thedenverpost--2020-04-16--Eads man shot dead by Kiowa County deputies identified

A man shot dead by Kiowa County sheriff ’ s deputies last week has been identified , and the pair @ @ @ @ @ also been identified .
Zachary Gifford , 39 , of Eads , was shot on @ @ @ @ @ stop at the intersection of Colorado 96 and Main Street in Brandon , according to @ @ @ @ @ Safety .
Undersheriff Tracy Weisenhorn and Deputy Quentin Stump are on administrative leave from the @ @ @ @ @ per policy , as an investigation into the officer-involved shooting continues , according to a @ @ @ @ @ was a passenger in a pickup truck that was pulled over , and he attempted @ @ @ @ @ CBI said in an earlier news release .
A struggle ensued and shots were fired @ @ @ @ @ whether Eads was armed .

A 39-year-old man from Eads and the Kiowa County sheriff’s deputies who shot and killed him last week have been identified.
Zachary Gifford was shot on April 9 during a traffic stop at the intersection of Colorado 96 and Main Street in Brandon, according to the Colorado Department of Public Safety.
Undersheriff Tracy Weisenhorn and Deputy Quentin Stump are on administrative leave from the sheriff’s office as an investigation into the shooting continues, according to a news release from the department.
Gifford was a passenger in a pickup that was pulled over, and he attempted to run away, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said in an earlier news release. A struggle ensued, and shots were fired. Investigators have not said whether Gifford was armed.


thedenverpost--2020-04-16--Report: Roy Halladay was doing stunts when plane crashed

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. — Baseball Hall of Famer Roy Halladay had high-levels of amphetamines in his system and was doing extreme acrobatics when he lost control of his small plane and nosedived into Tampa Bay in 2017 , killing him , a National Transportation Safety Board report issued Wednesday said .
Halladay had amphetamine levels about 10 times therapeutic levels in his blood along with a high level of morphine and an anti-depressant that can impair judgement as he performed high-pitch climbs and steep turns , sometimes within 5 feet ( 1.5 meters ) of the water , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , crash .
The maneuvers put loads of nearly two-times gravity on the plane , an Icon A5 Halladay had purchased a month earlier .
On the last maneuver , Halladay entered a steep climb and his speed fell to about 85 miles per hour ( 135 kph ) .
The propeller-driven plane went into a nosedive and smashed into the water .
The report says Halladay , 40 , died of blunt force trauma and drowning .
The report does not give a final reason for the crash .
That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week before the crash , the former Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies star had flown the plane under Tampa Bay ’ s iconic Skyway Bridge , posting on social media , “ flying the Icon A5 over the water is like flying a fighter jet !
” Halladay , an eight-time All-Star , pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter in 2010 .
He played for the Blue Jays from 1998 to 2009 and for the Phillies from 2009-13 , going 203-105 with a 3.38 ERA .
He was inducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Halladay had taken off from a lake near his home about 15 minutes before the crash and a previous report says he was flying at about 105 mph ( 170 kph ) just 11 feet ( 3.3 meters ) above the water before he started doing his maneuvers .
He had about 700 hours of flight time after getting his pilot ’ s license in 2013 , the previous report said , including 51 hours in Icon A5s with 14 in the plane that crashed .
Rolled out in 2014 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be treated like an ATV , a piece of weekend recreational gear with folding wings that can easily be towed on a trailer to a lake where it can take off from the water .
The man who led the plane ’ s design , 55-year-old John Murray Karkow , died while flying an A5 over California ’ s Lake Berryessa on May 8 , 2017 , a crash the NTSB attributed to pilot error .
Because of that crash , Icon issued guidance to its owners two weeks before Halladay ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ can be one of the most rewarding and exciting types of flying , ” it “ comes with an inherent set of additional risks that require additional considerations.
” It added that traditional pilot training focused on high-altitude flying “ does little to prepare pilots for the unique challenges of low altitude flying.
” Icon told the NTSB that Halladay had received and reviewed the guidance .
There is no indication in the report Halladay received low-altitude training .

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Baseball Hall of Famer Roy Halladay had high-levels of amphetamines in his system and was doing extreme acrobatics when he lost control of his small plane and nosedived into Tampa Bay in 2017, killing him, a National Transportation Safety Board report issued Wednesday said.
Halladay had amphetamine levels about 10 times therapeutic levels in his blood along with a high level of morphine and an anti-depressant that can impair judgement as he performed high-pitch climbs and steep turns, sometimes within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of the water, the report says about the Nov. 7, 2017, crash.
The maneuvers put loads of nearly two-times gravity on the plane, an Icon A5 Halladay had purchased a month earlier. On the last maneuver, Halladay entered a steep climb and his speed fell to about 85 miles per hour (135 kph) . The propeller-driven plane went into a nosedive and smashed into the water. The report says Halladay, 40, died of blunt force trauma and drowning.
The report does not give a final reason for the crash. That is expected to be issued soon.
About a week before the crash, the former Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies star had flown the plane under Tampa Bay’s iconic Skyway Bridge, posting on social media, “flying the Icon A5 over the water is like flying a fighter jet!”
Halladay, an eight-time All-Star, pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter in 2010. He played for the Blue Jays from 1998 to 2009 and for the Phillies from 2009-13, going 203-105 with a 3.38 ERA. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously last year.
Halladay had taken off from a lake near his home about 15 minutes before the crash and a previous report says he was flying at about 105 mph (170 kph) just 11 feet (3.3 meters) above the water before he started doing his maneuvers. He had about 700 hours of flight time after getting his pilot’s license in 2013, the previous report said, including 51 hours in Icon A5s with 14 in the plane that crashed.
Rolled out in 2014, the A5 is an amphibious aircraft meant to be treated like an ATV, a piece of weekend recreational gear with folding wings that can easily be towed on a trailer to a lake where it can take off from the water.
The man who led the plane’s design, 55-year-old John Murray Karkow, died while flying an A5 over California’s Lake Berryessa on May 8, 2017, a crash the NTSB attributed to pilot error.
Because of that crash, Icon issued guidance to its owners two weeks before Halladay’s accident saying that while low-altitude flying “can be one of the most rewarding and exciting types of flying,” it “comes with an inherent set of additional risks that require additional considerations.”
It added that traditional pilot training focused on high-altitude flying “does little to prepare pilots for the unique challenges of low altitude flying.” Icon told the NTSB that Halladay had received and reviewed the guidance.
There is no indication in the report Halladay received low-altitude training.


thedenverpost--2020-04-16--Colorado electric utilities provide money to relief agencies, customers struggling during coronaviru

Colorado electric utilities provide money to relief agencies, customers struggling during coronavirus pandemic

Xcel Energy plans to donate the first $ 1.5 million of more than $ 20 million in new corporate giving to COVID-19 relief efforts , including food banks and United Way chapters in its eight-state service territory .
The $ 20 million comes from proceeds of the utility ’ s recent sale of a natural gas-fueled power plant in Minnesota to Denver-based Southwest Generation .
Xcel Energy , Colorado ’ s largest electric utility , said Tuesday that it is matching employee donations up to $ 1,000 at a rate of $ 2 for every dollar donated .
Employees donated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Xcel Energy Foundation ’ s match raised the total to nearly $ 335,000 , the utility said .
Another utility , United Power , said it is distributing capital credit refunds earlier than usual to provide members of the electric cooperative some economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Brighton-based utility will return a total of $ 5.5 million and nearly all members will benefit from the refunds , which will be sent starting in May , United Power said in a news release .
The utility said its board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in unclaimed capital credits to help offset the electric bills of members affected by the COVID-19 crisis , especially those affected by job losses and illness .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Xcel Energy plans to donate the first $1.5 million of more than $20 million in new corporate giving to COVID-19 relief efforts, including food banks and United Way chapters in its eight-state service territory.
The $20 million comes from proceeds of the utility’s recent sale of a natural gas-fueled power plant in Minnesota to Denver-based Southwest Generation. Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest electric utility, said Tuesday that it is matching employee donations up to $1,000 at a rate of $2 for every dollar donated.
Employees donated $112,000 dollars within a week. The Xcel Energy Foundation’s match raised the total to nearly $335,000, the utility said.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association said on behalf of its 46 member electric cooperatives, it is donating $200,000 to coronavirus relief and recovery efforts in the four states it serves: Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Nebraska.
Officials with Tri-State, based in Westminster, said they are working with governors to identify needs in the different states. In Colorado, the money will go to the state COVID Relief Fund,
Black HIlls Energy has donated $50,000 to United Way of Pueblo County to help with needs during the COVID-19 crisis. The United Way said the contribution from the utility and its charitable arm, the Black Hills Corporation Foundation, is the largest single gift it has received since its inception.
Another utility, United Power, a Tri-State member, said it is distributing capital credit refunds earlier than usual to provide members of the electric cooperative some economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic. The Brighton-based utility will return a total of $5.5 million and nearly all members will benefit from the refunds, which will be sent starting in May, United Power said in a news release.
The utility said its board of directors has also approved using $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to help offset the electric bills of members affected by the COVID-19 crisis, especially those affected by job losses and illness.


thedenverpost--2020-04-16--City of Aurora will furlough 576 city employees indefinitely

Nearly 15 % of the city of Aurora ’ s employees will be forced to take furloughs because of the economic costs of the coronavirus pandemic , city officials announced Wednesday .
The move comes a day after the city of Boulder announced it would be furloughing 737 employees , and other cities or towns have made similar decisions .
Denver says it is trying to avoid such actions .
The furloughs , which will begin April 25 , will affect 576 seasonal , temporary and contingent workers .
Aurora has more than 3,900 employees .
Those taking the unpaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work their jobs during the crisis , the city said in a news release .
The furloughs won ’ t affect any regular part-time or full-time employees or temporary employees who have been able to continue performing their duties .
Employees don ’ t have a set end date for the unpaid leave — they ’ ll be notified 48 hours in advance of when they can return — but “ the city is hopeful ” and will attempt to reopen closed facilities and continue paused services as is possible .
Current revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 20 million to $ 25 million decrease in revenues , about 6 % of its general fund budget for the year , the release stated .
The city has also implemented a hiring freeze , cut all travel costs and delayed projects .
Employees who weren ’ t able to do their jobs because of the stay-at-home order will be paid through April 24 .
“ We proceeded with furloughs when our budget forecasts made it clear we had no other choice , and our hope is that the enhanced unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide them with financial stability until we can make further decisions about restoring our city services and bringing employees back to work , ” said Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly in the release .
“ My heart goes out to all of our employees affected by this.
” The city provided employees with information on applying for state and federal benefits during the time they can ’ t work .

