuesday in San Miguel County, ripping the truck’s cab apart from the bed and bursting the engine into flames, authorities said.
A deputy who spotted the speeding truck and passing motorists extinguished the fire and pulled the seriously injured driver out of the mangled truck, according to the sheriff’s office.
The single-vehicle crash happened on Colorado 145 near Placerville. The driver was speeding, “nearly running several cars off the road, including the deputy,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook. “The driver lost control, struck the side of a cliff splitting the truck’s cab from the frame and causing the engine to catch on fire.”
Emergency responders took the driver to the top of Dallas Divide where he was taken by helicopter to a local hospital.
The driver was not identified and an investigation is ongoing. Further details on his condition were not released.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Broncos come to terms with veteran punter Sam Martin on three-year deal, source says

The Broncos agreed to terms Tuesday with veteran punter Sam Martin , likely ending Colby Wadman ’ s time with the team .
According to a league source , Martin ’ s deal is for three years and $ 7.05 million .
The average salary of $ 2.35 million is 15th in the NFL among punters .
In 2019 , Martin ’ s net average of 41.8 yards was 12th among those with at least 45 attempts ; Wadman ’ s 39.4-yard net average was tied for 27th .
The Broncos ranked 29th in punt coverage last year .
Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham Glasgow ( right guard ) and Jeff Driskel ( back-up quarterback ) with the Broncos .
In seven years for the Lions , Martin has appeared in 106 regular season games , averaging 46 yards on 473 punts .
He has also attempted 480 kickoffs with 259 touchbacks .
Before last season , Martin re-worked his contract with the Lions , accepting a $ 700,000 pay cut in exchange for becoming a free agent this month .
Wadman was signed by the Broncos following Marquette King ’ s release in October 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trevor Daniel , the former Houston Texans punter who was signed in January .
In addition to Martin , the Broncos signed long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer on March 11 to replace Casey Krieter .

The Broncos agreed to terms Tuesday with veteran punter Sam Martin, likely ending Colby Wadman’s time with the team.
According to a league source, Martin’s deal is for three years and $7.05 million. The average salary of $2.35 million is 15th in the NFL among punters.
In 2019, Martin’s net average of 41.8 yards was 12th among those with at least 45 attempts; Wadman’s 39.4-yard net average was tied for 27th.
The Broncos ranked 29th in punt coverage last year.
Martin, 30, joins former Detroit teammates Graham Glasgow (right guard) and Jeff Driskel (back-up quarterback) with the Broncos.
In seven years for the Lions, Martin has appeared in 106 regular season games, averaging 46 yards on 473 punts. He has also attempted 480 kickoffs with 259 touchbacks.
In 2016, Martin averaged a franchise record 44.2 yards per attempt.
Before last season, Martin re-worked his contract with the Lions, accepting a $700,000 pay cut in exchange for becoming a free agent this month.
Wadman was signed by the Broncos following Marquette King’s release in October 2018. Wadman remains under contract along with Trevor Daniel, the former Houston Texans punter who was signed in January.
In addition to Martin, the Broncos signed long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer on March 11 to replace Casey Krieter.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Coloradans living in motel slide closer to homelessness

Despite recent calls from public officials across Colorado for property owners and managers to pause evictions as the coronavirus sweeps through the country , some tenants still fall through the cracks .
From his fourth-floor room , David Davison watched Friday as staff from Aurora ’ s Summit View Inn , 11800 E Colfax Ave. , worked their way toward his room .
He knew they would kick him out and feared for his family .
“ We said ‘ ( expletive ) , we ’ re going to get booted , ’ and you grab what you can because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” For a few days Davison , his partner , their two children , his partner ’ s sister and father stayed with another resident , Trye Taylor , in a single-bed room at the inn .
But Monday night the family was kicked out of there , too , Davison said .
“ We are now homeless , walking the streets with two kids , ” he said .
Taylor said he also expects to be kicked out soon .
The Summit View isn ’ t a typical motel .
Many residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often on the brink of homelessness .
In essence , they ’ re living on short-term leases .
And while eviction and foreclosure cutouts during the pandemic cover mortgages and long-term apartment leases , there ’ s no such help for people living in motels .
Davison and Taylor both said they worked as day laborers , handing a daily fee to the inn as they could .
But as the novel coronavirus spread around town , their job opportunities shriveled .
On March 20 , Gov .
Jared Polis ordered state agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid evictions if at all possible .
But short-term rentals don ’ t seem to fit with that directive .
“ There ’ s a kind of gray area , ” said Officer Matthew Longshore of the Aurora Police Department .
“ It ’ s a civil matter .
You didn ’ t pay money for a product or service given.
” Aurora police arrived at the inn twice over the weekend — called by residents being evicted , Longshore said .
The officers keep the peace in those situations but don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ View representative declined to comment and another representative did not return a message seeking comment .
It ’ s the wrong time for such evictions , said Cathy Alderman , vice president of communications and public policy for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless .
“ They are better off there than they are on the streets and forced to use the shelter system , which is already way overburdened , ” Alderman said .
“ I just don ’ t know where people will go or what they ’ ll do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ options right now.
” The city ’ s homeless population and those living on the edge are particularly vulnerable to the fast-spreading virus , which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19 , experts have said .
Many have underlying health issues that could exacerbate the illness ’ sometimes-fatal symptoms and most have little or no access to health care .
Rooms are already limited and in high demand .
And evictions are a move in the wrong direction , Alderman said .
Hotels and motels also do need to meet their overhead costs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city officials could consider lending a hand .
Taylor said he has stayed at the Summit View for years and doesn ’ t know where he ’ ll go if he ’ s kicked out .
“ Without any work I have no place to stay , ” Taylor said .
“ I ’ m going to end up on the street .
Now I ’ m subject to get the coronavirus because I ’ m going to be out on the street.
” Even if multiple people are packed in a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure than in a shelter , where many people come and go .
Davison expressed similar concerns .
Without a way to work he mentioned turning to unspecific illegal activities to make money .
He needs to make enough money to get back into his room and collect his family ’ s belongings .
Worrying about the virus isn ’ t a priority ; rather , it ’ s more important to keep his family sheltered .
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Despite recent calls from public officials across Colorado for property owners and managers to pause evictions as the coronavirus sweeps through the country, some tenants still fall through the cracks.
From his fourth-floor room, David Davison watched Friday as staff from Aurora’s Summit View Inn, 11800 E Colfax Ave., worked their way toward his room. He knew they would kick him out and feared for his family.
“We said ‘(expletive), we’re going to get booted,’ and you grab what you can because that’s all you can take.”
For a few days Davison, his partner, their two children, his partner’s sister and father stayed with another resident, Trye Taylor, in a single-bed room at the inn. But Monday night the family was kicked out of there, too, Davison said.
“We are now homeless, walking the streets with two kids,” he said.
Taylor said he also expects to be kicked out soon.
The Summit View isn’t a typical motel. Many residents stay there for months or years, often on the brink of homelessness.
In essence, they’re living on short-term leases. And while eviction and foreclosure cutouts during the pandemic cover mortgages and long-term apartment leases, there’s no such help for people living in motels.
Davison and Taylor both said they worked as day laborers, handing a daily fee to the inn as they could. But as the novel coronavirus spread around town, their job opportunities shriveled.
On March 20, Gov. Jared Polis ordered state agencies to work with landlords and property owners to avoid evictions if at all possible. But short-term rentals don’t seem to fit with that directive.
“There’s a kind of gray area,” said Officer Matthew Longshore of the Aurora Police Department. “It’s a civil matter. You didn’t pay money for a product or service given.”
Aurora police arrived at the inn twice over the weekend — called by residents being evicted, Longshore said. The officers keep the peace in those situations but don’t enforce evictions.
One Summit View representative declined to comment and another representative did not return a message seeking comment.
It’s the wrong time for such evictions, said Cathy Alderman, vice president of communications and public policy for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.
“They are better off there than they are on the streets and forced to use the shelter system, which is already way overburdened,” Alderman said. “I just don’t know where people will go or what they’ll do. There aren’t a lot of options right now.”
The city’s homeless population and those living on the edge are particularly vulnerable to the fast-spreading virus, which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19, experts have said. Many have underlying health issues that could exacerbate the illness’ sometimes-fatal symptoms and most have little or no access to health care.
Rooms are already limited and in high demand. And evictions are a move in the wrong direction, Alderman said.
Hotels and motels also do need to meet their overhead costs, she acknowledged, so perhaps state or city officials could consider lending a hand.
Taylor said he has stayed at the Summit View for years and doesn’t know where he’ll go if he’s kicked out.
“Without any work I have no place to stay,” Taylor said. “I’m going to end up on the street. Now I’m subject to get the coronavirus because I’m going to be out on the street.”
Even if multiple people are packed in a single hotel room it’s still less exposure than in a shelter, where many people come and go.
Davison expressed similar concerns. Without a way to work he mentioned turning to unspecific illegal activities to make money.
He needs to make enough money to get back into his room and collect his family’s belongings. Worrying about the virus isn’t a priority; rather, it’s more important to keep his family sheltered.
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-24--Snowmobiler injured after hitting tree on Richmond Ridge near Aspen