Nearly 15% of the city of Aurora’s employees will be forced to take furloughs because of the economic costs of the coronavirus pandemic, city officials announced Wednesday.
The move comes a day after the city of Boulder announced it would be furloughing 737 employees, and other cities or towns have made similar decisions. Denver says it is trying to avoid such actions.
The furloughs, which will begin April 25, will affect 576 seasonal, temporary and contingent workers. Aurora has more than 3,900 employees. Those taking the unpaid leave of absence have been unable to work their jobs during the crisis, the city said in a news release. The furloughs won’t affect any regular part-time or full-time employees or temporary employees who have been able to continue performing their duties.
Employees don’t have a set end date for the unpaid leave — they’ll be notified 48 hours in advance of when they can return — but “the city is hopeful” and will attempt to reopen closed facilities and continue paused services as is possible.
Current revenue projections estimate that the city will see a $20 million to $25 million decrease in revenues, about 6% of its general fund budget for the year, the release stated.
The city has also implemented a hiring freeze, cut all travel costs and delayed projects. Employees who weren’t able to do their jobs because of the stay-at-home order will be paid through April 24.
“We proceeded with furloughs when our budget forecasts made it clear we had no other choice, and our hope is that the enhanced unemployment benefits announced under the CARES Act will provide them with financial stability until we can make further decisions about restoring our city services and bringing employees back to work,” said Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly in the release. “My heart goes out to all of our employees affected by this.”
The city provided employees with information on applying for state and federal benefits during the time they can’t work.


thedenverpost--2020-04-15--Rockies podcast: What would the Major League Baseball season be like without fans?

In this fresh episode of the On The Rox podcast , Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders @ @ @ @ @ would be like without fans .
Would that be worth it ?
What would the @ @ @ @ @ , coaches and those watching from home ?
Plus , more analysis amid baseball ’ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .

A third-generation Colorado native, Patrick has worked for The Denver Post since October 1998 when he began covering the Denver Broncos. He’s been a Rockies beat writer since 2005, save for a two-year stint as The Post’s online sports editor in 2010-11. Patrick was honored as the 2018 Colorado Sportswriter of the Year and was president of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2017. He graduated from Arvada High School, earned a degree in history and education from Fort Lewis College and has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-04-15--Jared Polis, Colorado’s first Jewish governor, tearfully responds to GOP leader comparing stay-at-ho

Jared Polis, Colorado’s first Jewish governor, tearfully responds to GOP leader comparing stay-at-home orders to Nazism

Gov .
Jared Polis grew tearful as he responded Wednesday to a top Republican official comparing stay-at-home orders to the actions of the Gestapo , the secret police of Nazi Germany and European countries under Nazi occupation during World War II .
“ As a Jewish American who lost family in the Holocaust , I ’ m offended by any comparison to Nazism .
We act to save lives — the exact opposite of the slaughter of 6 million Jews and many gypsies and Catholics and gays and lesbians and Russians and so many others , ” said the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat elected in 2018 , is Colorado ’ s first Jewish governor , and was the first openly gay man elected governor in any U.S. state .
On March 25 , the same day Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order that remains in effect through at least April 26 , Colorado House Minority Leader Patrick Neville , R-Castle Rock , said on a conservative radio program that such governmental orders lead to a “ Gestapo-like mentality , ” as first reported by 9News .
Reached by phone Wednesday afternoon , Neville declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say he chose his words poorly .
“ I should have said authoritarian , not Gestapo , ” Neville said .
“ And I think authoritarian is still accurate.
” Neville added he and Polis “ have talked numerous times since making that remark , and he never brought it up .
If he ’ s bringing it up now it ’ s because he ’ s trying to make political hay out of something that really was nothing.
” Polis was not , in fact , the one to raise the Gestapo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a question from a reporter with the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel .
“ We ’ re hearing a lot of reports around here , ” the reporter said , “ and I know I ’ ve seen some stuff going on statewide , about neighbors reporting on other neighbors for not following the orders , seeing a lot of rebellion out here against your orders , which have been called tyrannical , against local health department orders , being equated to Nazism .
How do you react to that ?
What do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly getting frustrated with this stay-at-home order ?
” After commenting on the comparison to Nazism , Polis regained his composure and added : “ That being said , we know that these steps are difficult , and it ’ s not a contest to see what you can get away with .
It ’ s a contest to see how well you can stay at home .
By not staying at home , by having parties , by congregating , you ’ re not sticking it to the government .
You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ re sticking it to yourself , because you ’ re putting yourself and your loved ones in jeopardy , and you ’ re prolonging the economic pain and difficulties that your fellow Coloradans face .
“ Now ’ s the time for us to act with unity , to act together , to be able to do the best that we can to stay at home except when absolutely necessary so that we can open up sooner than later , so that we can have more freedom quicker rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a sustainable way for us to get by as a state and as a country .
”

Gov. Jared Polis grew tearful as he responded Wednesday to a top Republican official comparing stay-at-home orders to the actions of the Gestapo, the secret police of Nazi Germany and European countries under Nazi occupation during World War II.
“As a Jewish American who lost family in the Holocaust, I’m offended by any comparison to Nazism. We act to save lives — the exact opposite of the slaughter of 6 million Jews and many gypsies and Catholics and gays and lesbians and Russians and so many others,” said the governor, visibly shaken.
Polis, a Democrat elected in 2018, is Colorado’s first Jewish governor, and was the first openly gay man elected governor in any U.S. state.
Gov. Polis responds to accusations that his stay-at-home order is akin to Nazism: "As a Jewish-American who lost family in the Holocaust, I'm offended by any comparison to Nazism. We act to save lives; the exact opposite of the slaughter of 6 million …" (Video: @denverchannel) pic.twitter.com/nlUwrYVmJI — The Denver Post (@denverpost) April 15, 2020
On March 25, the same day Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order that remains in effect through at least April 26, Colorado House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, said on a conservative radio program that such governmental orders lead to a “Gestapo-like mentality,” as first reported by 9News.
Reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, Neville declined to apologize for his remarks, but did say he chose his words poorly.
“I should have said authoritarian, not Gestapo,” Neville said. “And I think authoritarian is still accurate.”
Neville added he and Polis “have talked numerous times since making that remark, and he never brought it up. If he’s bringing it up now it’s because he’s trying to make political hay out of something that really was nothing.”
Polis was not, in fact, the one to raise the Gestapo comment on Wednesday. He was prompted by a question from a reporter with the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
“We’re hearing a lot of reports around here,” the reporter said, “and I know I’ve seen some stuff going on statewide, about neighbors reporting on other neighbors for not following the orders, seeing a lot of rebellion out here against your orders, which have been called tyrannical, against local health department orders, being equated to Nazism. How do you react to that? What do you say to those people who are clearly getting frustrated with this stay-at-home order?”
After commenting on the comparison to Nazism, Polis regained his composure and added: “That being said, we know that these steps are difficult, and it’s not a contest to see what you can get away with. It’s a contest to see how well you can stay at home. By not staying at home, by having parties, by congregating, you’re not sticking it to the government. You’re not sticking it to Jared Polis. You’re sticking it to yourself, because you’re putting yourself and your loved ones in jeopardy, and you’re prolonging the economic pain and difficulties that your fellow Coloradans face.
“Now’s the time for us to act with unity, to act together, to be able to do the best that we can to stay at home except when absolutely necessary so that we can open up sooner than later, so that we can have more freedom quicker rather than later, and so that we can create a sustainable way for us to get by as a state and as a country.”


thedenverpost--2020-04-15--Coloradans should expect some social distancing for months to come, Polis says: “The virus isn’t goi

Coloradans should expect some social distancing for months to come, Polis says: “The virus isn’t going to disappear”

Coloradans will have to get used to a new normal for many months to come , with the reopening of businesses and resumption of normal daily activities coming gradually , and some social distancing remaining in place until there is a cure or a vaccine , Gov .
Jared Polis said Wednesday .
The remarks stood as the governor ’ s most extensive comments yet on how Colorado will move forward from the global pandemic .
Polis has set April 26 as a target date to lift the statewide stay-at-home order — an ambitious goal that ’ s several days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The virus isn ’ t going to disappear or go away any time soon , ” Polis said at a news conference .
“ We need a way of life that is sustainable — sustainable psychologically , economically and socially .
We know that staying at home isn ’ t .
It ’ s a horrific thing .
… We ’ re social animals.
” The governor outlined three phases for how decisions will be made on reopening society : Phase 1 , which is ongoing , is the “ urgent ” phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which Polis himself has described as “ draconian , ” with the goal of suppressing the virus ’ s growth and expanding testing , tracing and health care capacity .
The state is also using this time to conduct cost-benefit analysis of social-distancing policies .
The next roughly five days are going to be critical to understanding how effective Phase 1 efforts have been , Polis said , adding that he hopes to see what is now a plateau in positive COVID-19 cases transition to a decline .
As the risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state feel comfortable with its ability to handle new patients , introduce mass testing and trace the contacts of those with the virus , Polis said , Colorado can enter Phase 2 , “ stabilization.
” And Phase 2 could last a while , Polis said : “ two months , three months , 10 months — however long it is until there ’ s a cure or a vaccine.
” Large gatherings , including sporting events and concerts , would still be banned , but some nonessential businesses could reopen .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back right away , but when they do go back , they ’ ll have additional social distancing measures , ” Polis said , later encouraging all business owners to consider how they might provide for greater distancing if and when they reopen .
“ I wish that relaxing restrictions was like turning a light switch on and off , and we can all go back to how things were , ” the governor said .
“ But it ’ s going to look more like a dimmer.
” It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resources in place to enter Phase 2 , whether on April 27 or after that .
There has been no indication that mass testing is viable right now , and the state epidemiologist said Tuesday that local and state health departments still need to hire many more people to make adequate tracking possible so they can isolate and quarantine those who test positive for the virus .
Personal protection equipment remains scarce throughout the country .
Still , the trend lines have shown that Colorado ’ s social distancing efforts and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective at flattening the curve and preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients .
Phase 3 is “ recovery ” — possible only through a vaccine , cure or herd immunity , which would mean a significant portion of the population has been infected .
All restrictions would lift under this phase and individuals could resume their normal way of life as health officials monitor for outbreaks .
Polis did not rule out reinstating a stay-at-home order at some point after the current one is lifted .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Colorado also will be teaming up with neighboring states to coordinate their pandemic responses and share resources if needed , Polis said .
States have banded together and forged alliances , leapfrogging the federal government in order to better coordinate their responses to the outbreak .
At least 357 people in the state have died of the new coronavirus — including a third individual in their 20s — with 8,280 confirmed cases , state officials said Wednesday .
There have also been 83 outbreaks at residential and non-hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 1,636 people been hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in Colorado last month , though more than 500 people admitted with COVID-19 have been released from Colorado hospitals over the past three days , according to data released Wednesday .
The numbers offers the first statewide look at how many people are recovering from the respiratory disease , after weeks of public health officials saying they couldn ’ t compile the data .
As recoveries grew , the number of total hospitalizations released each day became a less accurate representation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
“ This is critical data that will continue to inform the decisions we are making at the state level for how to best respond to COVID-19 , ” Polis in a statement .
“ This is very useful data that informs our planning around how many hospital beds are needed and increases our knowledge of the trajectory of the virus in Colorado.
” As of Tuesday , there were 1,215 Coloradans currently hospitalized after testing positive or displaying symptoms of the coronavirus , according to the hospital association .
And top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of patients being admitted to hospitals has flattened .
Even with these positive signs , the state is preparing for in case a surge does happen .
Emergency hospitals are being rapidly constructed at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver , as well as a Loveland arena and several former medical facilities in Pueblo , Westminster and Grand Junction .
The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds is the latest site to be transformed into an overflow medical facility , the county announced in a news release Wednesday .
Though testing still lags behind where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more and more options are being developed .
AFC Urgent Care Denver is now offering drive-thru testing for the coronavirus at its clinics .
Unlike mobile testing provided by the state at the start of the pandemic , the clinics are not requiring individuals to have a doctor ’ s note to get tested , said Janet Garcia , a medical assistant .
The clinics decided to provide testing , she said , because “ essential ” workers need to know if they have the illness .
“ There are people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garcia said .
“ We think it ’ s important just because they have constant contact with the public .
”

Sam Tabachnik, Alex Burness, Jessica Seaman

Coloradans will have to get used to a new normal for many months to come, with the reopening of businesses and resumption of normal daily activities coming gradually, and some social distancing remaining in place until there is a cure or a vaccine, Gov. Jared Polis said Wednesday.
The remarks stood as the governor’s most extensive comments yet on how Colorado will move forward from the global pandemic. Polis has set April 26 as a target date to lift the statewide stay-at-home order — an ambitious goal that’s several days ahead of the federal target.
“The virus isn’t going to disappear or go away any time soon,” Polis said at a news conference. “We need a way of life that is sustainable — sustainable psychologically, economically and socially. We know that staying at home isn’t. It’s a horrific thing. … We’re social animals.”
The governor outlined three phases for how decisions will be made on reopening society: Phase 1, which is ongoing, is the “urgent” phase. It involves mandating people stay indoors, which Polis himself has described as “draconian,” with the goal of suppressing the virus’s growth and expanding testing, tracing and health care capacity. The state is also using this time to conduct cost-benefit analysis of social-distancing policies.
The next roughly five days are going to be critical to understanding how effective Phase 1 efforts have been, Polis said, adding that he hopes to see what is now a plateau in positive COVID-19 cases transition to a decline.
As the risk of the new coronavirus lessens, and the state feel comfortable with its ability to handle new patients, introduce mass testing and trace the contacts of those with the virus, Polis said, Colorado can enter Phase 2, “stabilization.”
And Phase 2 could last a while, Polis said: “two months, three months, 10 months — however long it is until there’s a cure or a vaccine.”
Large gatherings, including sporting events and concerts, would still be banned, but some nonessential businesses could reopen.
“Restaurants aren’t going to go back right away, but when they do go back, they’ll have additional social distancing measures,” Polis said, later encouraging all business owners to consider how they might provide for greater distancing if and when they reopen.
“I wish that relaxing restrictions was like turning a light switch on and off, and we can all go back to how things were,” the governor said. “But it’s going to look more like a dimmer.”
It’s not clear, however, that Colorado has the resources in place to enter Phase 2, whether on April 27 or after that.
There has been no indication that mass testing is viable right now, and the state epidemiologist said Tuesday that local and state health departments still need to hire many more people to make adequate tracking possible so they can isolate and quarantine those who test positive for the virus. Personal protection equipment remains scarce throughout the country.
Still, the trend lines have shown that Colorado’s social distancing efforts and the governor’s stay-at-home mandate have proven effective at flattening the curve and preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients.
Phase 3 is “recovery” — possible only through a vaccine, cure or herd immunity, which would mean a significant portion of the population has been infected. All restrictions would lift under this phase and individuals could resume their normal way of life as health officials monitor for outbreaks.
Polis did not rule out reinstating a stay-at-home order at some point after the current one is lifted.
“We all hope to avoid those draconian measures,” he said.
Polis: “Coronavirus is going to be part of our lives. We're going to have to learn how to live with it. Right now the public health risk is severe. We're in the urgent phase.” Phase 2, he says, will last “a while.” pic.twitter.com/R4KaVb3JuZ — Alex Burness (@alex_burness) April 15, 2020
Colorado also will be teaming up with neighboring states to coordinate their pandemic responses and share resources if needed, Polis said. States have banded together and forged alliances, leapfrogging the federal government in order to better coordinate their responses to the outbreak.
Recovery data released
At least 357 people in the state have died of the new coronavirus — including a third individual in their 20s — with 8,280 confirmed cases, state officials said Wednesday. There have also been 83 outbreaks at residential and non-hospital care facilities around the state.
A total of 1,636 people been hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in Colorado last month, though more than 500 people admitted with COVID-19 have been released from Colorado hospitals over the past three days, according to data released Wednesday.
The numbers offers the first statewide look at how many people are recovering from the respiratory disease, after weeks of public health officials saying they couldn’t compile the data. As recoveries grew, the number of total hospitalizations released each day became a less accurate representation of how many sick patients were still in facilities.
“This is critical data that will continue to inform the decisions we are making at the state level for how to best respond to COVID-19,” Polis in a statement. “This is very useful data that informs our planning around how many hospital beds are needed and increases our knowledge of the trajectory of the virus in Colorado.”
As of Tuesday, there were 1,215 Coloradans currently hospitalized after testing positive or displaying symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the hospital association.
And top health officials have said that the volume of patients being admitted to hospitals has flattened.
Preparing for the worst
Even with these positive signs, the state is preparing for in case a surge does happen. Emergency hospitals are being rapidly constructed at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver, as well as a Loveland arena and several former medical facilities in Pueblo, Westminster and Grand Junction.
The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds is the latest site to be transformed into an overflow medical facility, the county announced in a news release Wednesday.
Though testing still lags behind where the state wants it to be, more and more options are being developed.
AFC Urgent Care Denver is now offering drive-thru testing for the coronavirus at its clinics. Unlike mobile testing provided by the state at the start of the pandemic, the clinics are not requiring individuals to have a doctor’s note to get tested, said Janet Garcia, a medical assistant.
The clinics decided to provide testing, she said, because “essential” workers need to know if they have the illness.
“There are people who are asymptomatic and are still carriers,” Garcia said. “We think it’s important just because they have constant contact with the public.”


thedenverpost--2020-04-15--Colorado confirms 357 coronavirus deaths as outbreaks at senior living centers continue to rise

At least 357 people now have died from the novel coronavirus , as outbreaks at nursing homes and long-term care facilities continue to rise .
Health officials have confirmed 83 outbreaks at elderly care facilities , five more than Tuesday , as total positive cases in the state neared 8,300 .
A total of 1,636 people been hospitalized with COVID-19 since the outbreak entered Colorado last month , though more than 500 individuals have recovered and have been released from Colorado hospitals over the past three days , according to data released Wednesday .
The 28 additional deaths announced Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , state data showed .
Still , the vast majority of Coloradans who ’ ve died from COVID-19 — 90 % of the state ’ s total — are over 60 .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing for months to come , Gov .
Jared Polis said Wednesday in a news conference , outlining the gradual steps the state is taking to reopen society .
The governor ’ s announcement comes as top public health officials have said positive COVID-19 cases are plateauing , with the volume of hospitalizations leveling off .
The state needs to acquire more testing capabilities along with better tracing operations and more health care capacity and equipment before some businesses can be reopened , Polis said .