A snowmobiler was rescued Tuesday in Pitkin County after hitting a tree and suffering head injuries .
At about 11:30 @ @ @ @ @ s Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a call for help from a person who was @ @ @ @ @ a 32-year-old man , according to a sheriff ’ s office news release .
The @ @ @ @ @ near the Aspen Mountain Ski area , the release said .
Mountain Rescue Aspen and @ @ @ @ @ responded to the incident , and rescuers on snowmobile reached the injured man at about @ @ @ @ @ was provided , and the man was taken by helicopter to Aspen Valley Hospital .

A snowmobiler was rescued Tuesday in Pitkin County after hitting a tree and suffering head injuries.
At about 11:30 a.m., the county’s Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a call for help from a person who was with the injured snowmobiler, a 32-year-old man, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
The crash happened on Richmond Ridge near the Aspen Mountain Ski area, the release said.
Mountain Rescue Aspen and the sheriff’s office responded to the incident, and rescuers on snowmobile reached the injured man at about 12:30 p.m. On-scene medical care was provided, and the man was taken by helicopter to Aspen Valley Hospital.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Denver apartment fire damages three units, no one injured

An apartment fire in southeast Denver on Wednesday afternoon damaged three units , and firefighters brought the blaze under control @ @ @ @ @ There were no injuries .
Firefighters were dispatched at about 2:40 p.m. to the Stone @ @ @ @ @ E. Girard Ave. , on a two-alarm fire , said Capt .
Greg Pixley , @ @ @ @ @ stacked units — first , second and third-floor — were heavily damaged .
People living @ @ @ @ @ temporarily displaced .
The American Red Cross is providing aid for the victims .
The @ @ @ @ @

An apartment fire in southeast Denver on Wednesday afternoon damaged three units, and firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 30 minutes.
There were no injuries.
Thank you Jenn Swanson for these telling photos as the #DenverFireDepartment arrived on scene of the two alarm fire at 9825 E. Girard this afternoon. These pictures show how fast fire can grow so remember to #Call911 at the first sign of an emergency! @CityofDenver @DenSafetyDept pic.twitter.com/OOouHmdQkM — Denver Fire Dept. (@Denver_Fire) March 26, 2020
Firefighters were dispatched at about 2:40 p.m. to the Stone Creek Village Apartments, 9825 E. Girard Ave., on a two-alarm fire, said Capt. Greg Pixley, a department spokesman.
Three stacked units — first, second and third-floor — were heavily damaged. People living in the units will be temporarily displaced. The American Red Cross is providing aid for the victims.
The cause is under investigation.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Star assessments: Evaluating the Avalanche’s top players in 2019-20

Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon is beyond a three-star player .
If there were a fourth star , he would have it .
And teammates Cale Makar and Ryan Graves , among others , are perhaps equally as important to a club that flirted with the Western Conference regular-season championship before the coronavirus pandemic halted the season .
To help fill the void of no games , here ’ s a look back at the Avs who have played at least 20 games , with star ratings given to each : +++-plus C Nathan MacKinnon — Leads team and ranks fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A clear-cut Hart Trophy finalist as league MVP , and he should be ready to go after missing the team ’ s last game before the pause with a lower-body injury .
+++-plus D Cale Makar — Show-stopping rookie averaged 0.88 points-per-game , highest among rookies and fourth among all NHL defensemen .
+++ D Ryan Graves — Has flourished as a top-pair defenseman with Makar and leads the league with a plus-40 rating .
+++ G Pavel Francouz — Tied for fifth in NHL save percentage ( .923 ) and is seventh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ +++ W Andre Burakovsky — Wanted out of Washington for a new opportunity and has a career-high 20 goals and 45 points in just 58 games .
+++ W Gabe Landeskog — Team captain is its hottest current scorer , with 10 points ( three goals ) in his last five games .
He ’ s also the ideal leader .
++-plus W Mikko Rantanen — World-class talent has missed 28 games because of two long injury stints but has 41 points in 42 games .
++-plus C Nazem Kadri — The offseason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this team and his leadership is a plus .
++-plus W Joonas Donskoi — Another excellent offseason pickup who has a career-high 16 goals and can play throughout the lineup .
++-plus D Sam Girard — Logs a team-high 21:19 and usually has the puck on his stick or is making the right pass at the key moments .
++-plus W Valeri Nichushkin — Bought out by the Dallas Stars last summer , the big Russian has resurrected his NHL career with the Avalanche .
++-plus W Matt Calvert — A key bottom-six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorely missed in the 20 games he ’ s been unable to play because of injuries .
++-plus D Ian Cole — The big-bearded , two-time Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh is more than a shutdown defenseman ; he is closing in on career highs in goals and points .
++-plus D Erik Johnson — With Makar and Girard in the lineup , Johnson no longer plays on the power play but eats a lot of minutes at even-strength and on the penalty kill .
++ C J.T .
Compher — Has fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last two years but seems to be a suitable third-line center .
++ C Pierre-Edouard Bellemare — The defensive specialist and oldest member of the team ( 34 ) has a career-high nine goals and 25 points .
++ W Matt Nieto — A primary penalty killer who has played on all four lines ; Nieto and Girard are the only Avs to have played in all 70 games .
++ D Mark Barberio — Has only played 21 games but has been a solid extra defenseman who never complains .
++ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals-against average ( 2.63 ) and 18th in save percentage ( .916 ) but is a valuable playoff-proven goalie .
+ C Tyson Jost — The 10th pick of the 2016 draft has not met expectations , with just 72 points in 208 career games .
But he ’ s still only 22 .
+ D Nikita Zadorov — Scratched three times for subpar play , the Russian is an important player who is madly inconsistent .
+ W Vladislav Kamenev — Just one goal in 38 games and only still in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was reassigned to the minors .
Note : Winger Vladislav Namestnikov , who has played just nine games since being acquired Feb. 24 , and Colorado Eagles regular forwards Logan O ’ Connor and T.J. Tynan , who have both played 16 games with the Avs , were among those not “ star-worthy ” based on their small sample size .

Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon is beyond a three-star player. If there were a fourth star, he would have it. And teammates Cale Makar and Ryan Graves, among others, are perhaps equally as important to a club that flirted with the Western Conference regular-season championship before the coronavirus pandemic halted the season.
To help fill the void of no games, here’s a look back at the Avs who have played at least 20 games, with star ratings given to each:
+++-plus C Nathan MacKinnon — Leads team and ranks fifth in NHL scoring with 93 points. A clear-cut Hart Trophy finalist as league MVP, and he should be ready to go after missing the team’s last game before the pause with a lower-body injury.
+++-plus D Cale Makar — Show-stopping rookie averaged 0.88 points-per-game, highest among rookies and fourth among all NHL defensemen.
+++ D Ryan Graves — Has flourished as a top-pair defenseman with Makar and leads the league with a plus-40 rating.
+++ G Pavel Francouz — Tied for fifth in NHL save percentage (.923) and is seventh in goals-against average (2.41).
+++ W Andre Burakovsky — Wanted out of Washington for a new opportunity and has a career-high 20 goals and 45 points in just 58 games.
+++ W Gabe Landeskog — Team captain is its hottest current scorer, with 10 points (three goals) in his last five games. He’s also the ideal leader.
++-plus W Mikko Rantanen — World-class talent has missed 28 games because of two long injury stints but has 41 points in 42 games.
++-plus C Nazem Kadri — The offseason addition is the ideal second-line center for this team and his leadership is a plus.
++-plus W Joonas Donskoi — Another excellent offseason pickup who has a career-high 16 goals and can play throughout the lineup.
++-plus D Sam Girard — Logs a team-high 21:19 and usually has the puck on his stick or is making the right pass at the key moments.
++-plus W Valeri Nichushkin — Bought out by the Dallas Stars last summer, the big Russian has resurrected his NHL career with the Avalanche.
++-plus W Matt Calvert — A key bottom-six forward and team leader who has been sorely missed in the 20 games he’s been unable to play because of injuries.
++-plus D Ian Cole — The big-bearded, two-time Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh is more than a shutdown defenseman; he is closing in on career highs in goals and points.
++-plus D Erik Johnson — With Makar and Girard in the lineup, Johnson no longer plays on the power play but eats a lot of minutes at even-strength and on the penalty kill.
++ C J.T. Compher — Has fallen off slightly from his offensive production during the last two years but seems to be a suitable third-line center.
++ C Pierre-Edouard Bellemare — The defensive specialist and oldest member of the team (34) has a career-high nine goals and 25 points.
++ W Matt Nieto — A primary penalty killer who has played on all four lines; Nieto and Girard are the only Avs to have played in all 70 games.
++ D Mark Barberio — Has only played 21 games but has been a solid extra defenseman who never complains.
++ G Philipp Grubauer — Ranks 17th in goals-against average (2.63) and 18th in save percentage (.916) but is a valuable playoff-proven goalie.
+ C Tyson Jost — The 10th pick of the 2016 draft has not met expectations, with just 72 points in 208 career games. But he’s still only 22.
+ D Nikita Zadorov — Scratched three times for subpar play, the Russian is an important player who is madly inconsistent.
+ W Vladislav Kamenev — Just one goal in 38 games and only still in the NHL because he is waiver-wire eligible if he was reassigned to the minors.
Note: Winger Vladislav Namestnikov, who has played just nine games since being acquired Feb. 24, and Colorado Eagles regular forwards Logan O’Connor and T.J. Tynan, who have both played 16 games with the Avs, were among those not “star-worthy” based on their small sample size.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--How do I get a check — and other FAQ about the coronavirus stimulus package

Shortly after midnight Wednesday , the White House and lawmakers said they reached agreement on a bill aimed at limiting the economic hit of coronavirus .
The stimulus package — by far the largest ever in U.S. history — comes with a price tag equivalent to 9 % of the nation ’ s gross domestic product and is meant to provide direct financial aid to help individuals , hospitals and businesses .
The Senate is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday afternoon .
The House could take it up as early as Thursday .
Below are many common questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finalized .
Who gets a check ?
Every tax-paying American with a valid social security number will get a check , with the exception of individuals making $ 99,000 or above or married couples making $ 198,000 or more .
They receive no check .
How much money would I get ?
The amounts of the one-time payments will be based on income reported on your taxes — 2019 if you have already filed , 2018 if you have not .
Individuals who make $ 75,000 or less and married couples making up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per adult and $ 500 per child under the age of 17 .
Those whose individual incomes are higher than $ 75,000 but lower than $ 90,000 will get a smaller check based on where they fall between those two numbers .
When will I get my check ?
Officials hope checks could go out to Americans as soon as early April , but some experts say May is more likely .
If you have direct deposit set up with the IRS , usually used for tax refunds , your check will arrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by mail .
What if my primary income is from social security or disability ?
You still get a check in addition to your regular benefits .
What about local businesses ?
The bill includes $ 300 billion for small businesses who did not lay off their workforce , $ 150 billion for local and state governments and $ 130 billion for hospitals dealing with a shortage in medical masks , ventilators and hospital beds ahead of an expected wave of cases .
What if I ’ m unemployed because of coronavirus ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unemployment benefits , that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer calls “ unemployment insurance on steroids.
” The bill expands coverage to include people who have been furloughed , gig workers ( such as ride-share drivers ) and freelancers .
Do corporations get a bailout ?
Yes , but with some strings attached .
The bill includes a $ 500 billion fund managed by the Treasury to shore up struggling businesses through loans and loan guarantees .
Recipients are expected to include airlines and other hard-hit travel sectors .
In the original proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury latitude to disburse the funds , including the discretion to conceal for up to six months the identities of companies that got taxpayer dollars .
The final deal includes an inspector general and a five-person congressional panel to oversee the fund .
Will this be enough to save the economy from falling into another recession ?
While the bill is intended to stimulate the economy and halt further market declines , there ’ s no guarantee it will be a cure-all .
Markets surged Tuesday in anticipation of the deal and rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. is already in a recession .
States including New York have already expressed concern that the current deal is not enough , and many lawmakers feel additional legislation will be needed .
This story will be updated as more information becomes available .