At least 357 people now have died from the novel coronavirus, as outbreaks at nursing homes and long-term care facilities continue to rise.
Health officials have confirmed 83 outbreaks at elderly care facilities, five more than Tuesday, as total positive cases in the state neared 8,300.
A total of 1,636 people been hospitalized with COVID-19 since the outbreak entered Colorado last month, though more than 500 individuals have recovered and have been released from Colorado hospitals over the past three days, according to data released Wednesday.
The 28 additional deaths announced Wednesday included a third person in their 20s, state data showed. Still, the vast majority of Coloradans who’ve died from COVID-19 — 90% of the state’s total — are over 60.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.
Coloradans should expect some level of social distancing for months to come, Gov. Jared Polis said Wednesday in a news conference, outlining the gradual steps the state is taking to reopen society.
The governor’s announcement comes as top public health officials have said positive COVID-19 cases are plateauing, with the volume of hospitalizations leveling off. The state needs to acquire more testing capabilities along with better tracing operations and more health care capacity and equipment before some businesses can be reopened, Polis said.


thedenverpost--2020-04-15--Rock scaling on Kenosha Pass next week could cause 10-minute traffic delays

Rock-scaling operations on U.S. 285 along Kenosha Pass could result in 10-minute delays for drivers and travelers using the roadway @ @ @ @ @ Monday , will take place between Jefferson and Grant and the scaling should take about @ @ @ @ @ according to a Colorado Department of Transportation news release .
Drivers should expect up to @ @ @ @ @ , CDOT said .
The rock fall mitigation work , a component of highway safety @ @ @ @ @ complete by Friday , April 24 .
Drivers are urged to be alert , drive @ @ @ @ @ work zones .

Rock-scaling operations on U.S. 285 along Kenosha Pass could result in 10-minute delays for drivers and travelers using the roadway.
The work, beginning Monday, will take place between Jefferson and Grant and the scaling should take about a week to complete, according to a Colorado Department of Transportation news release.
Drivers should expect up to 10-minutes delays during daytime hours, CDOT said. The rock fall mitigation work, a component of highway safety, is expected to be complete by April 24.
Drivers are urged to be alert, drive cautiously and not speed through work zones.


thedenverpost--2020-04-15--Guest Commentary: Common sense will keep RTD moving during the pandemic

On Sunday , the Regional Transportation District will implement a significant cutback in scheduled service .
We ’ re reducing service levels by 40 % , shifting to Saturday bus and Sunday rail schedules .
Where possible , we will redeploy buses and operators freed up by this change to continue and increase the provision of additional , or “ shadow ” buses on our most used routes .
That way , passengers can more easily spread out and maintain social distancing .
As an essential service , RTD remains a lifeline to an average of 125,000 passengers per weekday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” orders in place and a ridership drop of one-third of pre-COVID-19 levels .
We are proud of how our nearly 3,000 employees have persevered and performed during these unprecedented times , especially our cleaning crews , operators , mechanics , transit police , and service staff .
They are heroes , for sure .
To them , we say , “ Thank you for all you do.
” We invite passengers to do the same .
Colorado ’ s battle against COVID-19 continues to change daily , and sometimes , many times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world-changer , for RTD included .
We have tried to be strategic , not reactionary , remaining nimble and making prudent decisions .
A massive service change like the one we ’ ll see on Sunday does not come overnight .
We have worked with our partners from the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001 to explore flexibility in our union contract , and we ’ ve condensed the time for our operators to vote on their work assignments ( run picks ) and integrate these changes into our information systems .
This ensures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through our website , mobile app , and third-party apps like Google and Transit .
There ’ s been a lot of concern for our operators , whose jobs are all about connecting people and connecting with people .
We ’ re providing masks , gloves and hand sanitizer to the degree we can , but just like the rest of the world , we are challenged with getting an ample supply .
So , we ’ ve encouraged operators and customers to wear their own face coverings and to practice social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators and passengers by eliminating fares and adopting back-door boarding .
The latter is a prime example of how safety and security recommendations change as our knowledge of COVID-19 spread grows .
We do not have the luxury of protecting the safety of one group or the other ; we are responsible for both , and the weight of balancing actions for safety and security of every person is one that we take seriously .
We ’ re enabling social distancing by having operators call dispatch for shadow buses if they notice crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve roped off the seats behind operators ; and we ’ ve deployed transit police in specific areas to discourage crowding .
The reality is we don ’ t have officers to be on every bus along the more popular routes .
We call upon the public to be our partners in safety .
When you ’ re on a train or bus , keep at least six feet between you and other riders .
If you see a crowd , go to the next train car or don ’ t board that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently , and the next bus isn ’ t far behind .
Join us in using common sense and solving problems the Colorado way , with openness and transparency , and looking out for ourselves and each other .
No one knows how or when lockdowns will be lifted , and when demand for our services will make a comeback .
But we ’ re here for our riders who need us now , and when the rest are ready to climb back aboard , we ’ ll ramp back up and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chair of the RTD Board of Directors , and Paul J. Ballard is RTD ’ s interim CEO and general manager .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

By Angie Rivera-Malpiede and Paul J. Ballard
Guest Commentary
On Sunday, the Regional Transportation District will implement a significant cutback in scheduled service. We’re reducing service levels by 40%, shifting to Saturday bus and Sunday rail schedules. Where possible, we will redeploy buses and operators freed up by this change to continue and increase the provision of additional, or “shadow” buses on our most used routes. That way, passengers can more easily spread out and maintain social distancing.
As an essential service, RTD remains a lifeline to an average of 125,000 passengers per weekday, even with “stay at home” orders in place and a ridership drop of one-third of pre-COVID-19 levels.
We are proud of how our nearly 3,000 employees have persevered and performed during these unprecedented times, especially our cleaning crews, operators, mechanics, transit police, and service staff. They are heroes, for sure. To them, we say, “Thank you for all you do.” We invite passengers to do the same.
Colorado’s battle against COVID-19 continues to change daily, and sometimes, many times a day. This pandemic is a world-changer, for RTD included. We have tried to be strategic, not reactionary, remaining nimble and making prudent decisions.
A massive service change like the one we’ll see on Sunday does not come overnight. We have worked with our partners from the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001 to explore flexibility in our union contract, and we’ve condensed the time for our operators to vote on their work assignments (run picks) and integrate these changes into our information systems. This ensures that the new service information is available through our website, mobile app, and third-party apps like Google and Transit.
There’s been a lot of concern for our operators, whose jobs are all about connecting people and connecting with people. We’re providing masks, gloves and hand sanitizer to the degree we can, but just like the rest of the world, we are challenged with getting an ample supply. So, we’ve encouraged operators and customers to wear their own face coverings and to practice social distancing.
We’ve reduced interactions between operators and passengers by eliminating fares and adopting back-door boarding. The latter is a prime example of how safety and security recommendations change as our knowledge of COVID-19 spread grows. We do not have the luxury of protecting the safety of one group or the other; we are responsible for both, and the weight of balancing actions for safety and security of every person is one that we take seriously.
We’re enabling social distancing by having operators call dispatch for shadow buses if they notice crowds forming along their routes; we’ve roped off the seats behind operators; and we’ve deployed transit police in specific areas to discourage crowding. The reality is we don’t have officers to be on every bus along the more popular routes.
We call upon the public to be our partners in safety. When you’re on a train or bus, keep at least six feet between you and other riders. If you see a crowd, go to the next train car or don’t board that bus. Our higher ridership buses operate frequently, and the next bus isn’t far behind.
Join us in using common sense and solving problems the Colorado way, with openness and transparency, and looking out for ourselves and each other. No one knows how or when lockdowns will be lifted, and when demand for our services will make a comeback. But we’re here for our riders who need us now, and when the rest are ready to climb back aboard, we’ll ramp back up and be there for them.
Angie Rivera-Malpiede is the chair of the RTD Board of Directors, and Paul J. Ballard is RTD’s interim CEO and general manager.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-04-16--Ask Amy: People ponder ways to give back

Dear Amy : I ’ m in my mid-30s .
I am married , with no kids .
My mortgage payment is low , my student loans are paid off , and both my husband and I work for “ essential ” businesses — I in the defense sector ( working from home ) , and he in infrastructure .
We aren ’ t rich , but in comparison to so many families , we are in an enviable situation during this crisis .
Right now , I don ’ t need a stimulus check .
Since I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with it to help during this pandemic ?
— So Far , So Good Dear So Far : As of this writing , stimulus payments have not started arriving .
However , assuming that these payments find their way into many bank accounts , I urge you — and anyone else in this position — to consider donating your stimulus check to a worthy nonprofit that helps people in your community .
My funds will go to Foodnet Meals on Wheels in my home county of Tompkins Co , New York .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutritious meals to homebound seniors and is a Godsend in the many small and isolated villages in the rural area where I live — especially now .
Because of the pandemic , the need has grown , and in my area , Meals on Wheels has already delivered two-weeks ’ worth of frozen meals to their clients , in case the organization itself is forced into quarantine .
Healthy social distancing dictates that volunteers can not closely connect with clients in the way they are used to doing , but these volunteers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they visit elders whose own family members may not be able to get to them because of the current travel restrictions .
To help those on the other end of the generational spectrum , Save the Children is partnering with No Kid Hungry to distribute funds to local communities in order to ensure that the estimated 22 million schoolchildren who rely on school lunches for daily nutrition have access to food during this pandemic .
Check Savethechildren.org to see how you can help .
Dear Readers : I recently heard from Karl Pillemer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Living : Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans.
” ( 2011 , Avery ) .
Pillemer , a professor of gerontology at Weill Cornell Medicine , interviewed over 1,000 elders for his 10-year research project .
This is a great time to absorb some of the lessons they imparted .
Following is an excerpt from a recent interview with the Cornell Chronicle .
Pillemer notes : “ The elders can provide us with the long view , confirming in a literal sense that ‘ this , too , shall pass .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , refugees from many of the early 20th century ’ s other major conflicts , and people who lost everything in the Depression , ” Pillemer said .
“ By the time I sat with them 40 , 50 , 60 , or 70 years later , they had built comfortable , often successful and fulfilling lives .
Their message was extraordinarily clear : Crises occur , societies change , and , with resilience , we recover and move on.
” “ Focusing on what your future can be a decade or more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry , the elders advise .
This lesson is also a reminder : Present actions are the future stories of how we survived .
What story do we want to tell ?
“ If you want to help yourself , the elders said , help others .
Pillemer noted that their own poor families helped out even poorer ones during the Great Depression .
They remember World War II as a time when communities came together , and everyone joined hands and hearts to support one another at home .
“ Generously assisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can is a major way people are able to feel a sense of control , whether that was helping other people during the Great Depression or assisting the war effort during WWII .
Generously helping others is a very good , self-interested strategy.
” Dear Amy : I ’ m responding to a question a while back from “ Wondering Diners.
” These two lucky people were eating out and were dumbfounded when a stranger paid for their meal .
I had a similar experience a few years ago .
My wife and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After we ordered , a server informed us that a gentleman on the other side of the room had paid for our meal .
I was wearing a cap with “ Korean War Veteran ” printed on it .
I wanted to thank him , but he had already left .
I am so grateful there are a few nice people left in the world .
Dear Proud : It feels good to be able to thank veterans for service to the country .

Dear Amy: I’m in my mid-30s. I am married, with no kids.
My mortgage payment is low, my student loans are paid off, and both my husband and I work for “essential” businesses — I in the defense sector (working from home), and he in infrastructure.
We aren’t rich, but in comparison to so many families, we are in an enviable situation during this crisis.
Right now, I don’t need a stimulus check. Since I’ll get one anyway, what can I do with it to help during this pandemic?
— So Far, So Good
Dear So Far: As of this writing, stimulus payments have not started arriving.
However, assuming that these payments find their way into many bank accounts, I urge you — and anyone else in this position — to consider donating your stimulus check to a worthy nonprofit that helps people in your community. My funds will go to Foodnet Meals on Wheels in my home county of Tompkins Co, New York.
Meals on Wheels (mealsonwheelsamerica.org) delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and is a Godsend in the many small and isolated villages in the rural area where I live — especially now.
Because of the pandemic, the need has grown, and in my area, Meals on Wheels has already delivered two-weeks’ worth of frozen meals to their clients, in case the organization itself is forced into quarantine.
Healthy social distancing dictates that volunteers cannot closely connect with clients in the way they are used to doing, but these volunteers are valued “first responders,” as they visit elders whose own family members may not be able to get to them because of the current travel restrictions.
To help those on the other end of the generational spectrum, Save the Children is partnering with No Kid Hungry to distribute funds to local communities in order to ensure that the estimated 22 million schoolchildren who rely on school lunches for daily nutrition have access to food during this pandemic.
Check Savethechildren.org to see how you can help.
Dear Readers: I recently heard from Karl Pillemer, author of “30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans.” (2011, Avery). Pillemer, a professor of gerontology at Weill Cornell Medicine, interviewed over 1,000 elders for his 10-year research project. This is a great time to absorb some of the lessons they imparted.
Following is an excerpt from a recent interview with the Cornell Chronicle. Pillemer notes: “The elders can provide us with the long view, confirming in a literal sense that ‘this, too, shall pass.'”
“I met Holocaust survivors, refugees from many of the early 20th century’s other major conflicts, and people who lost everything in the Depression,” Pillemer said. “By the time I sat with them 40, 50, 60, or 70 years later, they had built comfortable, often successful and fulfilling lives. Their message was extraordinarily clear: Crises occur, societies change, and, with resilience, we recover and move on.”
“Focusing on what your future can be a decade or more from now can provide an antidote to worry, the elders advise. This lesson is also a reminder: Present actions are the future stories of how we survived. What story do we want to tell?
“If you want to help yourself, the elders said, help others. Pillemer noted that their own poor families helped out even poorer ones during the Great Depression. They remember World War II as a time when communities came together, and everyone joined hands and hearts to support one another at home.
“Generously assisting other people to the extent that we can is a major way people are able to feel a sense of control, whether that was helping other people during the Great Depression or assisting the war effort during WWII. Generously helping others is a very good, self-interested strategy.”
Dear Amy: I’m responding to a question a while back from “Wondering Diners.” These two lucky people were eating out and were dumbfounded when a stranger paid for their meal.
I had a similar experience a few years ago. My wife and I went to a steakhouse for dinner. After we ordered, a server informed us that a gentleman on the other side of the room had paid for our meal. I was wearing a cap with “Korean War Veteran” printed on it.
I wanted to thank him, but he had already left.
I am so grateful there are a few nice people left in the world.
— Proud Veteran
Dear Proud: It feels good to be able to thank veterans for service to the country.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-04-16--Nearly half of Colorado’s coronavirus deaths tied to residential health care facilities, state data

Nearly half of Colorado’s coronavirus deaths tied to residential health care facilities, state data shows

Nearly half of Colorado ’ s deaths from COVID-19 are tied to residential health care facilities , according to newly released state data , and some residents and families are nervous that their nursing homes ’ precautions aren ’ t enough to stop the virus ’ continued spread .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Wednesday reported as many as 176 residents of residential care facilities are believed to have died from the new coronavirus , including 137 lab-confirmed cases and 39 where residents showed symptoms of the new virus but died before being tested .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s 357 deaths attributed to COVID-19 as of Wednesday .
Though residents of nursing homes and other facilities accounted for a huge percentage of deaths , they only made up a small fraction of total cases .
The state reported 632 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases in long-term care facilities — less than 8 % of the 8,280 confirmed cases statewide .
On Wednesday , the state reported outbreaks in 79 health care facilities , a steep increase from the end of March , when fewer than 10 were believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state of Colorado defines an outbreak as at least one confirmed case in a facility , if other people also are showing symptoms .
Four Colorado facilities — all in Greeley and Aurora — have reported COVID-19 deaths in the double digits : • Centennial Healthcare Center in Greeley , with 18 deaths and 38 cases • Cherry Creek Nursing Center in Aurora , with 14 deaths and 51 cases • Juniper Village in Aurora , with 10 deaths and 36 cases • Fairacres Manor in Greeley , with 10 deaths and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday said that better protecting people living in nursing homes , as well as others at risk because of health conditions or advanced age , is a vital step before the state ’ s economy can begin to reopen .
Colorado will release data about coronavirus outbreaks at residential health care sites , correctional facilities and factories every Wednesday .
“ We ’ re trying to cast a broad net in providing greater transparency in reporting data , ” Polis said .
Nationwide , at least 3,800 people in 2,500 long-term care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times .
The numbers almost certainly underestimate the true toll , since some states haven ’ t reported how many deaths happened in health-care settings .
The virus is most deadly for older people and those with chronic conditions , who make up most of the population of long-term care facilities .
Nursing home residents also tend to be highly dependent on staff for help with bathing , dressing and other daily activities that have to be done up close , increasing the chances for germs to spread .
Brenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boulder , a senior living facility , with her roommate , who has been coughing for more than a week .
She initially attributed the cough to her roommate ’ s smoking habit , but the situation took a worrisome turn over Easter weekend when her roommate began running a fever .
At that point staff began telling residents to wear homemade masks and removed furniture from common areas to reduce the odds of people gathering , she said .
Mesa Vista isn ’ t included on the current list of facilities with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boulder County Public Health received a report that two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on April 6 .
Two residents also have tested positive since then , according to the county health department .
Administrators for the nursing home referred questions to Vivage Senior Living , which owns Mesa Vista and other long-term care facilities in Colorado .
Representatives for Vivage didn ’ t respond to a request for comment from The Denver Post .
Dikes , who has chronic health conditions that could place her at a higher risk for complications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe quarantined with her roommate , who tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday .
She hopes they can move to separate rooms , but so far has heard that they ’ ll have to stay together until her roommate recovers .
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommend that facilities separate residents confirmed to have COVID-19 , those who they have no reason to believe are infected and those who were exposed but haven ’ t yet shown symptoms .
“ You have a lot of questions in your mind : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what will I have to do ?
” Dikes said .
The state previously had estimated that , as of April 5 , residents of long-term care facilities accounted for about two out of every five deaths from COVID-19 in Colorado .
That ’ s in spite of efforts to keep the virus out by restricting non-essential visitors and to segregate infected and unexposed residents , including moving residents who tested negative from a facility with an outbreak to one that hasn ’ t had any cases .
At least one company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents to test negative and agree to daily monitoring for symptoms to keep the virus out of its multiple facilities in the Denver suburbs .
What might seem like relatively small mistakes in infection control in a nursing facility can cause major problems .
A January inspection of Mesa Vista found 16 residents had flu-like symptoms , and eight had confirmed cases of influenza , according to state records .
More than half of the confirmed cases were in rooms cleaned by the same housekeeper , who made mistakes like forgetting to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — though that doesn ’ t prove she spread the flu virus between those rooms .
Another complicating factor is that some people can transmit the virus before developing symptoms , making it difficult to be certain that staff aren ’ t bringing the virus with them to work .
Dikes said she appreciates the staff who have kept coming to work .
It ’ s taking longer to get help since so many staff have called out sick , but most of those who come in are doing everything they can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so thankful to them for coming in to help me , because they could get sick , ” she said .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Nearly half of Colorado’s deaths from COVID-19 are tied to residential health care facilities, according to newly released state data, and some residents and families are nervous that their nursing homes’ precautions aren’t enough to stop the virus’ continued spread.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Wednesday reported as many as 176 residents of residential care facilities are believed to have died from the new coronavirus, including 137 lab-confirmed cases and 39 where residents showed symptoms of the new virus but died before being tested.
Those combined cases account for 49% of Colorado’s 357 deaths attributed to COVID-19 as of Wednesday.
Though residents of nursing homes and other facilities accounted for a huge percentage of deaths, they only made up a small fraction of total cases. The state reported 632 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases in long-term care facilities — less than 8% of the 8,280 confirmed cases statewide.
On Wednesday, the state reported outbreaks in 79 health care facilities, a steep increase from the end of March, when fewer than 10 were believed to have at least one COVID-19 patient. The state of Colorado defines an outbreak as at least one confirmed case in a facility, if other people also are showing symptoms.
Four Colorado facilities — all in Greeley and Aurora — have reported COVID-19 deaths in the double digits:
Centennial Healthcare Center in Greeley, with 18 deaths and 38 cases
Cherry Creek Nursing Center in Aurora, with 14 deaths and 51 cases
Juniper Village in Aurora, with 10 deaths and 36 cases
Fairacres Manor in Greeley, with 10 deaths and 26 cases
Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday said that better protecting people living in nursing homes, as well as others at risk because of health conditions or advanced age, is a vital step before the state’s economy can begin to reopen.
Colorado will release data about coronavirus outbreaks at residential health care sites, correctional facilities and factories every Wednesday. “We’re trying to cast a broad net in providing greater transparency in reporting data,” Polis said.
Nationwide, at least 3,800 people in 2,500 long-term care facilities have died of COVID-19, according to The New York Times. The numbers almost certainly underestimate the true toll, since some states haven’t reported how many deaths happened in health-care settings.
The virus is most deadly for older people and those with chronic conditions, who make up most of the population of long-term care facilities. Nursing home residents also tend to be highly dependent on staff for help with bathing, dressing and other daily activities that have to be done up close, increasing the chances for germs to spread.
“What am I supposed to do?”
Brenda Dikes is quarantined at Mesa Vista of Boulder, a senior living facility, with her roommate, who has been coughing for more than a week.
She initially attributed the cough to her roommate’s smoking habit, but the situation took a worrisome turn over Easter weekend when her roommate began running a fever. At that point staff began telling residents to wear homemade masks and removed furniture from common areas to reduce the odds of people gathering, she said.
Mesa Vista isn’t included on the current list of facilities with outbreaks released by the state, though Boulder County Public Health received a report that two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on April 6. Two residents also have tested positive since then, according to the county health department.
Administrators for the nursing home referred questions to Vivage Senior Living, which owns Mesa Vista and other long-term care facilities in Colorado. Representatives for Vivage didn’t respond to a request for comment from The Denver Post.
Dikes, who has chronic health conditions that could place her at a higher risk for complications, said she doesn’t feel safe quarantined with her roommate, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. She hopes they can move to separate rooms, but so far has heard that they’ll have to stay together until her roommate recovers.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommend that facilities separate residents confirmed to have COVID-19, those who they have no reason to believe are infected and those who were exposed but haven’t yet shown symptoms.
“You have a lot of questions in your mind: What am I supposed to do, and what will I have to do?” Dikes said.
Staff poses risk, is at risk
The state previously had estimated that, as of April 5, residents of long-term care facilities accounted for about two out of every five deaths from COVID-19 in Colorado. That’s in spite of efforts to keep the virus out by restricting non-essential visitors and to segregate infected and unexposed residents, including moving residents who tested negative from a facility with an outbreak to one that hasn’t had any cases.
At least one company, Assured Assisted Living, is requiring new residents to test negative and agree to daily monitoring for symptoms to keep the virus out of its multiple facilities in the Denver suburbs.
What might seem like relatively small mistakes in infection control in a nursing facility can cause major problems.
A January inspection of Mesa Vista found 16 residents had flu-like symptoms, and eight had confirmed cases of influenza, according to state records. More than half of the confirmed cases were in rooms cleaned by the same housekeeper, who made mistakes like forgetting to change her gloves or wipe down door knobs — though that doesn’t prove she spread the flu virus between those rooms.
Another complicating factor is that some people can transmit the virus before developing symptoms, making it difficult to be certain that staff aren’t bringing the virus with them to work.
Dikes said she appreciates the staff who have kept coming to work. It’s taking longer to get help since so many staff have called out sick, but most of those who come in are doing everything they can, she said.
“I’m so thankful to them for coming in to help me, because they could get sick,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-04-16--Checking for the check: Mad rush to see if stimulus money has arrived bogs down bank systems

People are so anxious to find out if their stimulus checks have deposited that they are straining the computer and customer service systems at financial institutions across the state and nation .
“ We have heard in the last 24 hours that there have been temporary outages , primarily among the three big data processors that serve the bulk of the banks in the U.S .
The presumed reason is the volume of customers going online at thousands of banks to check if the federal government cash payment has been deposited in their account , ” said Don Childears , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first wave of disbursements is huge at 81 million and it appears to have overwhelmed the financial system , but things should go more smoothly in future rounds .
If the money is in an account , it will be safe , whether a customer casts eyes on it or not .
Childears and individual financial institutions urged people to be patient .
“ Due to Economic Impact Payments being deposited into accounts , we are experiencing high volumes on our website and are aware some members may have issues logging in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bellco Credit Union wrote members on Wednesday afternoon .
The credit union said it was working on the problem as quickly as possible and advised its members that their odds were better if they used a mobile device to sign in .
“ We have seen a significant increase in the number of customers seeking guidance from our branch and contact centers , and we expect demand to increase further as people receive federal government stimulus payments , ” Wells Fargo , the state ’ s largest bank , said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Wells Fargo experienced its largest day ever on Wednesday for direct deposits because of a combination of stimulus payments and tax refunds .
But he added the bank ’ s website and online tools were functioning normally .
To put customers at ease , Wells Fargo said it wouldn ’ t claim the stimulus money to offset negative balances , which is a worry for those who have overdrawn accounts .
“ To do our part to provide our customers access to the stimulus payment funds , Wells Fargo is pausing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing at the time when stimulus payments are deposited , ” the bank said .
Under the $ 2.2 trillion CARES Act , most people can expect a payment of $ 1,200 each , with an additional $ 500 payment per child under age 17 .
Those reporting incomes of between $ 75,000 and $ 99,000 individually or $ 150,000 and $ 198,000 jointly will have their payments pro-rated , while those above the upper amounts won ’ t see a deposit or check .
The IRS sent the first wave of money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and last year and who provided online bank account information .
Those who didn ’ t do so will have to wait .
Paper checks will start going out on April 20 in a process that could take months .
The federal government needs to cut 70 million to 100 million stimulus checks , but can only handle 5 million checks a week .
Wells Fargo is directing people who receive paper checks to deposit them via mobile deposit or at an ATM rather than lining up at branches that are open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account information since they last filed taxes can go the IRS website on Economic Impact Payments and submit new information , although that site is reportedly getting bogged down as well .
Things are more complicated absent a federal tax return filed for 2018 or 2019 .
People who make less than $ 12,200 individually or $ 24,400 for married couples typically don ’ t have to file a federal tax return , unless they are claiming a credit .
The Colorado Department of Human Services on Wednesday urged people who haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible so the federal government is aware they are out there and to speed up the arrival of a stimulus payment .
Filing a return will also help determine eligibility for other tax breaks like the earned income and child tax credits .
“ We want to make sure that everyone who should get a check does get a check ; that includes those who don ’ t typically have to file taxes , those without a permanent home address , or those who don ’ t have a bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Powell , director of the Office of Economic Security at CDHS in a release .
Nationally , as many as 10 million people could miss out on a stimulus check because they aren ’ t in the federal tax system , according to estimates from the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center .
The state has a website to help low-income filers at getaheadcolorado.org .