In the final days of March, the White House and lawmakers said they reached agreement on a bill aimed at limiting the economic hit of coronavirus. The stimulus package — by far the largest ever in U.S. history — comes with a price tag equivalent to 9% of the nation’s gross domestic product and is meant to provide direct financial aid to help individuals, hospitals and businesses. The Senate passed the bill late Wednesday. The House approved it by a near-unanimous vote — including opposition from Colorado’s Ken Buck — and Trump signed the bill on Friday.
Below are many common questions you may have as the bill is finalized.
Who gets a check?
Every tax-paying American with a valid social security number will get a check, with the exception of individuals making $99,000 or above or married couples making $198,000 or more. They receive no check.
How much money would I get?
The amounts of the one-time payments will be based on income reported on your taxes — 2019 if you have already filed, 2018 if you have not. Individuals who make $75,000 or less and married couples making up to $150,000 will receive $1,200 per adult and $500 per child under the age of 17. Those whose individual incomes are higher than $75,000 but lower than $90,000 will get a smaller check based on where they fall between those two numbers.
When will I get my check?
Direct deposit payments began on April 15. Officials hope checks could go out to Americans around the same time, but some experts say May is more likely. On April 14, the Washington Post reported that there could be a delay in mailing checks due to an unprecedented move by the Treasury Department to print the president’s name on the check.
What if my primary income is from social security or disability?
You still get a check in addition to your regular benefits.
What about local businesses?
The bill includes $300 billion for small businesses who did not lay off their workforce, $150 billion for local and state governments and $130 billion for hospitals dealing with a shortage in medical masks, ventilators and hospital beds ahead of an expected wave of cases.
What if I’m unemployed because of coronavirus?
The package includes up to four months of unemployment benefits, that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer calls “unemployment insurance on steroids.” The bill expands coverage to include people who have been furloughed, gig workers (such as ride-share drivers) and freelancers.
Do corporations get a bailout?
Yes, but with some strings attached. The bill includes a $500 billion fund managed by the Treasury to shore up struggling businesses through loans and loan guarantees. Recipients are expected to include airlines and other hard-hit travel sectors. In the original proposal, Senate Republicans wanted to give the Treasury latitude to disburse the funds, including the discretion to conceal for up to six months the identities of companies that got taxpayer dollars. The final deal includes an inspector general and a five-person congressional panel to oversee the fund.
Will this be enough to save the economy from falling into another recession?
While the bill is intended to stimulate the economy and halt further market declines, there’s no guarantee it will be a cure-all. Markets surged Tuesday in anticipation of the deal and rose further on Wednesday morning. Economists believe the U.S. is already in a recession. States including New York have already expressed concern that the current deal is not enough, and many lawmakers feel additional legislation will be needed.
Rob Denton contributed to this report.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Gov. Jared Polis orders Colorado to stay home in bid to slow coronavirus outbreak

Gov .
Jared Polis on Wednesday ordered the majority of Colorado ’ s 5.8 million residents to stay home beginning Thursday morning , the state ’ s most forceful attempt yet to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus .
The order , which expires April 11 , comes as multiple states — including California , New York and Illinois — already had instituted similar restrictions on movement as officials work to flatten the curve of new cases and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by a surge of patients .
“ Our generation is being called upon to sacrifice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our fellow Americans , ” Polis said during a news conference .
“ And that sacrifice is staying at home .
And that is a sacrifice for those who live paycheck-to-paycheck.
” People will still be allowed to attend to essential tasks : going to the grocery store , filling prescriptions , doing laundry and picking up take-out food .
Taking walks and hikes are still fine , as long as you stay six feet from the nearest person .
All businesses and government functions considered nonessential will be closed .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bowling alleys , movie theaters and more .
Liquor stores , marijuana dispensaries and firearm retailers are considered critical businesses in the new order and will remain open .
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock initially ordered liquor stores and dispensaries to close , but reversed course after hordes of people rushed the stores .
Polis resisted making such an order for days , even as several elected leaders — including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock — pushed the governor to take the step .
It comes the same day counties across the Front Range announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials announced the death toll from the highly infectious respiratory reached 19 , and total positive cases surpassed 1,000 .
At least 147 people have been hospitalized , and there are nine outbreaks at residential and non-hospital health care facilities .
The governor acknowledged that the actual number of cases are far worse .
The state is still dealing with a frustrating lack of tests , he said , as well as critical , lifesaving equipment such as ventilators .
Polis issued a call to arms for the private sector to “ get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state lab — though it has tripled its capacity — is still not where it needs to be .
“ We have been so disappointed by the lack of testing supplies , ” Polis said .
“ This is so frustrating , because the only way we can address this virus ” and get back to normal “ is what South Korea has done , it ’ s what Taiwan has done , it ’ s what we need to do here as soon as possible.
” The governor ’ s order follows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has taken over the last month as the crisis has worsened in the state .
On March 5 , Colorado officials confirmed the state ’ s first two cases of COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the virus .
The positive cases included an older woman from Douglas County who had returned to Colorado from an international cruise , and a man in his 30s who traveled to the state from Italy .
Five days later , Polis declared a state of emergency , which he said would expand testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure to the virus .
As he mourned the first coronavirus-related death in the state on March 13 , Polis urged the cancellation of any events bringing together more than 250 people as touring companies from around the world cancelled shows en masse .
The next day , he ordered all downhill ski resorts to close for at least a week , with the majority of resorts now saying they ’ re unlikely to reopen this season .
On March 16 , as the number of positive cases reached 160 statewide , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurants for dine-in service , and the shuttering of all movie theaters , casinos and gyms for at least a month .
Two days later , as school districts around the state were independently shutting down classroom learning , Polis closed schools statewide for at least the next month , while indicating it ’ s “ increasingly unlikely ” that students will return to their buildings before the end of the school year .
The same day , the governor also adopted guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , including sporting events , concerts , parades , fairs , church gatherings and more .
And on March 19 , Polis ordered the suspension of all “ nonessential ” surgeries and medical procedures in Colorado in order to free up equipment , including ventilators and personal protection items for staff .
He also extended the closure of bars , restaurants and large gathering places to April 30 .
With small businesses and service industry workers across the state reeling from layoffs , cuts and closures , Polis last Friday announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support to those trying to keep the lights on make rent payments on time .
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

After initially resisting such a sweeping mandate, Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday ordered the majority of Colorado’s 5.8 million residents to stay home in the state government’s most forceful attempt yet to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The order, which takes effect 6 a.m. Thursday and expires April 11, comes as nearly one in three Americans are now living under some type of stay-at-home order. Leaders nationwide are working to flatten the curve of new coronavirus cases and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by surges of patients.
“Our generation is being called upon to sacrifice to save the lives of our fellow Coloradans and our fellow Americans,” Polis said during a news conference announcing the order. “And that sacrifice is staying at home. And that is a sacrifice for those who live paycheck-to-paycheck.”
Health officials offered sober warnings of the deepening crisis Wednesday as the death toll from the highly infectious respiratory disease reached 19 in the state, and total known positive cases surpassed 1,000. At least 147 people have been hospitalized — double the figure from Tuesday — and there are nine known outbreaks at residential health care facilities.
Polis said he had hoped to avoid this drastic step, but that the orders and guidance he’s issued to this point simply haven’t been effective enough at keeping people indoors and slowing the virus.
“If we can ease these restrictions sooner (than April 11), no one would be happier than me,” he said. “It’s also possible that it could take longer.”
Despite the “stay-at-home” instruction, people will still be allowed to attend to essential tasks: going to the grocery store, filling prescriptions, doing laundry and picking up take-out food. Taking walks and hikes are still fine, as long as you stay six feet from the nearest person.
All businesses and government functions considered nonessential that had not already shuttered must now close. These include salons, most retail stores, bowling alleys, movie theaters and more.
Essential business allowed to stay open include health care providers, bankers, grocers, child care facilitators and shelter operators.
Liquor stores, marijuana dispensaries and firearm retailers are considered critical businesses in the new order and will remain open. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock initially ordered liquor stores and dispensaries to close under his order earlier this week, but reversed course after hordes of people rushed the stores.
“We’re issuing this stay-at-home order to save lives,” Polis said, adding that thousands could be saved by this measure. “It could be your aunt or uncle, could be your grandparent, could be your own life.”
“This is truly serious”
The governor resisted making such an order for days, even as several elected leaders — including Hancock — pushed him to take the step. As he held off, local officials in counties up and down the Front Range followed Denver’s lead in issuing their own directives on Wednesday, only to be superseded by the state later on in the day.
Polis also acknowledged that there are far more cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, in Colorado than what testing has been able to confirm.
The lack of accurate data, Polis said, can be attributed to a lack of testing, with which the governor seems enormously frustrated. Two weeks ago he said he wanted up to nine drive-up testing sites around the state, and the state has so far only operated one at a time.
“We have been so disappointed by the lack of testing supplies,” Polis said. “This is so frustrating, because the only way we can address this virus” and get back to normal “is what South Korea has done, it’s what Taiwan has done, it’s what we need to do here as soon as possible.”
Stay at home. — Jared Polis (@PolisForCO) March 25, 2020
Polis also spoke of the lack of critical, lifesaving equipment such as ventilators. He previously had said Colorado is 7,000 ventilators shy of what it’ll need at peak capacity, and on Wednesday he issued a call to arms for the private sector to “get creative,” while saying that the state lab — which has tripled its testing capacity — is still not where it needs to be.
At least one local health official said the restrictive orders became necessary because people have not taken this crisis seriously enough.
“This tells the public that this is truly serious, and we truly mean it,” said Dr. Mark Johnson, executive director of Jefferson County Public Health, after Jeffco joined Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder and Douglas counties in issuing their own stay-at-home orders Wednesday morning. “Do not listen to people saying this is like the flu or this is a hoax. This is truly the greatest public health crisis this country has faced since at least 1918.”
The situation is going to get worse before it gets better, Johnson said. The million-dollar question, he said, is whether Colorado and the rest of the country will reach the levels of Spain and Italy, where the most serious consequences of the global outbreak are being felt in grave hospital scenes.
“I have faith we won’t get as bad as Italy and Spain,” Johnson said after a long pause. “But I can’t say that’s based on data. That’s based on heart.”
A growing response
The governor’s order follows a series of measures the Boulder Democrat has taken over the last month as the crisis has worsened in the state.
On March 5, Colorado officials confirmed the state’s first two cases of COVID-19. The positive cases included an older woman from Douglas County who had returned to Colorado from an international cruise, and a man in his 30s who traveled to the state from Italy.
Five days later, Polis declared a state of emergency, which he said would expand testing and help those most at risk avoid exposure to the virus.
As he mourned the first coronavirus-related death in the state on March 13, Polis urged the cancellation of any events bringing together more than 250 people as touring companies from around the world canceled shows en masse.
The next day, he ordered all downhill ski resorts to close for at least a week, with the majority of resorts now saying they won’t reopen this season.
On March 16, as the number of positive cases reached 160 statewide, the governor ordered the closure of all bars and restaurants for dine-in service, and the shuttering of all movie theaters, casinos and gyms for at least a month.
Two days later, as school districts around the state were independently shutting down classroom learning, Polis closed schools statewide for at least the next month, while indicating it’s “increasingly unlikely” that students will return to their buildings before the end of the school year.
The same day, the governor also adopted guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and prohibited gatherings of 10 or more people, including sporting events, concerts, parades, fairs, church gatherings and more.
And on March 19, Polis ordered the suspension of all “nonessential” surgeries and medical procedures in Colorado in order to free up equipment, including ventilators and personal protection items for staff. He also extended the closure of bars, restaurants and large gathering places to April 30.
With small businesses and service industry workers across the state reeling from layoffs, cuts and closures, Polis on Friday announced a series of orders to give more financial support to those trying to keep the lights on make rent payments on time.
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Colorado reports 8 more coronavirus-related deaths as cases top 1,000

Colorado health officials on Wednesday announced eight more deaths from the novel coronavirus , as the state surpassed 1,000 positive cases of the highly infectious respiratory illness sweeping the globe .
Gov .
Jared Polis on Wednesday also ordered the majority of Colorado ’ s 5.8 million residents to stay home beginning Thursday morning , the state ’ s most forceful attempt yet to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Nineteen people now have died from COVID-19 in Colorado with another 147 are hospitalized as of Wednesday .
Health officials also announced nine outbreaks at residential and non-hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most at-risk due to the virus ’ s impact on those over 60 .
The 1,086 confirmed cases — including 174 newly confirmed Wednesday — come from 36 counties as officials have ramped up testing in recent days , particularly in rural areas of the state .
Health officials say the actual number of people with the illness , however , is likely far higher .
The rising cases come as Colorado municipalities announced sweeping stay-at-home orders for millions of people Wednesday , with roughly half the state living under restrictive mandates by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state are a desperate attempt by health officials and elected leaders to slow down the spread of the new coronavirus .
Despite the unprecedented restrictions on people ’ s daily lives , health experts say the cases are likely to continue to go up in the short term .
Jefferson County ’ s public health director said Wednesday that the state is beginning to see exponential growth of new coronavirus cases as officials across the state plead with residents to take the outbreak seriously .
Join our Facebook group for updates on @ @ @ @

Colorado health officials on Wednesday announced eight more deaths from the novel coronavirus, as the state surpassed 1,000 positive cases of the highly infectious respiratory illness sweeping the globe.
Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday also ordered the majority of Colorado’s 5.8 million residents to stay home beginning Thursday morning, the state’s most forceful attempt yet to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Nineteen people now have died from COVID-19 in Colorado with another 147 are hospitalized as of Wednesday. Health officials also announced nine outbreaks at residential and non-hospital health care facilities — places considered the most at-risk due to the virus’s impact on those over 60.
The 1,086 confirmed cases — including 174 newly confirmed Wednesday — come from 36 counties as officials have ramped up testing in recent days, particularly in rural areas of the state. Health officials say the actual number of people with the illness, however, is likely far higher.
The rising cases come as Colorado municipalities announced sweeping stay-at-home orders for millions of people Wednesday, with roughly half the state living under restrictive mandates by Thursday morning. The drastic efforts across the state are a desperate attempt by health officials and elected leaders to slow down the spread of the new coronavirus.
Despite the unprecedented restrictions on people’s daily lives, health experts say the cases are likely to continue to go up in the short term.
Jefferson County’s public health director said Wednesday that the state is beginning to see exponential growth of new coronavirus cases as officials across the state plead with residents to take the outbreak seriously.
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Dispensaries saw the biggest sales day of the year after Denver’s initial stay-at-home order looked

Dispensaries saw the biggest sales day of the year after Denver’s initial stay-at-home order looked to close them

When Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced recreational marijuana shops would be forced to close under the city ’ s stay-at-home order Monday , the response from customers was swift .
They swarmed local dispensaries to stock up on products and caused enough of a stir that the mayor rescinded the moratorium just three hours later .
As more counties announce stay-at-home orders that will affect more than 2 million people in the metro area , cannabis industry personnel say it ’ s worth reflecting on the Denver announcement ’ s impact — both good and bad .
Colorado Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” retail businesses , meaning they ’ re allowed to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic with some restrictions .
If a city or county individually imposes stricter rules on how they operate , however , those will supersede state regulations .
On Monday , Denver dispensaries saw their biggest sales day of the year so far , according to data firm Flowhub .
Sales were up 140 % compared to an average Monday , the company reported , and 13 % higher than Saturday , March 16 , when Coloradans concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , toilet paper and other necessities , like marijuana .
At 4 p.m. , following Mayor Hancock ’ s news conference , sales were nearly four times higher than a typical Monday at the same time , reported Flowhub , which aggregated numbers from a sample of dispensaries ’ point-of-sales system data .
St. Patrick ’ s Day is usually one of the largest purchasing holidays at Cannabis Station by Rocky Mountain High , said store manager Ben Prater .
But since festivities were canceled this year , March 23 sits as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far .
Before the mayor ’ s announcement , the store had done $ 400 in sales , he said .
By the end of the day , customers spent $ 15,000 on cannabis products .
“ We went from zero to 60 in like 30 minutes , ” Prater said .
“ We had a line for about five hours.
” Cannabis Station implemented safety measures , such as requiring staff to wear gloves and marking spaces six feet apart in the parking lot outside where customers should stand .
State regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to limit the number of people in close proximity .
But the rush caused additional concerns for folks like Collen Le , logistics manager for IDY Distributors , a wholesale cannabis distribution company .
IDY delivers products to about 600 Colorado dispensaries weekly , and as transactions move curbside , company drivers are increasingly visible to crowds waiting in line , Le said .
Many stores don ’ t have docks where they accept deliveries either , so drivers often have to bring inventory through a public entrance .
“ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around and says , ‘ Bring that to my truck around back , ’ ” Le said .
And because cannabis is predominantly a cash business , employees often transport hundreds of thousands of dollars each day , increasing their potential risk .
Fortunately , surges like Denver witnessed are likely short-lived , said Tim Rubyal , founder of Dyspense Technologies , the software platform that manages distribution and logistics for IDY .
Rubyal expects inventory orders to dip substantially as panic-buying dissipates .
Prater at Cannabis Station said sales plummeted to about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , employees out in the field need to be cautious about their health .
Prater said employees were apprehensive about interacting with so many customers during Monday ’ s rush , but felt confident in the dispensary ’ s personal protection and sanitation guidelines .
IDY Distributors ’ drivers , too , are expected to wear gloves and masks and use social distancing to the extent they can to limit the potential spread of the coronavirus , Le said .
“ We deliver to so many stores a day , we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Le said .
“ I want everybody to be safe.
” Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

When Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced recreational marijuana shops would be forced to close under the city’s stay-at-home order Monday, the response from customers was swift. They swarmed local dispensaries to stock up on products and caused enough of a stir that the mayor rescinded the moratorium just three hours later.
As more counties announce stay-at-home orders that will affect more than 2 million people in the metro area, cannabis industry personnel say it’s worth reflecting on the Denver announcement’s impact — both good and bad.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis deemed marijuana dispensaries “critical” retail businesses, meaning they’re allowed to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic with some restrictions. If a city or county individually imposes stricter rules on how they operate, however, those will supersede state regulations.
On Monday, Denver dispensaries saw their biggest sales day of the year so far, according to data firm Flowhub. Sales were up 140% compared to an average Monday, the company reported, and 13% higher than Saturday, March 16, when Coloradans concerned about the coronavirus made a run on groceries, toilet paper and other necessities, like marijuana.
At 4 p.m., following Mayor Hancock’s news conference, sales were nearly four times higher than a typical Monday at the same time, reported Flowhub, which aggregated numbers from a sample of dispensaries’ point-of-sales system data.
St. Patrick’s Day is usually one of the largest purchasing holidays at Cannabis Station by Rocky Mountain High, said store manager Ben Prater. But since festivities were canceled this year, March 23 sits as the dispensary’s top grossing day so far.
Before the mayor’s announcement, the store had done $400 in sales, he said. By the end of the day, customers spent $15,000 on cannabis products.
“We went from zero to 60 in like 30 minutes,” Prater said. “We had a line for about five hours.”
Cannabis Station implemented safety measures, such as requiring staff to wear gloves and marking spaces six feet apart in the parking lot outside where customers should stand. State regulations currently limit recreational sales to curbside pickup only to limit the number of people in close proximity.
But the rush caused additional concerns for folks like Collen Le, logistics manager for IDY Distributors, a wholesale cannabis distribution company. IDY delivers products to about 600 Colorado dispensaries weekly, and as transactions move curbside, company drivers are increasingly visible to crowds waiting in line, Le said. Many stores don’t have docks where they accept deliveries either, so drivers often have to bring inventory through a public entrance.
“There’s always that one person who jokes around and says, ‘Bring that to my truck around back,’ ” Le said. And because cannabis is predominantly a cash business, employees often transport hundreds of thousands of dollars each day, increasing their potential risk.
Fortunately, surges like Denver witnessed are likely short-lived, said Tim Rubyal, founder of Dyspense Technologies, the software platform that manages distribution and logistics for IDY. Rubyal expects inventory orders to dip substantially as panic-buying dissipates. Prater at Cannabis Station said sales plummeted to about $1,200 total on Tuesday.
Still, employees out in the field need to be cautious about their health. Prater said employees were apprehensive about interacting with so many customers during Monday’s rush, but felt confident in the dispensary’s personal protection and sanitation guidelines.
IDY Distributors’ drivers, too, are expected to wear gloves and masks and use social distancing to the extent they can to limit the potential spread of the coronavirus, Le said.
“We deliver to so many stores a day, we don’t want to pass it along,” Le said. “I want everybody to be safe.”
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Denver weather: Another round of spring snow on Friday?

It won ’ t be as bad as last week ’ s storm , but there ’ s probably more snow on the way for the Front Range later this week .
After high temperatures reach almost 70 degrees on Thursday afternoon , an area of low pressure will bring big changes on Friday , including the possibility for more spring snowfall .
This system , however , doesn ’ t appear to nearly pack the punch and overall impact of last week ’ s storm , which led to Denver ’ s snowiest day in four years on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also led to thousands of power outages in eastern Colorado due to gusty winds and the heavy , wet snow .
This week ’ s storm does not appear to have either of those threats .
However , a slushy 1 to 4 inches of snow could be in store for the Denver area , mainly falling on Friday night .
“ Thus there is some potential for heavy wet snow in some areas of the foothills , adjacent plains and Palmer Divide , ” the National Weather Service office in Boulder wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances .
“ In the ( mountains ) , there will also be some risk for heavier snow as well.
” After clouds and some rain showers and perhaps a thunderstorm or two on Friday and Friday afternoon , the rain will likely transition to snow around dusk on Friday night .
Temperatures will be borderline for snow on Friday night , and , coupled with relatively warm ground temperatures , it ’ ll be difficult for snow to stick .
But , a burst of an inch or two of snow is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with higher amounts likely in the foothills and the Palmer Divide .
In the foothills and the Palmer Divide , colder temperatures and higher moisture values ( from upslope flow , or moisture-rich winds backing against higher terrain ) will boost snow totals closer to 3 to 6 inches .
Travel on Interstate 25 south of Denver and Interstate 70 west of the city could be difficult on Friday night .
There is still some uncertainty behind this storm , notably around the area of low pressure ’ s exact positioning , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either of those could lead to an adjustment in Friday ’ s forecast .
So far this month , Denver has seen 6.5 inches of snow at the city ’ s climate observation site at Denver International Airport .
At the city ’ s more centrally-located Stapleton Airport observation site , however , 10.5 inches of snow have fallen so far this month , close to the 11.4 inches of snow that De • Denver weather : Sunny Sunday ahead of rain , possible snow later this week nver averages each March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen 52.9 inches of snowfall , which is nearly equal to the full-season average of 57.1 inches of snowfall .
At the Stapleton site , 60.2 inches of snow has fallen so far this season , already making this the snowiest winter season in four years .
It looks like both of those totals could get a small boost later this week .