People are so anxious to find out if their stimulus checks have deposited that they are straining the computer and customer service systems at financial institutions across the state and nation.
“We have heard in the last 24 hours that there have been temporary outages, primarily among the three big data processors that serve the bulk of the banks in the U.S. The presumed reason is the volume of customers going online at thousands of banks to check if the federal government cash payment has been deposited in their account,” said Don Childears, CEO of the Colorado Bankers Association.
The first wave of disbursements is huge at 81 million and it appears to have overwhelmed the financial system, but things should go more smoothly in future rounds. If the money is in an account, it will be safe, whether a customer casts eyes on it or not. Childears and individual financial institutions urged people to be patient.
“Due to Economic Impact Payments being deposited into accounts, we are experiencing high volumes on our website and are aware some members may have issues logging in to online banking and the mobile app,” Bellco Credit Union wrote members on Wednesday afternoon.
The credit union said it was working on the problem as quickly as possible and advised its members that their odds were better if they used a mobile device to sign in.
“We have seen a significant increase in the number of customers seeking guidance from our branch and contact centers, and we expect demand to increase further as people receive federal government stimulus payments,” Wells Fargo, the state’s largest bank, said in a press release.
Spokesman Steve Carlson said Wells Fargo experienced its largest day ever on Wednesday for direct deposits because of a combination of stimulus payments and tax refunds. But he added the bank’s website and online tools were functioning normally.
To put customers at ease, Wells Fargo said it wouldn’t claim the stimulus money to offset negative balances, which is a worry for those who have overdrawn accounts.
“To do our part to provide our customers access to the stimulus payment funds, Wells Fargo is pausing for 30 days the collection of negative balances existing at the time when stimulus payments are deposited,” the bank said.
Under the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, most people can expect a payment of $1,200 each, with an additional $500 payment per child under age 17. Those reporting incomes of between $75,000 and $99,000 individually or $150,000 and $198,000 jointly will have their payments pro-rated, while those above the upper amounts won’t see a deposit or check.
The IRS sent the first wave of money to people who filed tax returns this year and last year and who provided online bank account information. Those who didn’t do so will have to wait.
Paper checks will start going out on April 20 in a process that could take months. The federal government needs to cut 70 million to 100 million stimulus checks, but can only handle 5 million checks a week.
Wells Fargo is directing people who receive paper checks to deposit them via mobile deposit or at an ATM rather than lining up at branches that are open.
Those who have changed their bank account information since they last filed taxes can go the IRS website on Economic Impact Payments and submit new information, although that site is reportedly getting bogged down as well.
Things are more complicated absent a federal tax return filed for 2018 or 2019. People who make less than $12,200 individually or $24,400 for married couples typically don’t have to file a federal tax return, unless they are claiming a credit.
The Colorado Department of Human Services on Wednesday urged people who haven’t filed their taxes to do so as soon as possible so the federal government is aware they are out there and to speed up the arrival of a stimulus payment. Filing a return will also help determine eligibility for other tax breaks like the earned income and child tax credits.
“We want to make sure that everyone who should get a check does get a check; that includes those who don’t typically have to file taxes, those without a permanent home address, or those who don’t have a bank account,” said Ki’I Powell, director of the Office of Economic Security at CDHS in a release.
Nationally, as many as 10 million people could miss out on a stimulus check because they aren’t in the federal tax system, according to estimates from the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. The state has a website to help low-income filers at getaheadcolorado.org.


thedenverpost--2020-04-16--In deadly shooting, Eads man and Kiowa County deputies identified

A 39-year-old man from Eads and the Kiowa County sheriff ’ s deputies who shot and killed him last week @ @ @ @ @ Gifford was shot on April 9 during a traffic stop at the intersection of Colorado @ @ @ @ @ Brandon , according to the Colorado Department of Public Safety .
Undersheriff Tracy Weisenhorn and @ @ @ @ @ administrative leave from the sheriff ’ s office as an investigation into the shooting continues @ @ @ @ @ release from the department .
Gifford was a passenger in a pickup that was pulled @ @ @ @ @ to run away , the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said in an earlier news release @ @ @ @ @ and shots were fired .
Investigators have not said whether Gifford was armed .


thedenverpost--2020-01-07--US trade deficit falls 8.2% to $43.1 billion in November

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit fell in November to the lowest level in more than three years as U.S. exports rose while imports declined , putting the country on track to see the first annual decline in the trade deficit in six years .
The Commerce Department said Tuesday that the gap between what America sells and what it buys abroad narrowed by 8.2 % in November to $ 43.1 billion , the smallest deficit since October 2016 .
Through the first 11 months of 2019 , the trade deficit is 0.7 % smaller than in the same period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December , the country will finish 2019 with a deficit slightly below last year ’ s $ 627.7 billion imbalance , which had been a 14.1 % jump over 2017 .
That would mark the first year-to-year improvement since the deficit narrowed in 2013 .
Economists said the third monthly decline in the trade deficit should give a boost to overall growth as measured by the gross domestic product in the fourth quarter .
Andrew Hunter , senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics , said he believed GDP growth would come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the trade improvement providing much of that strength .
But he cautioned that the improvement was built on a number of special factors that will not be repeated such as the end of the strike at General Motors which boosted auto exports .
Still , he said with global manufacturing starting to improve , the worst of the trade slump may be over .
“ The stabilization in global manufacturing activity and the trade truce with China suggest that the drag on the U.S. economy from weak growth overseas has now run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The politically sensitive deficit with China declined by 15.7 % to $ 26.4 billion .
Through the first 11 months of 2019 , the U.S. trade deficit with China , the largest with any country , is 16.2 % lower than the same period in 2018 .
Trade flows between the world ’ s two biggest economies have been disrupted this year by the tit-for-tat trade war as both nations have imposed tariffs on the other nation ’ s products .
Trump withdrew a new round of tariffs covering popular consumer items such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into effect in December after progress was made in reaching a so-called phase one trade agreement .
That deal is scheduled to be signed on Jan. 15 in Washington , but business executives are braced for more trade turbulence if the phase two talks covering more contentious U.S. demands do not go well .
While Trump sees the U.S. trade deficit as a sign of economic weakness that can be overcome with tougher trade deals , mainstream economists said the deficit reflects an economic reality that doesn ’ t yield much to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than they produce , and imports fill the gap .
Imports and exports of petroleum both fell in November but imports declined by a larger amount , pushing up the size of the U.S. surplus in petroleum to $ 832 million , the third straight month the country has run a petroleum surplus and the largest amount on record going back to 1978 .
In November , the United States ran a $ 63.9 billion deficit in the trade of goods such as autos , food and appliances .
But it ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including education and banking .
The deficit with Japan rose to $ 5.4 billion in November while the deficit with the countries of the European Union declined to $ 13.1 billion .
America ’ s deficit with Mexico rose to $ 8.3 billion while the deficit with Canada totaled $ 1.4 billion , a drop from $ 3.3 billion in October .

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit fell in November to the lowest level in more than three years as U.S. exports rose while imports declined, putting the country on track to see the first annual decline in the trade deficit in six years.
The Commerce Department said Tuesday that the gap between what America sells and what it buys abroad narrowed by 8.2% in November to $43.1 billion, the smallest deficit since October 2016.
Through the first 11 months of 2019, the trade deficit is 0.7% smaller than in the same period in 2018. If that trend holds in December, the country will finish 2019 with a deficit slightly below last year’s $627.7 billion imbalance, which had been a 14.1% jump over 2017.
That would mark the first year-to-year improvement since the deficit narrowed in 2013.
Economists said the third monthly decline in the trade deficit should give a boost to overall growth as measured by the gross domestic product in the fourth quarter.
Andrew Hunter, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics, said he believed GDP growth would come in around 2% in the October-December period with the trade improvement providing much of that strength.
But he cautioned that the improvement was built on a number of special factors that will not be repeated such as the end of the strike at General Motors which boosted auto exports. Still, he said with global manufacturing starting to improve, the worst of the trade slump may be over.
“The stabilization in global manufacturing activity and the trade truce with China suggest that the drag on the U.S. economy from weak growth overseas has now run its course,” Hunter said.
The politically sensitive deficit with China declined by 15.7% to $26.4 billion. Through the first 11 months of 2019, the U.S. trade deficit with China, the largest with any country, is 16.2% lower than the same period in 2018.
Trade flows between the world’s two biggest economies have been disrupted this year by the tit-for-tat trade war as both nations have imposed tariffs on the other nation’s products.
Trump withdrew a new round of tariffs covering popular consumer items such as cellphones that had been scheduled to go into effect in December after progress was made in reaching a so-called phase one trade agreement. That deal is scheduled to be signed on Jan. 15 in Washington, but business executives are braced for more trade turbulence if the phase two talks covering more contentious U.S. demands do not go well.
While Trump sees the U.S. trade deficit as a sign of economic weakness that can be overcome with tougher trade deals, mainstream economists said the deficit reflects an economic reality that doesn’t yield much to changes in government policy: Americans consume more than they produce, and imports fill the gap.
Imports and exports of petroleum both fell in November but imports declined by a larger amount, pushing up the size of the U.S. surplus in petroleum to $832 million, the third straight month the country has run a petroleum surplus and the largest amount on record going back to 1978.
In November, the United States ran a $63.9 billion deficit in the trade of goods such as autos, food and appliances. But it ran a $20.8 billion surplus in services, including education and banking.
The deficit with Japan rose to $5.4 billion in November while the deficit with the countries of the European Union declined to $13.1 billion. America’s deficit with Mexico rose to $8.3 billion while the deficit with Canada totaled $1.4 billion, a drop from $3.3 billion in October.


thedenverpost--2020-01-07--Denver weather: Warm, sunny and breezy

Denver weather: Warm, sunny and breezy

Tuesday is expected to be warm and sunny in Denver , but a high wind advisory is in effect through this morning in the foothills , according to the National Weather Service .
The metro area temperature is expected to be near 56 degrees and winds may gust as high as 23 mph .
Foothills communities in Larimer , Boulder , Jefferson counties and elsewhere could see wind gusts as high as 44 mph .
The wind will taper off in the afternoon .
Denver ’ s overnight low is expected to be around 26 degrees .
Wednesday is again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near 59 degrees and an overnight low of 26 .
Thursday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 46 degrees and an overnight low of 24 .
There is a 20 percent chance of snow showers on Thursday night .
Friday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 37 degrees and a 20 percent chance of snow showers .
The overnight low is expected to be 17 degrees .
Saturday will again be mostly with a high near 44 and an overnight low around 22 degrees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of snow showers on a mostly sunny day with a high temperature of 42 degrees and an overnight low around 19 .

Tuesday is expected to be warm and sunny in Denver, but a high wind advisory is in effect through this morning in the foothills, according to the National Weather Service.
The metro area temperature is expected to be near 56 degrees and winds may gust as high as 23 mph.
Foothills communities in Larimer, Boulder, Jefferson counties and elsewhere could see wind gusts as high as 44 mph. The wind will taper off in the afternoon.
Denver’s overnight low is expected to be around 26 degrees.
Wednesday is again expected to be sunny with a high near 59 degrees and an overnight low of 26.
Thursday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 46 degrees and an overnight low of 24. There is a 20 percent chance of snow showers on Thursday night.
Friday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 37 degrees and a 20 percent chance of snow showers. The overnight low is expected to be 17 degrees.
Saturday will again be mostly with a high near 44 and an overnight low around 22 degrees.
On Sunday there is a slight chance of snow showers on a mostly sunny day with a high temperature of 42 degrees and an overnight low around 19.


thedenverpost--2020-01-07--6.4 earthquake strikes Puerto Rico amid heavy seismic activity

PONCE , Puerto Rico — A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico before dawn on Tuesday , killing one man , injuring at least eight other people and collapsing buildings .
The quake was followed by a series of strong aftershocks , part of a 10-day series of temblors spawned by the grinding of tectonic plates along three faults beneath southern Puerto Rico .
Seismologists say it ’ s impossible to predict when the quakes will stop or whether they will get stronger .
The 6.4-magnitude quake cut power to the island as power plants shut down to protect themselves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they expected power to be restored later Tuesday .
Puerto Rico ’ s main airport was operating normally , using generator power .
Teacher Rey González told The Associated Press that his uncle was killed when a wall collapsed on him at the home they shared in the city of Ponce .
He said 73-year-old Nelson Martínez was disabled and that he and his father cared for him .
Eight people were injured in Ponce , near the epicenter of the quake , Mayor Mayita Meléndez told WAPA television .
Hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , some cooking food on barbeque grills , afraid to return home for fear of structural damage and aftershocks .
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit at 4:24 a.m. just south of the island at a shallow depth of six miles ( 10 kilometers ) .
It initially gave the magnitude as 6.6 but later adjusted it .
At 7:18 a.m. , a magnitude-6.0 aftershock hit the same area .
People reported strong shaking and staff at a local radio station said live on air that they were leaving their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after the initial quake , but was later canceled .
Amir Señeriz leaned against the cracked wall of his Freemason Lodge in Ponce and wailed .
The roof of the 1915 building was partially collapsed and dust and debris lay around him .
Outside , he had already carefully placed 10 large historic paintings .
The earth continued trembling as he went back into the building to recover more artifacts .
Helping him was artist Nelson Figueroa , 44 , who said he slept in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said , adding that there was a traffic jam in his coastal neighborhood as terrified people fled .
Albert Rodríguez , who is from the southwest town of Guánica , said the tsunami sirens went off before officials canceled the alert .
He said there is widespread damage in his neighborhood .
“ The road is cracked in the middle and it lifted up , ” he said .
The mayor in the southwest town of Guayanilla , Nelson Torres , told NotiUno radio station that the church in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Puerto Rico ’ s governor , Wanda Vasquez , ordered government offices closed for the day and urged citizens to remain calm and not check damage to their homes until daylight .
A 5.8-magnitude quake that struck early Monday morning collapsed five homes in Guánica and heavily damaged dozens of others .
It also caused small landslides and power outages .
The quake was followed by a string of smaller temblors .
The shake collapsed a coastal rock formation that had formed a sort of rounded window , Punta Ventana , that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Residents in the south of the island have been terrified to go into their homes for fear that another quake will bring buildings down .
The flurry of quakes in Puerto Rico ’ s southern region began the night of Dec. 28 .
Seismologists say that shallow quakes were occurring along three faults in Puerto Rico ’ s southwest region : Lajas Valley , Montalva Point and the Guayanilla Canyon , as the North American plate and the Caribbean plate squeeze Puerto Rico .
One of the largest and most damaging earthquakes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when a magnitude 7.3 quake struck near the island ’ s northwest coast , unleashing a tsunami and killing 116 people .

GUAYANILLA, Puerto Rico — A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico before dawn on Tuesday, killing one man, injuring at least eight other people and collapsing buildings in the southern part of the island.
The quake was followed by a series of strong aftershocks, part of a 10-day series of temblors spawned by the grinding of tectonic plates along three faults beneath southern Puerto Rico. Seismologists say it’s impossible to predict when the quakes will stop or whether they will get stronger.
The 6.4-magnitude quake cut power to the island as power plants shut down to protect themselves. Authorities said two plants suffered light damage and they expected power to be restored later Tuesday. Puerto Rico’s main airport was operating normally, using generator power.
“I’ve never been so scared in my life,” said Nelson Rivera, a 70-year-old resident who fled his home in the city of Ponce, near the epicenter of the quake. “I didn’t think we would get out. I said: ‘We’ll be buried here.’”
Puerto Rico’s governor, Wanda Vásquez, declared a state of emergency and activated the territory’s National Guard. She said some 300,000 households remained without running water by late Tuesday afternoon, and several hundred people were in shelters in affected municipalities. She said she had not spoken to President Donald Trump by late morning.
Teacher Rey González told The Associated Press that his uncle was killed when a wall collapsed on him at the home they shared in Ponce. He said 73-year-old Nelson Martínez was disabled and that he and his father cared for him.
Eight people were injured in Ponce, Mayor Mayita Meléndez told WAPA television. Hundreds of people sat in the streets of the city, some cooking food on barbeque grills, afraid to return home for fear of structural damage and aftershocks.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit at 4:24 a.m. just south of the island at a shallow depth of six miles (10 kilometers). It initially gave the magnitude as 6.6 but later adjusted it. At 7:18 a.m., a magnitude-6.0 aftershock hit the same area. People reported strong shaking and staff at a local radio station said live on air that they were leaving their building
A tsunami alert was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after the initial quake, then canceled.
U.S. President Donald Trump was briefed on the earthquakes in Puerto Rico in the past month, including the one on Tuesday, said Judd Deere, White House deputy press secretary.
“Administration officials, including FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, have been in touch with the Governor and her team today, and we will continue to monitor the effects and coordinate with Puerto Rico officials,” Deere said.
In the historic district of Ponce, authorities evacuated more than 150 people from two buildings they said were in danger of collapsing. Among them were more than two dozen elderly patients from a nursing home who sat in their wheelchairs in silence as the earth continued to tremble.
Amir Señeriz leaned against the cracked wall of his Freemason Lodge in Ponce and wailed.
The roof of the 1915 building was partially collapsed and dust and debris lay around him.
Outside, he had already carefully placed 10 large historic paintings. The earth continued trembling as he went back into the building to recover more artifacts.
Helping him was artist Nelson Figueroa, 44, who said he slept in his street clothes.
“It was chaos,” he said, adding that there was a traffic jam in his coastal neighborhood as terrified people fled.
Much of the damage was reported in the southwest coastal town of Guayanilla, where the mayor said the municipality won’t have power for at least two weeks.
A 19th-century church in Guayanilla partially collapsed.
Ruth Caravallo, 73, held on to the church’s wrought-iron gate as she cried.
“My sister was the secretary here,” she said. “My husband died two months ago, and I held services for him here.”
Around the corner, Father Melvin Díaz spoke to a friend on the phone and described damage to the church’s icons.
“The Virgin fell, Saint Judas is intact,” he said, chuckling.
Díaz surveyed the collapsed church and said he was optimistic about rebuilding.
“This isn’t a problem, it’s a challenge,” he said.
Some people rode their bicycles around the public plaza while others sought shade under lush trees that shook occasionally as the aftershocks continued.
In one corner of the plaza, 74-year-old Alvin Rivera paused as he scrutinized the damage around him.
“It’s terribly sad,” he said. “People are panicked.”
A 5.8-magnitude quake that struck early Monday morning collapsed five homes in Guánica and heavily damaged dozens of others. It also caused small landslides and power outages. The quake was followed by a string of smaller temblors.
The shake collapsed a coastal rock formation that had formed a sort of rounded window, Punta Ventana, that was a popular tourist draw in Guayanilla.
Residents in the south of the island have been terrified to go into their homes for fear that another quake will bring buildings down.
The flurry of quakes in Puerto Rico’s southern region began the night of Dec. 28. Seismologists say that shallow quakes were occurring along three faults in Puerto Rico’s southwest region: Lajas Valley, Montalva Point and the Guayanilla Canyon, as the North American plate and the Caribbean plate squeeze Puerto Rico.
One of the largest and most damaging earthquakes to hit Puerto Rico occurred in October 1918, when a magnitude 7.3 quake struck near the island’s northwest coast, unleashing a tsunami and killing 116 people.