It won’t be as bad as last week’s storm, but there’s probably more snow on the way for the Front Range later this week.
After high temperatures reach almost 70 degrees on Thursday afternoon, an area of low pressure will bring big changes on Friday, including the possibility for more spring snowfall.
This system, however, doesn’t appear to nearly pack the punch and overall impact of last week’s storm, which led to Denver’s snowiest day in four years on March 19. Last week’s storm also led to thousands of power outages in eastern Colorado due to gusty winds and the heavy, wet snow. This week’s storm does not appear to have either of those threats.
However, a slushy 1 to 4 inches of snow could be in store for the Denver area, mainly falling on Friday night.
“Thus there is some potential for heavy wet snow in some areas of the foothills, adjacent plains and Palmer Divide,” the National Weather Service office in Boulder wrote on Wednesday about Friday’s snow chances. “In the (mountains), there will also be some risk for heavier snow as well.”
After clouds and some rain showers and perhaps a thunderstorm or two on Friday and Friday afternoon, the rain will likely transition to snow around dusk on Friday night.
Temperatures will be borderline for snow on Friday night, and, coupled with relatively warm ground temperatures, it’ll be difficult for snow to stick. But, a burst of an inch or two of snow is possible in Denver on Friday night, with higher amounts likely in the foothills and the Palmer Divide. In the foothills and the Palmer Divide, colder temperatures and higher moisture values (from upslope flow, or moisture-rich winds backing against higher terrain) will boost snow totals closer to 3 to 6 inches. Travel on Interstate 25 south of Denver and Interstate 70 west of the city could be difficult on Friday night.
There is still some uncertainty behind this storm, notably around the area of low pressure’s exact positioning, and also around surface temperatures. Alterations to either of those could lead to an adjustment in Friday’s forecast.
So far this month, Denver has seen 6.5 inches of snow at the city’s climate observation site at Denver International Airport. At the city’s more centrally-located Stapleton Airport observation site, however, 10.5 inches of snow have fallen so far this month, close to the 11.4 inches of snow that Denver averages each March.
So far this winter season, DIA has seen 52.9 inches of snowfall, which is nearly equal to the full-season average of 57.1 inches of snowfall. At the Stapleton site, 60.2 inches of snow has fallen so far this season, already making this the snowiest winter season in four years.
Worth noting Stapleton Airport site is already there, with 60.2" of snow so far this season. That's already Stapleton's snowiest winter in 4 years, and 2nd-snowiest this decade. #COwx — Chris Bianchi (@BianchiWeather) March 25, 2020
It looks like both of those totals could get a small boost later this week.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Lawmakers angry over stay-at-home order want Douglas County to sever ties with Tri-Health

Republican lawmakers from Douglas County urged county commissioners to cut ties with the Tri-County Health Department after the agency announced a stay-at-home order early Wednesday for Douglas , Arapahoe and Adams counties .
A Republican Douglas County commissioner , however , said authority for such decisions rests with the health department under state law .
The Tri-County order was superceded Wednesday afternoon when Gov .
Jared Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order , but the argument over local control remained .
The six Colorado lawmakers — including Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert of Parker and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter Wednesday , saying they learned that the health agency was issuing the order despite opposition from at least two Dougco commissioners .
Sen. Jim Smallwood of Parker , who said he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week , also signed the letter .
“ We consider it unacceptable that a contracted health agency could somehow ignore the will of a majority of our elected and accountable Douglas County Commissioners , ” the letter states .
Holbert told The Denver Post that public health experts shouldn ’ t be able to overrule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people they represent .
“ That is one of the base primary reasons why we have elected officials , ” he said .
But Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon said the board did not vote on the issue and members understand that public health experts are uniformly recommending people stay at home .
Lawmakers will have to amend state law if they want the commissioners to have more authority , he said .
Still , Laydon said , commissioners would like more exemptions , clarity and better data .
“ Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not deprive our citizens of essential services right now , ” he said .
“ Let ’ s try to provide accurate information.
” Laydon also said commissioners want to ensure people know that county officials are anticipating warnings for those who violate the orders , not necessarily hefty fines .
“ We want to maintain social and emotional life and go back to restoring liberties as soon as we can , ” Laydon said .
A spokesperson for the Tri-County Health Department did not immediately respond to a request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Republican lawmakers from Douglas County urged county commissioners to cut ties with the Tri-County Health Department after the agency announced a stay-at-home order early Wednesday for Douglas, Arapahoe and Adams counties.
A Republican Douglas County commissioner, however, said authority for such decisions rests with the health department under state law.
The Tri-County order was superseded Wednesday afternoon when Gov. Jared Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order, but the argument over local control remained.
The six Colorado lawmakers — including Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert of Parker and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville of Castle Rock — sent commissioners a letter Wednesday, saying they learned that the health agency was issuing the order despite opposition from at least two Dougco commissioners. Sen. Jim Smallwood of Parker, who said he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, also signed the letter.
“We consider it unacceptable that a contracted health agency could somehow ignore the will of a majority of our elected and accountable Douglas County Commissioners,” the letter states.
Unelected bureaucrats should not have the unilateral authority to simply decide to enact policy that would imprison citizens for 18 months and fine them 5,000. This is outrageous and will only lead to less social distancing as people panic buy. #copolitics pic.twitter.com/vxlkJhVu4H — Rep. Patrick Neville (@PatrickForCO) March 25, 2020
Holbert told The Denver Post that public health experts shouldn’t be able to overrule elected officials who are accountable to the people they represent.
“That is one of the base primary reasons why we have elected officials,” he said.
But Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon said the board did not vote on the issue and members understand that public health experts are uniformly recommending people stay at home. Lawmakers will have to amend state law if they want the commissioners to have more authority, he said.
Still, Laydon said, commissioners would like more exemptions, clarity and better data.
“Let’s not politicize a pandemic, and let’s not deprive our citizens of essential services right now,” he said. “Let’s try to provide accurate information.”
Laydon also said commissioners want to ensure people know that county officials are anticipating warnings for those who violate the orders, not necessarily hefty fines.
“We want to maintain social and emotional life and go back to restoring liberties as soon as we can,” Laydon said.
Tri-County Health Director John Douglas said he was disappointed the state lawmakers chose to articulate their views in such a public way, particularly because so many people are already scared during the pandemic and should be hearing one message. Ultimately, the health department followed the law, Douglas said.
“We all need to pull together because we have a lot of work to do to slow down transmission (of coronavirus),” he said.
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--No charges against Firestone police officer who shot woman at hotel

A Firestone police officer who shot and wounded a woman at a Weld County hotel will not face criminal charges @ @ @ @ @ Rourke determined the officer was justified in shooting Sarah Jesser on Feb.13 at an Econo @ @ @ @ @ Weld County because she opened fire on them , according to a news release from @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Office .
The name of the police officer has not been released .
@ @ @ @ @ Weld County sheriff ’ s deputy and two Firestone officers were trying to contact Jesser @ @ @ @ @ Krista Henery , spokeswoman for Rourke ’ s office , said .
Jesser allegedly opened @ @ @ @ @ and one of the police officers shot her , Henery said Wednesday .
Jesser , @ @ @ @ @ attempted first-degree murder and committing a violent crime with a weapon in connection with the @ @ @ @ @ Court records show .
Jesser is scheduled for a hearing on May 8 , according @ @ @ @

A Firestone police officer who shot and wounded a woman at a Weld County hotel will not face criminal charges.
Weld District Attorney Michael Rourke determined the officer was justified in shooting Sarah Jesser on Feb.13 at an Econo Lodge near Interstate 25 in Weld County because she opened fire on them, according to a news release from the 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The name of the police officer has not been released.
The shooting happened as a Weld County sheriff’s deputy and two Firestone officers were trying to contact Jesser inside her hotel room, Krista Henery, spokeswoman for Rourke’s office, said.
Jesser allegedly opened fire on the officers, and one of the police officers shot her, Henery said Wednesday.
Jesser, 42, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and committing a violent crime with a weapon in connection with the shooting, Weld County District Court records show.
Jesser is scheduled for a hearing on May 8, according to court records.


thedenverpost--2020-03-25--Did I already have coronavirus? Experts say maybe, but it doesn’t mean you’re immune

Lots of people are looking back at that presumed cold or flu that recently spread through their household or office and asking : Did I already have the novel coronavirus ?
And if so , what does it mean for me now ?
A meme circulating on social media takes these questions even farther , asking : “ Who got sick in November or December and it lasted 10 to 14 days ?
… If you can answer ‘ yes , ’ then you probably had the coronavirus .
… You guys lived through that .
Quit letting the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my toilet paper , sports , parades , etc.
” Like so many posts that go viral , experts say this one mixes a bit of encouraging potential truth with some inaccurate and potentially dangerous misinformation .
There ’ s a very real chance that some people who had dry coughs , fevers and other symptoms of the coronavirus as far back as December might have already recovered from the disease , according to both Brandon Brown , a public health professor at UC Riverside who specializes in infectious diseases , and Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCLA .
If people did beat the virus , both experts said there ’ s a chance those patients can ’ t get it again or spread it to others .
That , in turn , means those people might be able to start to return to their usual routines sooner rather than later .
Now for the bad news .
Most people don ’ t know if they actually had the coronavirus because they haven ’ t been tested , and there isn ’ t a test available yet that can tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even if they did get a coronavirus test , or an antibody test to show a past infection , scientists don ’ t yet know for sure if beating novel coronavirus once means long-term immunity .
And assuming otherwise could expose more vulnerable people to a potentially fatal disease and extend the pandemic .
Researchers now believe the new coronavirus emerged in mid-November or early December , with a transfer from wildlife to humans at an open-air market in Wuhan , China .
The first identified case in the United States was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ’ d recently returned from Wuhan .
“ It is possible that travelers to or from China may have already been exposed and transmitting COVID-19 to others a few months ago , ” Kim-Farley said .
But given the slow roll-out and limited supply of test kits — combined with the good news that perhaps 80 % of coronavirus cases are mild enough that people recover on their own — experts say it ’ s a near certainty that lots of people who ’ ve had the virus simply haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , for people to assume what they had was the coronavirus .
“ There are other diseases , influenza being one of them , that may have similar symptoms to mild COVID-19 , ” Kim-Farley said .
“ Therefore , it would not be wise to assume that an illness with symptoms compatible to COVID-19 is definitely COVID-19.
” If people assume they ’ ve beaten the virus and resume their usual routines , Brown said they can inadvertently spread the infection to others , including older people with compromised immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to have serious complications or die from the coronavirus .
Hence , experts are pushing for physical distancing until the virus subsides .
It ’ s also not 100 % clear whether people who ’ ve had the coronavirus can or can ’ t get it again .
As with most viruses , Kim-Farley said it ’ s believed that people who ’ ve beaten the coronavirus will produce antibodies that will protect them against the current strain of COVID-19 .
“ The question of how long that protection will last is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over time , ” Kim-Farley said .
Also , there have been a few cases , Brown noted , where people tested positive for COVID-19 , recovered from the disease , but later tested positive a second time .
“ It could be that these individuals did not completely clear the virus , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t know enough , at this point , ” Brown added .
“ But we believe that once you are infected and mount an immune response , you are less likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests could mean more answers That ’ s one reason experts say antibody tests currently in development will be helpful .
Such tests could show if someone had the virus previously and has built up a defense .
“ Once testing becomes more widespread and it is possible to routinely test people , there may be a point at which such people who are immune can be easily identified and they could go back to work — even in healthcare settings , ” Kim-Farley said .
“ That will help us to re-start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also could help cut down on new transmissions , since Brown said health officials could quarantine those who ’ ve been in contact with someone who previously had the virus .
For now , both Brown and Kim-Farley said everyone should continue to follow physical distancing and other safety guidelines recommended by public health officials .
“ We don ’ t know enough about the virus at this time to believe if we get sick we can go back to our normal lives , ” Brown said .
Join our Facebook group for @ @ @ @ @ @

Lots of people are looking back at that presumed cold or flu that recently spread through their household or office and asking: Did I already have the novel coronavirus? And if so, what does it mean for me now?
A meme circulating on social media takes these questions even farther, asking: “Who got sick in November or December and it lasted 10 to 14 days? … If you can answer ‘yes,’ then you probably had the coronavirus. … You guys lived through that. Quit letting the media control you. Now give me back my toilet paper, sports, parades, etc.”
Like so many posts that go viral, experts say this one mixes a bit of encouraging potential truth with some inaccurate and potentially dangerous misinformation.
Early exposure, if true, raises questions
First, a cautious silver lining.
There’s a very real chance that some people who had dry coughs, fevers and other symptoms of the coronavirus as far back as December might have already recovered from the disease, according to both Brandon Brown, a public health professor at UC Riverside who specializes in infectious diseases, and Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, an epidemiology professor at UCLA.
If people did beat the virus, both experts said there’s a chance those patients can’t get it again or spread it to others. That, in turn, means those people might be able to start to return to their usual routines sooner rather than later.
Now for the bad news.
Most people don’t know if they actually had the coronavirus because they haven’t been tested, and there isn’t a test available yet that can tell if someone already recovered from the disease. Even if they did get a coronavirus test, or an antibody test to show a past infection, scientists don’t yet know for sure if beating novel coronavirus once means long-term immunity. And assuming otherwise could expose more vulnerable people to a potentially fatal disease and extend the pandemic.
Researchers now believe the new coronavirus emerged in mid-November or early December, with a transfer from wildlife to humans at an open-air market in Wuhan, China. The first identified case in the United States was mid-January, in a Washington state man who’d recently returned from Wuhan.
“It is possible that travelers to or from China may have already been exposed and transmitting COVID-19 to others a few months ago,” Kim-Farley said.
But given the slow roll-out and limited supply of test kits — combined with the good news that perhaps 80% of coronavirus cases are mild enough that people recover on their own — experts say it’s a near certainty that lots of people who’ve had the virus simply haven’t been tested.
Don’t make decisions for others
It’s risky, though, for people to assume what they had was the coronavirus.
“There are other diseases, influenza being one of them, that may have similar symptoms to mild COVID-19,” Kim-Farley said. “Therefore, it would not be wise to assume that an illness with symptoms compatible to COVID-19 is definitely COVID-19.”
If people assume they’ve beaten the virus and resume their usual routines, Brown said they can inadvertently spread the infection to others, including older people with compromised immune systems and others who are much more likely to have serious complications or die from the coronavirus. Hence, experts are pushing for physical distancing until the virus subsides.
It’s also not 100% clear whether people who’ve had the coronavirus can or can’t get it again.
As with most viruses, Kim-Farley said it’s believed that people who’ve beaten the coronavirus will produce antibodies that will protect them against the current strain of COVID-19.
“The question of how long that protection will last is still unknown, but is being studied over time,” Kim-Farley said.
Also, there have been a few cases, Brown noted, where people tested positive for COVID-19, recovered from the disease, but later tested positive a second time.
“It could be that these individuals did not completely clear the virus,” he said.
“We don’t know enough, at this point,” Brown added. “But we believe that once you are infected and mount an immune response, you are less likely to get sick a second time.”
More tests could mean more answers
That’s one reason experts say antibody tests currently in development will be helpful. Such tests could show if someone had the virus previously and has built up a defense.
“Once testing becomes more widespread and it is possible to routinely test people, there may be a point at which such people who are immune can be easily identified and they could go back to work — even in healthcare settings,” Kim-Farley said. “That will help us to re-start getting back to normal.”
Antibody testing also could help cut down on new transmissions, since Brown said health officials could quarantine those who’ve been in contact with someone who previously had the virus.
For now, both Brown and Kim-Farley said everyone should continue to follow physical distancing and other safety guidelines recommended by public health officials.
“We don’t know enough about the virus at this time to believe if we get sick we can go back to our normal lives,” Brown said.
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado.