thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Ten Denver firefighters test positive for coronavirus

The Denver Fire Department on Monday reported 10 firefighters tested positive for coronavirus and are quarantined .
The fire department has 38 stations throughout the city , and it employs 1,040 firefighters , said Capt .
Greg Pixley , a department spokesman .
Denver Fire , along with other departments throughout the state , is continuing measures to slow and prevent the spread of coronavirus , Pixley said .
“ We are concerned about our people who have been exposed , ” Pixley said .
“ We are not in a situation where this is compromising our ability to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week Aurora Fire Rescue announced 25 firefighters were temporarily off the job because of coronavirus concerns .
The Denver Fire Department is using multiple new tactics because of the new coronavirus , including 911 call-takers asking specific questions to glean information on COVID-19 symptoms so they cab pass it along to emergency responders .
“ We ’ re taking every precaution we can to avoid exposure , ” Pixley said .
• Hobby Lobby remains open in defiance of Colorado ’ s stay-at-home order , highlighting uncertainty around mandate • It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will spend rest of school year learning remotely , Polis says • Hobby Lobby remains open in defiance of Colorado ’ s stay-at-home order , highlighting uncertainty around mandate • It ’ s “ very likely ” Colorado students will spend rest of school year learning remotely , Polis says On scene firefighters continue to ask questions .
They may make a cell phone call before entering a home or ask questions through a window or door before entering a room , Pixley said .
“ We ’ re trying to use our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : asymptomatic or symptomatic , ” he said .
“ We protect ourselves before we are in a one-on-one situation with a patient.
” Gloves , gowns and masks are essential whether it ’ s “ a best case or worse case scenario , ” Pixley said .
Firefighters clean and wipe down equipment and materials that were exposed , deciding whether to decontaminate or to dispose of items , Pixley said .
Firefighters shower after providing care .
“ We have multiple layers ” of protection , Pixley said .
“ Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing us to have limited numbers ” of firefighters who contract COVID-19 .

The Denver Fire Department on Monday reported 10 firefighters tested positive for coronavirus and are quarantined.
The fire department has 38 stations throughout the city, and it employs 1,040 firefighters, said Capt. Greg Pixley, a department spokesman.
Denver Fire, along with other departments throughout the state, is continuing measures to slow and prevent the spread of coronavirus, Pixley said.
“We are concerned about our people who have been exposed,” Pixley said. “We are not in a situation where this is compromising our ability to provide protection to the citizens of Denver.”
Last week Aurora Fire Rescue announced 25 firefighters were temporarily off the job because of coronavirus concerns.
The Denver Fire Department is using multiple new tactics because of the new coronavirus, including 911 call-takers asking specific questions to glean information on COVID-19 symptoms so they cab pass it along to emergency responders.
“We’re taking every precaution we can to avoid exposure,” Pixley said.
On scene firefighters continue to ask questions. They may make a cell phone call before entering a home or ask questions through a window or door before entering a room, Pixley said.
“We’re trying to use our best understanding of what each situation is: asymptomatic or symptomatic,” he said. “We protect ourselves before we are in a one-on-one situation with a patient.”
Gloves, gowns and masks are essential whether it’s “a best case or worse case scenario,” Pixley said.
Firefighters clean and wipe down equipment and materials that were exposed, deciding whether to decontaminate or to dispose of items, Pixley said. Firefighters shower after providing care.
“We have multiple layers” of protection, Pixley said. “Let’s hope that it’s allowing us to have limited numbers” of firefighters who contract COVID-19.


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Occidental, Noble Energy to reduce hours, pay as oil prices continue to plunge

Colorado ’ s top two oil and gas producers are cutting employees ’ pay and hours and placing workers on furlough as they cope with an extraordinary drop in demand due to the coronavirus-fueled economic clamp-down .
Noble Energy , the state ’ s second-largest oil and gas producer , said Tuesday that it will place roughly 30 % of its U.S. workforce on furlough or part-time starting April 6 .
Employees placed on unpaid furlough and those reduced to half-time will continue to receive full health benefits , company spokeswoman Paula Beasley said in an email .
The cutbacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the next 90-180 days , Beasley said .
Employees can use their accrued paid time off before starting their furlough .
Noble Energy , based in Houston , has a total of 2,300 employees .
It was unclear how many of the 650 Colorado workers would be affected by the reductions .
In February , when the company announced its plans for capital spending , it said 60 % it was allocated for the DJ Basin .
The company initially stopped recruiting new employees and cut is contractor workforce by approximately 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominant player in Colorado ’ s Denver-Julesburg Basin , has notified employees of a number of measures to respond to “ this unprecedented time impacting our industry , and the global economy , ” spokeswoman Jennifer Brice said in an email .
The measures include cutting pay , which Brice said will affect everyone , from the management team on down .
The company didn ’ t specify the size of the pay reductions or the other actions .
“ We deeply value our employees and want to keep them working for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we serve , and the overall economy , ” Brice said .
Occidental , which acquired Anadarko Petrolum in 2019 and took over the Colorado operations , has about 600 employees in the state .
Both companies announced earlier this month that they would significantly reduce spending in the face of plunging oil prices .
Oil prices , already on the way down , plummeted 24 % March 10 , shaking the stock market , when a price war broke out between Saudi Arabia and Russia .
As a result , Saudi Arabia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil , further depressing prices .
Adding to the industry ’ s woes is the global impact of the coronavirus , which has driven down demand for oil .
“ We have a demand collapse that is just unfolding .
The worst is probably going to be in the quarter ahead , ” Ed Morse , managing director and global head of commodity research with Citigroup said in a call with reporters Tuesday .
Oil prices , which are at about $ 20 a barrel , will likely drop more , added Morse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Association for Business Economics .

Colorado’s top two oil and gas producers are cutting employees’ pay and hours and placing workers on furlough as they cope with an extraordinary drop in demand due to the coronavirus-fueled economic clamp-down.
Noble Energy, the state’s second-largest oil and gas producer, said Tuesday that it will place roughly 30% of its U.S. workforce on furlough or part-time starting April 6. Employees placed on unpaid furlough and those reduced to half-time will continue to receive full health benefits, company spokeswoman Paula Beasley said in an email.
The cutbacks are designed to be temporary, focusing on the next 90-180 days, Beasley said. Employees can use their accrued paid time off before starting their furlough.
Noble Energy, based in Houston, has a total of 2,300 employees. It was unclear how many of the 650 Colorado workers would be affected by the reductions. In February, when the company announced plans for capital spending in the U.S., it said 60% it was allocated for the DJ Basin.
The company initially stopped recruiting new employees and cut its contractor workforce by approximately 75%.
Houston-based Occidental Petroleum, the dominant player in Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg Basin, has notified employees of a number of measures to respond to “this unprecedented time impacting our industry, and the global economy,” spokeswoman Jennifer Brice said in an email. The measures include cutting pay, which Brice said will affect everyone, from the management team on down.
The company didn’t specify the size of the pay reductions or the other actions.
“We deeply value our employees and want to keep them working for the health of their families, the communities we serve, and the overall economy,” Brice said.
Occidental, which acquired Anadarko Petrolum in 2019 and took over the Colorado operations, has about 600 employees in the state.
Both companies announced earlier this month that they would significantly reduce spending in the face of plunging oil prices. Oil prices, already on the way down, plummeted 24% March 10, shaking the stock market, when a price war broke out between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
As a result, Saudi Arabia has flooded the saturated market with low-price oil, further depressing prices. Adding to the industry’s woes is the global impact of the coronavirus, which has driven down demand for oil.
“We have a demand collapse that is just unfolding. The worst is probably going to be in the quarter ahead,” Ed Morse, managing director and global head of commodity research with Citigroup said in a call with reporters Tuesday.
Oil prices, which are at about $20 a barrel, will likely drop more, added Morse, speaking on the call organized by the National Association for Business Economics.


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--More than 800 Greeley meat packing plant workers call off as coronavirus is confirmed among employee

More than 800 Greeley meat packing plant workers call off as coronavirus is confirmed among employees

Several hundred workers at the JBS USA meat processing plant in Greeley called off work Monday as a handful of cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed among employees .
About 500 people called off in the morning and another 400 did not go to work in the evening , said Kim Cordova , president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 , a union that represents about 3,000 JBS USA employees at the Greeley plant .
Cameron Bruett , a spokesman for JBS USA , said only 800 employees called off work Monday .
He said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since schools closed earlier this month but that yesterday saw an additional 300 people stay home .
The uptick in absences comes as at least six employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus , Cordova said .
The union is investigating why the hundreds of employees decided to stay home Monday .
“ I don ’ t believe it was a concerted effort by the workers to stage a protest , ” she said .
“ I absolutely believe somebody may have exposed them , or they ’ re afraid , or maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to speculate until we get the information.
” Plant employees speak 27 different languages , she said , which can slow down communication .
The union received the report about the mass call-offs Tuesday morning .
The union is pressing JBS USA , the Greeley-based beef and pork processing company , for more information on the call-offs and is lobbying for additional protections for workers .
The company put in place increased sanitation and disinfection efforts weeks ago , and started staggering shifts and breaks on Monday , Bruett said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have the ability screen employees for high temperatures .
The plant also “ promoted physical distancing ” by putting up tents to give workers more space during lunch breaks , he said .
“ The health and safety of our team members providing food for us all during this unprecedented time remains our top priority , ” he said in a statement , adding that the company also gave $ 600 bonuses to plant employees .
Cordova said JBS has discussed distancing measures such as putting plexiglass barriers between workers , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ While they were getting ready to brace for all this , it just happened , ” she said .
The plant employs between 1,000 and 1,500 workers per shift , and social distancing on the job is difficult because many employees work in tight quarters and use the same break room , Cordova said .
The union is pressing for employees to be given personal protective equipment and is asking the company to identify the areas where the infected employees worked in order to determine how widespread the novel coronavirus is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment , said Tuesday that county health officials couldn ’ t confirm or deny confirmed cases connected to the JBS plant .
Weld County has at least 254 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has seen nine deaths , according to the agency .
There are more than 2,600 cases in the state .
The Greeley meat processing plant is an essential business under the state ’ s stay-at-home order because it is part of the food supply chain .
But Cordova said plant workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment , which guaranteed up to four days of paid sick leave to workers in some essential industries if they suspect they ’ ve contracted COVID-19 .
The rules cover grocery workers and restaurant workers , but not food processing employees , Cordova said .
“ What the company is doing is , if someone tests positive , they are paying them their full wages , ” she said .
“ The problem is there are not enough tests .
”

Several hundred workers at the JBS USA meat processing plant in Greeley called off work Monday as a handful of cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed among employees.
About 500 people called off in the morning and another 400 did not go to work in the evening, said Kim Cordova, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, a union that represents about 3,000 JBS USA employees at the Greeley plant.
Cameron Bruett, a spokesman for JBS USA, said only 800 employees called off work Monday. He said that typical Monday absences have hovered around 500 since schools closed earlier this month but that yesterday saw an additional 300 people stay home.
The uptick in absences comes as at least six employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Cordova said. The union is investigating why the hundreds of employees decided to stay home Monday.
“I don’t believe it was a concerted effort by the workers to stage a protest,” she said. “I absolutely believe somebody may have exposed them, or they’re afraid, or maybe folks are sick. I don’t want to speculate until we get the information.”
Plant employees speak 27 different languages, she said, which can slow down communication. The union received the report about the mass call-offs Tuesday morning.
The union is pressing JBS USA, the Greeley-based beef and pork processing company, for more information on the call-offs and is lobbying for additional protections for workers.
The company put in place increased sanitation and disinfection efforts weeks ago, and started staggering shifts and breaks on Monday, Bruett said Tuesday. Sometime this week, the company should have the ability screen employees for high temperatures. The plant also “promoted physical distancing” by putting up tents to give workers more space during lunch breaks, he said.
“The health and safety of our team members providing food for us all during this unprecedented time remains our top priority,” he said in a statement, adding that the company also gave $600 bonuses to plant employees.
Cordova said JBS has discussed distancing measures such as putting plexiglass barriers between workers, but they had not yet been implemented.
“While they were getting ready to brace for all this, it just happened,” she said.
The plant employs between 1,000 and 1,500 workers per shift, and social distancing on the job is difficult because many employees work in tight quarters and use the same break room, Cordova said. The union is pressing for employees to be given personal protective equipment and is asking the company to identify the areas where the infected employees worked in order to determine how widespread the novel coronavirus is in the facility.
Eric Aakko, spokesman for the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, said Tuesday that county health officials couldn’t confirm or deny confirmed cases connected to the JBS plant.
Weld County has at least 254 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has seen nine deaths, according to the agency. There are more than 2,600 cases in the state.
The Greeley meat processing plant is an essential business under the state’s stay-at-home order because it is part of the food supply chain. But Cordova said plant workers were not included in recent rules issued by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, which guaranteed up to four days of paid sick leave to workers in some essential industries if they suspect they’ve contracted COVID-19. The rules cover grocery workers and restaurant workers, but not food processing employees, Cordova said.
“What the company is doing is, if someone tests positive, they are paying them their full wages,” she said. “The problem is there are not enough tests.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Noted doctor Andrews temporarily halts Tommy John surgeries

GULF BREEZE , Fla. — Prominent orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews has temporarily halted Tommy John operations at his Florida medical center in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
The announcement came Tuesday from his institute in Gulf Breeze .
Some have questioned whether a reconstructive elbow surgery for a ballplayer is an essential procedure at this time .
“ We are not performing any non-urgent or non-emergent procedures , including Tommy John surgery , in compliance with the governor ’ s executive order .
We are adhering to these restrictions and all such cases are suspended at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrews Institute spokesperson said .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis issued an executive order earlier this month that bars “ any medically unnecessary , non-urgent or non-emergency procedure or surgery ” that wouldn ’ t put a patient at risk if delayed .
Stars Chris Sale , Noah Syndergaard and Luis Severino are among the pitchers who have had Tommy John surgery since spring training started , performed by different doctors .
Sale ’ s surgery was done by Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday .
ElAttrache also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I know that I ’ m going to get criticized for taking care of these kinds of guys , but it ’ s essential to their livelihoods , ” ElAttrache was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle last week .
“ If you have somebody ’ s career at stake and they lose two seasons instead of one , I would say that is not a nonessential or unimportant elective procedure , ” he said .
Andrews , who turns 78 in May , has long been among the top sports orthopedists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a medical center in Birmingham , Alabama .

GULF BREEZE, Fla. — Prominent orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews has temporarily halted Tommy John operations at his Florida medical center in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement came Tuesday from his institute in Gulf Breeze. Some have questioned whether a reconstructive elbow surgery for a ballplayer is an essential procedure at this time.
“We are not performing any non-urgent or non-emergent procedures, including Tommy John surgery, in compliance with the governor’s executive order. We are adhering to these restrictions and all such cases are suspended at this time,” a statement from an Andrews Institute spokesperson said.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order earlier this month that bars “any medically unnecessary, non-urgent or non-emergency procedure or surgery” that wouldn’t put a patient at risk if delayed.
Stars Chris Sale, Noah Syndergaard and Luis Severino are among the pitchers who have had Tommy John surgery since spring training started, performed by different doctors.
Sale’s surgery was done by Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday. ElAttrache also looked at Syndergaard’s situation.
“I know that I’m going to get criticized for taking care of these kinds of guys, but it’s essential to their livelihoods,” ElAttrache was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle last week.
“If you have somebody’s career at stake and they lose two seasons instead of one, I would say that is not a nonessential or unimportant elective procedure,” he said.
Andrews, who turns 78 in May, has long been among the top sports orthopedists in the world. He also maintains a medical center in Birmingham, Alabama.


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Colorado reports 18 additional coronavirus deaths as confirmed cases approach 3,000

Colorado ’ s coronavirus-related deaths jumped by 18 on Tuesday as public health officials announced that the state ’ s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is approaching 3,000 .
There have now been at least 69 deaths in the state related to COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the virus , and 509 people hospitalized .
Health officials also have reported 16 outbreaks at residential and non-hospital health care facilities .
El Paso and Weld counties together have seen 25 of the state ’ s deaths , while seven people in Denver have died from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus come from 50 of the state ’ s 64 counties as the virus extends into all corners of the state .
Nearly 17,000 people now have been tested , even as health officials say widespread testing is still needed .
The state is working on mass testing , but has not yet achieved that capacity .
As hospitalizations increase , the state is searching for outside facilities in the event hospitals are overwhelmed by patients .
One such place could be the 7,200-seat Budweiser Events Center in Loveland , said Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office of Emergency Management , in a conference call with reporters .
He did not identify any other facilities under consideration .
“ There ’ s been a significant effort to identify separate facilities to build alternate care facilities to prepare for the surge , ” Willis said .
Despite states taking more serious measures regarding interstate travel , Colorado is not considering closing its borders , Willis said .
Several states , including Texas , are now mandating quarantines for out-of-state visitors from certain places , and the question of strict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate .
In a sign of COVID-19 ’ s spread , health officials confirmed Tuesday that the state ’ s top public health official , Jill Hunsaker Ryan , has been in isolation after the Colorado Springs Gazette reported that her husband tested positive for the virus earlier this month .
“ Jill is working remotely at this time like many people in the state are , ” Scott Bookman , the state ’ s COVID-19 incident commander , said on the conference call .
“ She is healthy and fully engaged .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person again while maintaining social distancing as appropriate .
”

Colorado’s coronavirus-related deaths jumped by 18 on Tuesday as public health officials announced that the state’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is approaching 3,000.
There have now been at least 69 deaths in the state related to COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the virus, and 509 people hospitalized. Health officials also have reported 16 outbreaks at residential and non-hospital health care facilities.
El Paso and Weld counties together have seen 25 of the state’s deaths, while seven people in Denver have died from the virus.
The 2,966 total cases of the new coronavirus come from 50 of the state’s 64 counties as the virus extends into all corners of the state. Nearly 17,000 people now have been tested, even as health officials say widespread testing is still needed. The state is working on mass testing, but has not yet achieved that capacity.
As hospitalizations increase, the state is searching for outside facilities in the event hospitals are overwhelmed by patients. One such place could be the 7,200-seat Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, said Mike Willis, director of the state’s Office of Emergency Management, in a conference call with reporters. He did not identify any other facilities under consideration.
“There’s been a significant effort to identify separate facilities to build alternate care facilities to prepare for the surge,” Willis said.
Despite states taking more serious measures regarding interstate travel, Colorado is not considering closing its borders, Willis said. Several states, including Texas, are now mandating quarantines for out-of-state visitors from certain places, and the question of strict border closures has been subject to legal debate.
In a sign of COVID-19’s spread, health officials confirmed Tuesday that the state’s top public health official, Jill Hunsaker Ryan, has been in isolation after the Colorado Springs Gazette reported that her husband tested positive for the virus earlier this month.
“Jill is working remotely at this time like many people in the state are,” Scott Bookman, the state’s COVID-19 incident commander, said on the conference call. “She is healthy and fully engaged. She will determine when to start working in person again while maintaining social distancing as appropriate.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--How many people have recovered from the coronavirus? Colorado says it can’t yet answer that question

How many people have recovered from the coronavirus? Colorado says it can’t yet answer that question.

As positive cases and deaths connected to the novel coronavirus continue to mount , one statistic has remained unaccounted for in Colorado ’ s daily COVID-19 updates : the number of recovered patients .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment tracks a multitude of data related to the global pandemic on its website , including hospitalizations , the number of people tested , deaths , outbreaks at nursing homes and counties with confirmed cases .
The state has graphs , maps , tables and charts with breakdowns on gender , geography , age and sex .
So where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have recovered from COVID-19 ?
State health officials say we ’ re still too early in the process , with many patients who are hospitalized requiring multiple weeks of care .
In addition , full recovery numbers are difficult to compute because the vast majority of people who get the novel coronavirus recover in their homes without medical attention “ We ’ re working with local public health agencies and partners to identify the best way to identify recoveries , ” Scott Bookman , the state ’ s incident commander for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with reporters .
“ It ’ s a complex number based on hospitalizations.
” As patients begin to be released from hospitals in greater numbers , the state will figure out a method to release those statistics , Bookman told reporters last week .
Still , those numbers likely will miss thousands of people who never interacted with the health care system in the first place as 80 % of cases remain mild in nature .
At least one Colorado county , however , has figured out a method .
Boulder County on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 of its residents have tested positive for COVID-19 , and 42 have now recovered .
After county health officials conduct an investigation into anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 , someone follows up to do a symptom check , Chana Goussetis , Boulder County ’ s health department spokeswoman , said in an email .
When that individual no longer has symptoms , health officials consider them to be recovered .
“ We may not be able to continue this practice if/when positive test results increase significantly , but that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

As positive cases and deaths connected to the novel coronavirus continue to mount, one statistic has remained unaccounted for in Colorado’s daily COVID-19 updates: the number of recovered patients.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment tracks a multitude of data related to the global pandemic on its website, including hospitalizations, the number of people tested, deaths, outbreaks at nursing homes and counties with confirmed cases.
The state has graphs, maps, tables and charts with breakdowns on gender, geography, age and sex.
So where’s the data on how many people have recovered from COVID-19?
State health officials say we’re still too early in the process, with many patients who are hospitalized requiring multiple weeks of care. In addition, full recovery numbers are difficult to compute because the vast majority of people who get the novel coronavirus recover in their homes without medical attention
“We’re working with local public health agencies and partners to identify the best way to identify recoveries,” Scott Bookman, the state’s incident commander for COVID-19, said Tuesday in a conference call with reporters. “It’s a complex number based on hospitalizations.”
As patients begin to be released from hospitals in greater numbers, the state will figure out a method to release those statistics, Bookman told reporters last week.
Still, those numbers likely will miss thousands of people who never interacted with the health care system in the first place as 80% of cases remain mild in nature.
At least one Colorado county, however, has figured out a method.
Boulder County on Tuesday said in a news release that 100 of its residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and 42 have now recovered.
After county health officials conduct an investigation into anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, someone follows up to do a symptom check, Chana Goussetis, Boulder County’s health department spokeswoman, said in an email. When that individual no longer has symptoms, health officials consider them to be recovered.
“We may not be able to continue this practice if/when positive test results increase significantly, but that is currently our process,” Goussetis wrote.


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Crowded trails force Jeffco Sheriff to step up enforcement of “physical distancing”

Faced with continued crowding at Jefferson County Open Space parks — coupled with an expected surge in the number of coronavirus cases in the county this week — the Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Office says it is stepping up enforcement of “ physical distancing ” in open spaces .
“ You may be healthy , ” the sheriff ’ s office wrote in a post on its Facebook page .
“ You may think you ’ ll be fine .
But what about the people around you ?
An elderly loved one ?
A loved one with an underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
We are asking you to physically distance yourself from others right now FOR THEM.
” The post repeated instructions Coloradans have been hearing from public health officials for weeks , reminding trail users that they could be spreading the coronavirus without knowing it if they have the virus but are asymptomatic .
The post shared three photos taken at Jeffco Open Space Parks , including one showing a line of hikers on the dirt road that leads to the top of North Table Mountain .
“ As you can see from these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Sunday ) , many of you are not following the state order and protecting those at risk around you , ” the post said .
“ You will be seeing more deputies working with our ( Jefferson County Open Space ) rangers to educate and enforce the state order for physical distancing at our open spaces.
” The post also urged open space visitors not to use trails when sick and to keep to groups of four or less .
“ If you are sick , do not visit parks ; stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the post reads .
“ Do not gather in groups larger than four .
Separate yourself at least six feet from other people at the trailhead and on the trail .
Bring your own hand sanitizer/washing supplies ; many of our parks lack running water .
Sanitizer is not provided .
Use discretion for park visits and public restroom use .
Surfaces , handles , and fixtures are cleaned frequently , but are open to general public use.
” Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news @ @ @ @ @ @

Faced with continued crowding at Jefferson County Open Space parks — coupled with an expected surge in the number of coronavirus cases in the county this week — the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says it is stepping up enforcement of “physical distancing” in open spaces.
“You may be healthy,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a post on its Facebook page. “You may think you’ll be fine. But what about the people around you? An elderly loved one? A loved one with an underlying medical condition that makes them at risk? We are asking you to physically distance yourself from others right now FOR THEM.”
The post repeated instructions Coloradans have been hearing from public health officials for weeks, reminding trail users that they could be spreading the coronavirus without knowing it if they have the virus but are asymptomatic.
The post shared three photos taken at Jeffco Open Space Parks, including one showing a line of hikers on the dirt road that leads to the top of North Table Mountain.
“As you can see from these photos that Jeffco Open Space rangers took (Sunday), many of you are not following the state order and protecting those at risk around you,” the post said. “You will be seeing more deputies working with our (Jefferson County Open Space) rangers to educate and enforce the state order for physical distancing at our open spaces.”
The post also urged open space visitors not to use trails when sick and to keep to groups of four or less.
“If you are sick, do not visit parks; stay home except to get medical care,” the post reads. “Do not gather in groups larger than four. Separate yourself at least six feet from other people at the trailhead and on the trail. Bring your own hand sanitizer/washing supplies; many of our parks lack running water. Sanitizer is not provided. Use discretion for park visits and public restroom use. Surfaces, handles, and fixtures are cleaned frequently, but are open to general public use.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--NFL team owners vote to expand playoffs to 14 teams

The NFL is gearing up for a normal season and playoffs — with two additional wild-card teams in the Super Bowl chase .
NFL team owners voted Tuesday to expand the playoffs by one team in each conference for a total of 14 next season as they continue to plan for the 2020 season to begin on time .
During a conference call to discuss league business after the annual meetings were canceled due to the new coronavirus , the owners also awarded one of those extra games to CBS and one to NBC .
Three-fourths of the 32 owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vote was unanimous , football operations chief Troy Vincent said .
As for opening the season on Sept. 10 as scheduled , NFL lead counsel Jeff Pash said : “ All of our focus has been on a normal traditional season , starting on time , playing before fans in our regular stadiums and going through our full 16-game regular season and a full playoffs.
” That would include the two stadiums still under construction in Las Vegas and Los Angeles , plus international games in England and Mexico .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our schedule for this year , ” Pash added .
“ We ’ re optimistic just as we expect conditions in the United States to permit playing a full season that that will be the case for our international partners as well .
Obviously , that ’ s something that we ’ ll have to work closely with the authorities , public health and other government authorities in those other countries to make sure it ’ s entirely safe.
” Contingencies are being discussed for all potential interruptions caused by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the postseason field since 1990 , when the NFL went from 10 qualifiers to 12 , only the teams with the best record in the AFC and NFC will get a bye under the new format ; the top two teams in each conference skipped wild-card weekend in the past .
The seventh seed will play No .
2 , the sixth will visit No .
3 and the fifth will be at the fourth seed for wild-card games .
Three games are set for Saturday and Sunday , Jan. 9-10 — pending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; that schedule likely will be released on May 9 , according to Brian Rolapp , the league ’ s chief media and business officer , to give the NFL “ flexibility.
” CBS will broadcast one of the new games on Jan. 10 at approximately 4:40 p.m. EST .
The game will also be available via live stream on CBS All Access .
A separately produced telecast of the game tailored for a younger audience will air on Nickelodeon .
NBC , its new streaming service Peacock and Spanish-language Telemundo will broadcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at approximately 8:15 p.m. EST .
“ It ’ s definitely going to be different , ” Washington Redskins linebacker Thomas Davis said .
“ It ’ s going to be weird .
Essentially , the second team ( in each conference ) is being penalized for being a good football team .
“ It just makes it more competitive , it adds more teams in and it allows teams that are hot late in the season like the Titans to be able to make a run — a team that might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that opportunity .
I like it , though.
” Team presidents and owners were advised of current plans for conducting the draft on April 23-25 .
Peter O ’ Reilly , who oversees organization of major events such as the Super Bowl and draft , said all of the NFL ’ s preparations have been designed to “ ensure the selection process is sound.
” That means equitable arrangements for every team ; “ celebrating and welcoming ” draftees to the league ; fan involvement “ providing an escape for our fans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as a fundraiser for people and communities affected by the pandemic .
O ’ Reilly stressed that social distancing will be maintained , with no more than 10 people together , remaining at least six feet apart .
Anyone who is ill will be kept away .
Commissioner Roger Goodell will make the first-round selection announcements from a central hub , and the telecasts will have connectivity at the 32 teams and potentially at some players ’ or fans ’ homes .
Vincent noted that the powerful competition committee is discussing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a draft slot so teams can complete a trade .
O ’ Reilly said Las Vegas , scheduled to host the draft this year , will get consideration for 2022 ; the 2021 draft will be held in Cleveland .
“ 2022 is an option for Las Vegas , ” he said .
“ We need some time to work through that with Las Vegas and the Raiders , but that is something we are considering.
” This week , Vincent sent a letter to several prospects inviting them to participate “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We hope that you will start your NFL journey with us as part of the NFL family , ” Vincent wrote .
“ At this time , we are working on the plan for draft .
As you can imagine , it is a bit of a moving target with all that is going on .
“ We are contemplating several options that we will be communicating to you once details are confirmed .
We want to ensure that you and your family stay safe while we develop the best way to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplishments as you are drafted into the NFL.
” In recent drafts , first-round selections were announced by Goodell .
Then followed hugs involving players and Goodell — some of them comical — and photo sessions with the players wearing team ball caps or even showing off team jerseys .
Often their families and friends would get involved in the celebrations .
This year , with all public events at the planned site of Las Vegas canceled and the draft set to proceed remotely , players will likely be at their homes when @ @ @ @ @

The NFL is gearing up for a normal season and playoffs — with two additional wild-card teams in the Super Bowl chase.
NFL team owners voted Tuesday to expand the playoffs by one team in each conference for a total of 14 next season as they continue to plan for the 2020 season to begin on time.
During a conference call to discuss league business after the annual meetings were canceled due to the new coronavirus, the owners also awarded one of those extra games to CBS and one to NBC. Three-fourths of the 32 owners needed to approve the change, and the vote was unanimous, football operations chief Troy Vincent said.
As for opening the season on Sept. 10 as scheduled, NFL lead counsel Jeff Pash said: “All of our focus has been on a normal traditional season, starting on time, playing before fans in our regular stadiums and going through our full 16-game regular season and a full playoffs.”
That would include the two stadiums still under construction in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, plus international games in England and Mexico.
“I expect that international games will be part of our schedule for this year,” Pash added. “We’re optimistic just as we expect conditions in the United States to permit playing a full season that that will be the case for our international partners as well. Obviously, that’s something that we’ll have to work closely with the authorities, public health and other government authorities in those other countries to make sure it’s entirely safe.”
Contingencies are being discussed for all potential interruptions caused by the coronavirus.
As for the first expansion of the postseason field since 1990, when the NFL went from 10 qualifiers to 12, only the teams with the best record in the AFC and NFC will get a bye under the new format; the top two teams in each conference skipped wild-card weekend in the past. The seventh seed will play No. 2, the sixth will visit No. 3 and the fifth will be at the fourth seed for wild-card games.
Three games are set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9-10 — pending the NFL schedule going forward as planned; that schedule likely will be released on May 9, according to Brian Rolapp, the league’s chief media and business officer, to give the NFL “flexibility.”
CBS will broadcast one of the new games on Jan. 10 at approximately 4:40 p.m. EST. The game will also be available via live stream on CBS All Access. A separately produced telecast of the game tailored for a younger audience will air on Nickelodeon.
NBC, its new streaming service Peacock and Spanish-language Telemundo will broadcast the other new game on Jan. 10 at approximately 8:15 p.m. EST.
“It’s definitely going to be different,” Washington Redskins linebacker Thomas Davis said. “It’s going to be weird. Essentially, the second team (in each conference) is being penalized for being a good football team.
“It just makes it more competitive, it adds more teams in and it allows teams that are hot late in the season like the Titans to be able to make a run — a team that might not normally be in the playoffs are getting that opportunity. I like it, though.”
Team presidents and owners were advised of current plans for conducting the draft on April 23-25.
Peter O’Reilly, who oversees organization of major events such as the Super Bowl and draft, said all of the NFL’s preparations have been designed to “ensure the selection process is sound.” That means equitable arrangements for every team; “celebrating and welcoming” draftees to the league; fan involvement “providing an escape for our fans and perhaps allowing virtual fan access”; and as a fundraiser for people and communities affected by the pandemic.
O’Reilly stressed that social distancing will be maintained, with no more than 10 people together, remaining at least six feet apart. Anyone who is ill will be kept away.
Commissioner Roger Goodell will make the first-round selection announcements from a central hub, and the telecasts will have connectivity at the 32 teams and potentially at some players’ or fans’ homes.
Vincent noted that the powerful competition committee is discussing a potential one-shot extension of the time limit on a draft slot so teams can complete a trade.
O’Reilly said Las Vegas, scheduled to host the draft this year, will get consideration for 2022; the 2021 draft will be held in Cleveland.
“2022 is an option for Las Vegas,” he said. “We need some time to work through that with Las Vegas and the Raiders, but that is something we are considering.”
This week, Vincent sent a letter to several prospects inviting them to participate “live” in the draft.
“We hope that you will start your NFL journey with us as part of the NFL family,” Vincent wrote. “At this time, we are working on the plan for draft. As you can imagine, it is a bit of a moving target with all that is going on.
“We are contemplating several options that we will be communicating to you once details are confirmed. We want to ensure that you and your family stay safe while we develop the best way to give you a great experience and highlight your accomplishments as you are drafted into the NFL.”
In recent drafts, first-round selections were announced by Goodell. Then followed hugs involving players and Goodell — some of them comical — and photo sessions with the players wearing team ball caps or even showing off team jerseys. Often their families and friends would get involved in the celebrations.
This year, with all public events at the planned site of Las Vegas canceled and the draft set to proceed remotely, players will likely be at their homes when their names are called.


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Broncos Draft Board: After-catch ability makes Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb elite prospect

EDITOR ’ S NOTE : One of a series of profiles on draft prospects who would fit the Broncos ’ needs .
It was as if CeeDee Lamb spent the first half of last year ’ s Oklahoma-Texas game biding his time to show his explosiveness .
He would run in motion .
He would be a decoy .
He would catch passes behind the line of scrimmage .
He would score a 1-yard touchdown .
Ho-hum stuff , frankly .
Statistics : Finished three-year OU career ranked second in touchdown catches ( 32 ) , third in 100-yard games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and sixth in catches ( 173 ) .
… In 2019 , was first-team All-America after catching 82 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns .
… Posted seven 100-yard games in ’ 19 .
… Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds at combine .
Fit for Broncos : Just like adding Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs , doing so with Lamb would give quarterback Drew Lock an option opposite Courtland Sutton .
But then a lightning bolt lit up the Cotton Bowl … or at least Oklahoma ’ s half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motion from left to right and running a wheel route , Lamb caught Jalen Hurts ’ pass at the Longhorns ’ 30-yard line .
The next few seconds is Exhibit A why Lamb could be the first receiver drafted or be available to the Broncos with the 15th pick on April 23 .
Missed tackle at the 24 .
… Missed tackle at the 20 .
… And then the speed to outrun a third defender to the end zone .
It was part of a 10-catch , 171-yard , three-touchdown performance in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you look at who I think is the best receiver in the draft , ( it ’ s ) CeeDee Lamb , ” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said before the scouting combine .
“ You can play him inside/outside .
He wins 50-50 balls .
He breaks a zillion tackles .
“ What he gives you after the catch is just outstanding.
” The Broncos could use an outstanding receiver opposite Courtland Sutton .
“ I would be honored , ” Lamb said at the combine of joining the Broncos ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got a young quarterback in Drew ( Lock ) , and Courtland is a unique receiver .
He ’ s a big guy that can run .
He attacks the ball like no other.
” Lamb could have been describing his game .
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds , he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds at the combine and is a mismatch on a contested throw .
The Texas game was one of seven 100-yard efforts by Lamb , who was named a first-team All-American .
Against the Longhorns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lined up wide left ( 33 plays ) , slot left ( 12 ) , slot right ( seven ) , bunch right ( four ) , wide right ( two ) and bunch left ( one ) .
Lamb was used in motion 14 times , mostly to fake receiving a handoff .
His first touchdown ( 1 yard ) came from the right slot on fourth down when he ran an out route and a teammate ’ s in-breaking pattern forced Lamb ’ s defender to take a wider path .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51-yard highlight-reel effort , and his third touchdown wasn ’ t bad , either .
Leaving from the left slot , Lamb ran an over route , made the contested catch at the 10-yard line and broke two more tackles for a 27-yard score .
Somewhat surprising was Lamb ’ s limited route tree and also the energy he was asked to use as an in-motion decoy .
“ I do feel like I ’ m capable of learning the route tree and playing every position possible , ” he said .
Said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit more of an outside guy who can play inside , but I ’ d like to keep him outside.
” Lamb , who turns 21 next week , lived in Louisiana until his family was displaced to Texas after Hurricane Katrina .
A four-star high school recruit , he picked the Sooners among his 20 offers .
He played with Baker Mayfield as a freshman ( 46 catches ) , Kyler Murray as a sophomore ( 65 catches ) and Hurts last year ( 82 catches ) .
Lamb could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco ) or Derek Carr ( Las Vegas ) this year , but if the 49ers and Raiders pass , the Broncos may be waiting for him .
“ This receiver class is honestly unbelievable in my eyes , ” Lamb said .
“ You can ’ t really go wrong with anybody you draft in the first , second , third or fourth rounds .
”

EDITOR’S NOTE: One of a series of profiles on draft prospects who would fit the Broncos’ needs.
It was as if CeeDee Lamb spent the first half of last year’s Oklahoma-Texas game biding his time to show his explosiveness.
He would run in motion. He would be a decoy. He would catch passes behind the line of scrimmage. He would score a 1-yard touchdown. Ho-hum stuff, frankly.
Lamb File Age: Turns 21 on April 8 Position: Receiver School: Oklahoma Hometown: Richmond, Texas Height/weight: 6-2/198 Statistics: Finished three-year OU career ranked second in touchdown catches (32), third in 100-yard games (16) and yards (3,292) and sixth in catches (173). … In 2019, was first-team All-America after catching 82 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns. … Posted seven 100-yard games in ’19. … Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds at combine. Fit for Broncos: Just like adding Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs, doing so with Lamb would give quarterback Drew Lock an option opposite Courtland Sutton.
But then a lightning bolt lit up the Cotton Bowl … or at least Oklahoma’s half of the stands.
After going in motion from left to right and running a wheel route, Lamb caught Jalen Hurts’ pass at the Longhorns’ 30-yard line.
The next few seconds is Exhibit A why Lamb could be the first receiver drafted or be available to the Broncos with the 15th pick on April 23.
Missed tackle at the 24. … Missed tackle at the 20. … And then the speed to outrun a third defender to the end zone. It was part of a 10-catch, 171-yard, three-touchdown performance in the Sooners’ 34-27 win.
“When you look at who I think is the best receiver in the draft, (it’s) CeeDee Lamb,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said before the scouting combine. “You can play him inside/outside. He wins 50-50 balls. He breaks a zillion tackles.
“What he gives you after the catch is just outstanding.”
The Broncos could use an outstanding receiver opposite Courtland Sutton.
“I would be honored,” Lamb said at the combine of joining the Broncos’ young offensive core. “You’ve got a young quarterback in Drew (Lock), and Courtland is a unique receiver. He’s a big guy that can run. He attacks the ball like no other.”
Lamb could have been describing his game. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds at the combine and is a mismatch on a contested throw.
The Texas game was one of seven 100-yard efforts by Lamb, who was named a first-team All-American.
Against the Longhorns, on 59 charted snaps, Lamb lined up wide left (33 plays), slot left (12), slot right (seven), bunch right (four), wide right (two) and bunch left (one). Lamb was used in motion 14 times, mostly to fake receiving a handoff. His first touchdown (1 yard) came from the right slot on fourth down when he ran an out route and a teammate’s in-breaking pattern forced Lamb’s defender to take a wider path.
Lamb’s second touchdown was the 51-yard highlight-reel effort, and his third touchdown wasn’t bad, either. Leaving from the left slot, Lamb ran an over route, made the contested catch at the 10-yard line and broke two more tackles for a 27-yard score.
Somewhat surprising was Lamb’s limited route tree and also the energy he was asked to use as an in-motion decoy.
“I do feel like I’m capable of learning the route tree and playing every position possible,” he said.
Said Jeremiah: “I think you get a little bit more of an outside guy who can play inside, but I’d like to keep him outside.”
Lamb, who turns 21 next week, lived in Louisiana until his family was displaced to Texas after Hurricane Katrina. A four-star high school recruit, he picked the Sooners among his 20 offers. He played with Baker Mayfield as a freshman (46 catches), Kyler Murray as a sophomore (65 catches) and Hurts last year (82 catches).
Lamb could be playing with Jimmy Garoppolo (San Francisco) or Derek Carr (Las Vegas) this year, but if the 49ers and Raiders pass, the Broncos may be waiting for him.
“This receiver class is honestly unbelievable in my eyes,” Lamb said. “You can’t really go wrong with anybody you draft in the first, second, third or fourth rounds.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Denver’s stay-at-home order will be extended to April 30 to slow coronavirus

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock told The Denver Post on Tuesday that he will extend his stay-at-home order to combat the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed seven people in the city .
“ April 30 looks like it ’ s going to become the new target , ” he said .
The official announcement will likely come Monday .
Hancock said he ’ s speaking frequently with Gov .
Jared Polis and either the governor will issue a statewide extension or the mayor will issue the order for Denver alone .
“ He knows we ’ re ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polis .
Hancock first ordered residents to stay home from March 24 until April 10 , closing nonessential businesses and public places in Denver and cementing social distancing recommendations with the possibility of legal enforcement .
Polis , initially resistant to doing the same for all of Colorado , followed suit two days later with a statewide order that ’ s effective through April 11 .
Hancock adopted the language of Polis ’ statewide order Friday to eliminate confusion between the two stay-at-home directives .
The governor has said a statewide extension appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before making the decision .
President Donald Trump — once hopeful the country would reopen by Easter on April 12 — recently extended social distancing recommendations through April 30 .
The stay-at-home order currently in place is effective at slowing the transmission of the virus , but it ’ s not effective enough , Hancock said .
Some have been slow to embrace the changes , particularly young people and a few businesses .
Already police have made more than 3,000 contacts with residents , issued more than 600 warnings and written five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The overall goal is voluntary compliance with the law rather than legal enforcement .
Under the city extension , the details of the order will remain the same : Restaurants can still offer carryout and delivery .
Denver International Airport will continue to operate and group activities are prohibited in city parks .
Liquor stores , marijuana dispensaries and firearm retailers are allowed to remain open , as well .
Since his initial order , Hancock has taken to Twitter to check in on residents , offer a few activity suggestions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceptable reasons to leave home .
City officials also closed certain roads and parking lots around Denver ’ s parks to further discourage social gatherings .
Reports of the virus ’ spread slowing in national hot spots like Seattle indicate that social distancing measures like stay-at-home orders are effective .
Polis said Monday it ’ s too soon to see the results of Colorado ’ s stay-at-home order , but the closure of restaurants and bars has helped .
Closing major swaths of the economy has steep costs , however .
The unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next three weeks , and many who ’ ve lost their jobs or seen their hours cut back are worried about their ability to pay their rent or mortgage .
The restrictions also are cause for concern for domestic abuse victims forced to remain with their abusers .
And Denver is struggling to find enough individual spaces for those experiencing homelessless even as two positive cases of COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused by the virus , hit that population last week .
As April 30 nears , Hancock said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep a close eye on Denver ’ s rate of positive tests , among other metrics , to determine whether the order should be extended further .
Once it ’ s time for the order to end , he said , he ’ ll look for ways to phase in social interactions safely rather than lifting the stay-at-home requirements all at once .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock told The Denver Post on Tuesday that he will extend his stay-at-home order to combat the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed seven people in the city.
“April 30 looks like it’s going to become the new target,” he said.
The official announcement will likely come Monday. Hancock said he’s speaking frequently with Gov. Jared Polis and either the governor will issue a statewide extension or the mayor will issue the order for Denver alone.
“He knows we’re ready to roll,” Hancock said of Polis.
Hancock first ordered residents to stay home from March 24 until April 10, closing nonessential businesses and public places in Denver and cementing social distancing recommendations with the possibility of legal enforcement.
Polis, initially resistant to doing the same for all of Colorado, followed suit two days later with a statewide order that’s effective through April 11. Hancock adopted the language of Polis’ statewide order Friday to eliminate confusion between the two stay-at-home directives.
The governor has said a statewide extension appears increasingly likely but he needs more data before making the decision.
President Donald Trump — once hopeful the country would reopen by Easter on April 12 — recently extended social distancing recommendations through April 30.
The stay-at-home order currently in place is effective at slowing the transmission of the virus, but it’s not effective enough, Hancock said. Some have been slow to embrace the changes, particularly young people and a few businesses.
Already police have made more than 3,000 contacts with residents, issued more than 600 warnings and written five citations for violating the orders, Hancock said. The overall goal is voluntary compliance with the law rather than legal enforcement.
Under the city extension, the details of the order will remain the same: Restaurants can still offer carryout and delivery. Denver International Airport will continue to operate, and group activities are prohibited in city parks. Liquor stores, marijuana dispensaries and firearm retailers are allowed to remain open, as well.
Since his initial order, Hancock has taken to Twitter to check in on residents, offer a few activity suggestions for those staying at home and review acceptable reasons to leave home.
Hey Denver. I'm checking in to see how everyone is doing during the #StayAtHomeOrder. I hope you've been able to get to complete some things you haven't been able to get to in a while…finishing a puzzle, watching a movie and spending more time with loved ones. pic.twitter.com/kLN8mdbC60 — Michael B. Hancock (@MayorHancock) March 30, 2020
City officials also closed certain roads and parking lots across Denver’s parks to further discourage social gatherings.
During our current Stay at Home Order, @denverparksrec will be closing roads & parking lots to discourage social gatherings in our parks. Please remember to practice physical distancing when walking, running or biking. Park rangers will be out enforcing. https://t.co/SBZFPUu53L pic.twitter.com/VkQYGq1GZx — City and County of Denver (@CityofDenver) March 27, 2020
Reports of the virus’ spread slowing in national hot spots such as Seattle indicate that social distancing measures such as stay-at-home orders are effective. Polis said Monday it’s too soon to see the results of Colorado’s stay-at-home order, but the closure of restaurants and bars has helped.
Closing major swaths of the economy has steep costs, however. The unemployment rate in Colorado is expected to double in the next three weeks, and many who have lost their jobs or seen their hours cut back are worried about their ability to pay their rent or mortgage.
The restrictions also are cause for concern for domestic abuse victims forced to remain with their abusers.
Also, Denver is struggling to find enough individual spaces for those experiencing homelessless even as two positive cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, hit that population last week.
As April 30 nears, Hancock said, he and city public health experts will keep a close eye on Denver’s rate of positive tests, among other metrics, to determine whether the order should be extended further.
Once it’s time for the order to end, he said, he will look for ways to phase in social interactions safely rather than lifting the stay-at-home requirements all at once.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Fire destroys Boyer’s Coffee in Adams County

The fire sent a plume of black smoke into the sky and responding firefighters with Adams County Fire Rescue took defensive measures fighting the blaze , at 7295 Washington Street , because of the fire ’ s intensity , Adams County Fire said on Twitter .
There was no one in the building , and no firefighters were injured .
Boyer ’ s Coffee , owned by brothers Douglass and Jason Barrow , has been a Denver staple since 1965 , with a footprint in over 1,400 stores .
The company also sells its Rockies Roast at Coors Field .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Denver Post , “ We ’ re still assessing the damages , but are happy to report that no employees were injured in the fire .
As a local , family-owned roaster , that ’ s our number one priority at this moment .
We ’ ll share more as additional information becomes available.
” Fire Investigators remained on scene Tuesday afternoon .
The cause of the fire is under investigation .
Washington Street is closed from East 70th Avenue to East 79th Avenue , and traffic is being diverted to @ @ @ @ @

A fire destroyed Boyer’s Coffee roasting plant and cafe in Adams County Tuesday afternoon.
The fire sent a plume of black smoke into the sky and responding firefighters with Adams County Fire Rescue took defensive measures fighting the blaze, at 7295 Washington Street, because of the fire’s intensity, Adams County Fire said on Twitter.
There was no one in the building, and no firefighters were injured.
Boyer’s Coffee, owned by brothers Douglass and Jason Barrow, has been a Denver staple since 1965, with a footprint in over 1,400 stores. The company also sells its Rockies Roast at Coors Field.
Jordan Blakesley, a company spokeswoman, told The Denver Post, “We’re still assessing the damages, but are happy to report that no employees were injured in the fire. As a local, family-owned roaster, that’s our number one priority at this moment. We’ll share more as additional information becomes available.”
Fire Investigators remained on scene Tuesday afternoon. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Washington Street is closed from East 70th Avenue to East 79th Avenue, and traffic is being diverted to Broadway or York Street.


thedenverpost--2020-04-01--Ask Amy: Toxic family leaves a mark

Ask Amy: Toxic family leaves a mark

Dear Readers : Because of syndication scheduling , I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication .
Due to this time lag , the Q & A ’ s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing .
Dear Amy : I have abandonment issues .
My biological mother left me when I was a baby .
Due to the extreme parental neglect in my infancy , the courts awarded custody to my paternal grandmother .
My father moved in with her as well .
In my mind , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a world that I could ’ ve died in , but the truth is , he was just as responsible for my neglect .
My father remarried , and my grandmother allowed me to live with my dad in his new home with his new wife .
I called her “ Mom ” until she passed away .
Mom was not affectionate toward me .
She was very strict .
Fast-forward to now .
I am 50 years old .
My biological mother and stepmother are both dead .
My father remarried again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My issue is a new resentment toward my father .
Having learned that he wasn ’ t the saint I always thought him to be , I find I don ’ t want to speak to him much .
I love him very much , but I ’ m hurt that every woman in his life has had such an influence on him to the neglect of , not just me , but also my two half-sisters .
I don ’ t really want to go down this path .
My bitterness toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love from the woman that raised me has made me a cold person toward family .
I feel more empathy toward strangers than my own relations ( sometimes , even my own children , which I am acutely ashamed of ) .
Therapy is not easily accessible in my rural area , so I ’ m left to my own devices .
What advice can you provide that may warm my heart toward the very few that have loved me ?
Dear Heart : You already seem to have a lot of insight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the connection between the neglect you suffered as a child and your own hesitance ( or inability ) to express affection toward family members .
Insight is a positive start , and you can definitely continue to grow and change .
As a child , your emotional needs weren ’ t met .
Your mother abandoned you and then the other adults in your life didn ’ t provide an emotionally safe and nurturing environment .
To love others fully , you have to learn to fully love yourself .
Loving yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaring how great you are , but that you are learning to accept and embrace your own vulnerability , owning your own mistakes , and leaning into your determination to do better .
Your very efforts toward healing and self-love should be considered your first triumph .
One way to love others is to physically be there for them .
Be present , especially for your children .
Show up for them .
Express an interest in their lives and be bravely expressive toward them .
You should tell them your own story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire to be better , and tell them you are in their corner — through good times and bad .
You are trying to break a generational chain of neglect , so understand that your kids may be bewildered , hurting , and affection-starved , too .
You would benefit from reading “ Healing Your Emotional Self , ” by Beverly Engel ( 2007 , Wiley & Sons ) .
Dear Amy : I am an average-attractive single woman who lives in a big city .
I am frequently approached by men of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to get my phone number .
How do I tell them I am not interested without offending them ?
I stick to my own kind .
Dear No Thanks : It is fairly easy to say , “ No thank you.
” But if you truly want to repel these interested men , you could tell them the truth : “ No offense , but I ’ m a racist.
” They should leave you alone after that .
Dear Amy : Thank you for your response to “ Shy in Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wondering how to possibly meet a nice woman in the supermarket .
It may sound like a cliché , but this is how I met my husband !
He somewhat shyly asked me for advice about produce .
The rest is history .
We ’ re celebrating 15 years of marriage this year .
Dear Together : “ I need a price check for happily-ever-after on Aisle One !
”

Dear Readers: Because of syndication scheduling, I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication. Due to this time lag, the Q&A’s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing.
Dear Amy: I have abandonment issues. My biological mother left me when I was a baby. Due to the extreme parental neglect in my infancy, the courts awarded custody to my paternal grandmother. My father moved in with her as well.
In my mind, my father “saved” me from a world that I could’ve died in, but the truth is, he was just as responsible for my neglect.
My father remarried, and my grandmother allowed me to live with my dad in his new home with his new wife. I called her “Mom” until she passed away.
Mom was not affectionate toward me. She was very strict.
Fast-forward to now. I am 50 years old. My biological mother and stepmother are both dead. My father remarried again and moved hundreds of miles away.
My issue is a new resentment toward my father. Having learned that he wasn’t the saint I always thought him to be, I find I don’t want to speak to him much.
I love him very much, but I’m hurt that every woman in his life has had such an influence on him to the neglect of, not just me, but also my two half-sisters.
I don’t really want to go down this path. My bitterness toward my biological mother, and lack of love from the woman that raised me has made me a cold person toward family. I feel more empathy toward strangers than my own relations (sometimes, even my own children, which I am acutely ashamed of).
Therapy is not easily accessible in my rural area, so I’m left to my own devices.
What advice can you provide that may warm my heart toward the very few that have loved me?
— Heart Two Sizes Too Small
Dear Heart: You already seem to have a lot of insight about your challenging past. You have made the connection between the neglect you suffered as a child and your own hesitance (or inability) to express affection toward family members. Insight is a positive start, and you can definitely continue to grow and change.
As a child, your emotional needs weren’t met. Your mother abandoned you and then the other adults in your life didn’t provide an emotionally safe and nurturing environment.
To love others fully, you have to learn to fully love yourself. Loving yourself doesn’t mean you are arrogantly declaring how great you are, but that you are learning to accept and embrace your own vulnerability, owning your own mistakes, and leaning into your determination to do better. Your very efforts toward healing and self-love should be considered your first triumph.
One way to love others is to physically be there for them. Be present, especially for your children. Show up for them. Express an interest in their lives and be bravely expressive toward them. You should tell them your own story, share your insight, express the desire to be better, and tell them you are in their corner — through good times and bad. You are trying to break a generational chain of neglect, so understand that your kids may be bewildered, hurting, and affection-starved, too.
You would benefit from reading “Healing Your Emotional Self,” by Beverly Engel (2007, Wiley & Sons).
Dear Amy: I am an average-attractive single woman who lives in a big city.
I am frequently approached by men of other races that flirt with me and try to get my phone number.
How do I tell them I am not interested without offending them? I stick to my own kind.
— No Thanks
Dear No Thanks: It is fairly easy to say, “No thank you.” But if you truly want to repel these interested men, you could tell them the truth: “No offense, but I’m a racist.”
They should leave you alone after that.
Dear Amy: Thank you for your response to “Shy in Boston,” the shy guy who was wondering how to possibly meet a nice woman in the supermarket.
It may sound like a cliché, but this is how I met my husband! He somewhat shyly asked me for advice about produce.
The rest is history. We’re celebrating 15 years of marriage this year.
— Happily Together
Dear Together: “I need a price check for happily-ever-after on Aisle One!”
(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--2020-04-01--Windows shot out of parked vehicles in Manitou Springs

A vandal , or vandals , have twice this week shot out windows of parked vehicles in Manitou Springs and @ @ @ @ @ a local business , are aiming to identify and arrest the culprit .
The vandalism @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home order because of the coronavirus outbreak .
“ Now is not the time for @ @ @ @ @ Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers news release said .
“ Time , resources and money @ @ @ @ @ price of replacing a car window could amount to a weeks ’ worth of groceries @ @ @ @ @ a struggling family.
” Vehicle windows were shot out along Ruxton Avenue .
Police , @ @ @ @ @ Peak Cog Railway are offering a $ 200 reward for information leading to the arrest @ @ @ @ @ suspects .
Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call police at 719-390-5555 @ @ @ @ @ at 719-634-7867 ( STOP ) .
Information can also be left with crime stoppers online @

A vandal, or vandals, have twice this week shot out windows of parked vehicles in Manitou Springs and police, in partnership with a local business, are aiming to identify and arrest the culprit.
The vandalism came during Colorado’s stay-at-home order because of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Now is not the time for senseless vandalism,” a Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers news release said. “Time, resources and money are needed elsewhere. The price of replacing a car window could amount to a weeks’ worth of groceries, or more, for a struggling family.”
Vehicle windows were shot out along Ruxton Avenue. Police, crime stoppers and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway are offering a $200 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect, or suspects.
Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call police at 719-390-5555, or call crime stoppers at 719-634-7867 (STOP). Information can also be left with crime stoppers online.


thedenverpost--2020-04-01--Kiszla: Why, like 98 percent of NFL players, Phillip Lindsay is likely headed for unhappy ending wit

Kiszla: Why, like 98 percent of NFL players, Phillip Lindsay is likely headed for unhappy ending with Broncos

Breaking up the Broncos is hard to do .
Feelings were bound to get hurt .
Football operations chief John Elway believed to move forward he had to push beloved players Derek Wolfe and Chris Harris out the door .
“ It ’ s always a tough part of this business , ” Elway said Tuesday .
“ It seems like it ’ s 98 percent of the time it ’ s not a willing departure as far as when players want to leave.
” As much as it pains me to say it , running back Phillip Lindsay already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not that he wants to leave Denver .
But 98 % of the time , goodbyes in pro football are cruel , because sentiment only gets in the way of rebuilding a franchise to championship contention .
During a conference call with media luminaries like NBC ’ s Peter King and ink-stained wretches like me , Elway reminded us that in the strange , scary times of the coronavirus , everybody ’ s doing the best they can , but even the NFL draft might be conducted in the basement next to Wayne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was spotty at best , Elway was often harder to understand than when Brad Pitt flew his spacecraft on the dark side of Neptune in “ Ad Astra.
” But to his credit , Elway repeated himself to make certain everybody in Bronco Country understood : “ Derek and Chris have been a big part of this team for a long time .
They have been two great players for the Broncos and for us .
They were a big part of that Super Bowl team in 2015 .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eventually you have to go different directions.
” The Broncos allotted money Wolfe wanted to new defensive lineman Jurrell Casey .
Winning before loyalty .
While both men are 30 years old , Casey is simply a better player , as his five trips to the Pro Bowl attest .
Coming off a season when he was repeatedly exposed as something less than a true No .
1 cornerback , Harris was replaced by A.J .
Bouye , who ’ s apparently a better a fit for how coach Vic Fangio likes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at work here .
When I asked if this roster reconstruction was not only about upgrading talent but also about listening to Fangio and giving the locker-room culture a makeover , Elway readily acknowledged those things to be true .
“ We want to get back to Broncos football , competing for the playoffs and competing for a championship , ” he added .
They don ’ t call it the Not For Long for nothing .
Outside of Elway , linebacker Von Miller and kicker Brandon McManus are all that really remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bound to get hurt when a team decides to turn the page from its past , no matter how glorious that past might be .
And now there ’ s going to be a delicate dance with Lindsay , an undrafted rookie in 2018 who produced back-to-back seasons as a 1,000-yard rusher .
Tell a player who has always felt underappreciated you don ’ t appreciate him ?
It ’ s often the beginning of the end .
Make no mistake , team management has sent Lindsay a distinct message : The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because money always reveals the real nitty-gritty in pro sports .
In regards to a contract extension for a Denver native and former CU star , Elway now said : “ We ’ ll see what happens .
… That ’ s not a guarantee.
” No promises .
No commitment .
No hard feelings .
Rather than give Lindsay a raise , Denver paid Melvin Gordon $ 13.5 million guaranteed as the running back to move the chains , pick up the blitz and catch passes for new offensive coordinator Pat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell me : What ’ s Lindsay primary role , other than to give Gordon a break when the lead back is gassed ?
While I ’ m betting Lindsay can beat out Gordon as the starter , that ’ s not where the smart gamblers will put their money .
Although every NFL team needs two reliable running backs , the league hasn ’ t seen two running backs on the same team rush for 1,000 yards in the same season since 2009 , when Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams did it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backs sharing equal glory sounds nice in theory , but it ’ s unsustainable .
To think Gordon and Lindsay can live happily ever after as No .
1 and No 1A , in a league where everybody wants to get paid and a salary cap influences roster decisions , is pure Pollyanna hogwash .
Lindsay told Mike Klis of 9News he hasn ’ t requested a trade .
If Lindsay wants full respect and big money , however , he will probably have to leave Denver .
My advice to Lindsay : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pennies on the dollar with the Broncos now .
Hometown discounts are for knuckleheads .
Play out the final season on your contract , then find out if anybody in the league really loves you .

Breaking up the Broncos is hard to do. Feelings were bound to get hurt. Football operations chief John Elway believed to move forward he had to push beloved players Derek Wolfe and Chris Harris out the door.
It’s just business, right?
“It’s always a tough part of this business,” Elway said Tuesday. “It seems like it’s 98% of the time it’s not a willing departure as far as when players want to leave.”
As much as it pains me to say it, running back Phillip Lindsay already has one foot out the door. Not that he wants to leave Denver. But 98% of the time, goodbyes in pro football are cruel, because sentiment only gets in the way of rebuilding a franchise to championship contention.
During a conference call with media luminaries like NBC’s Peter King and ink-stained wretches like me, Elway reminded us that in the strange, scary times of the coronavirus, everybody’s doing the best they can, but even the NFL draft might be conducted in the basement next to Wayne and Garth. With a phone connection that was spotty at best, Elway was often harder to understand than when Brad Pitt flew his spacecraft on the dark side of Neptune in “Ad Astra.”
But to his credit, Elway repeated himself to make certain everybody in Bronco Country understood: “Derek and Chris have been a big part of this team for a long time. They have been two great players for the Broncos and for us. They were a big part of that Super Bowl team in 2015. This is a hard part of this business. … Eventually you have to go different directions.”
The Broncos allotted money Wolfe wanted to new defensive lineman Jurrell Casey. Winning before loyalty. While both men are 30 years old, Casey is simply a better player, as his five trips to the Pro Bowl attest.
Coming off a season when he was repeatedly exposed as something less than a true No. 1 cornerback, Harris was replaced by A.J. Bouye, who’s apparently a better a fit for how coach Vic Fangio likes to play defense.
But something more is at work here. When I asked if this roster reconstruction was not only about upgrading talent but also about listening to Fangio and giving the locker-room culture a makeover, Elway readily acknowledged those things to be true.
“We want to get back to Broncos football, competing for the playoffs and competing for a championship,” he added.
They don’t call it the Not For Long for nothing. Outside of Elway, linebacker Von Miller and kicker Brandon McManus are all that really remains from Super Bowl 50. Feelings are bound to get hurt when a team decides to turn the page from its past, no matter how glorious that past might be.
And now there’s going to be a delicate dance with Lindsay, an undrafted rookie in 2018 who produced back-to-back seasons as a 1,000-yard rusher. Tell a player who has always felt underappreciated you don’t appreciate him? It’s often the beginning of the end.
Make no mistake, team management has sent Lindsay a distinct message: The Broncos don’t truly believe in him, because money always reveals the real nitty-gritty in pro sports. In regards to a contract extension for a Denver native and former CU star, Elway now said: “We’ll see what happens. … That’s not a guarantee.”
No promises. No commitment. No hard feelings.
It’s just business, right?
Rather than give Lindsay a raise, Denver paid Melvin Gordon $13.5 million guaranteed as the running back to move the chains, pick up the blitz and catch passes for new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s scheme. So you tell me: What’s Lindsay primary role, other than to give Gordon a break when the lead back is gassed?
While I’m betting Lindsay can beat out Gordon as the starter, that’s not where the smart gamblers will put their money. Although every NFL team needs two reliable running backs, the league hasn’t seen two running backs on the same team rush for 1,000 yards in the same season since 2009, when Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams did it for Carolina. The concept of two backs sharing equal glory sounds nice in theory, but it’s unsustainable.
To think Gordon and Lindsay can live happily ever after as No. 1 and No 1A, in a league where everybody wants to get paid and a salary cap influences roster decisions, is pure Pollyanna hogwash.
Lindsay told Mike Klis of 9News he hasn’t requested a trade. If Lindsay wants full respect and big money, however, he will probably have to leave Denver.
My advice to Lindsay: Don’t sign an extension for pennies on the dollar with the Broncos now. Hometown discounts are for knuckleheads. Play out the final season on your contract, then find out if anybody in the league really loves you.


thedenverpost--2020-04-01--How a bridge tournament led to 4 coronavirus deaths in El Paso County and exposed hundreds to COVID-

How a bridge tournament led to 4 coronavirus deaths in El Paso County and exposed hundreds to COVID-19

As Dr. Leon Kelly stood before the El Paso County commissioners Tuesday , he likened the fight against the novel coronavirus to a boxing match .
“ It ’ s a 12-round title belt , ” said Kelly , the deputy medical director of El Paso County Public Health .
“ And at the opening bell , we kinda got punched in the mouth a little bit.
” El Paso County is home to the nation ’ s sixth-highest fatality rate from COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the virus at the heart of the global pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new coronavirus in El Paso County , the most in Colorado .
And it all started at a bridge tournament in Colorado Springs .
On Tuesday , Kelly gave the most insight thus far into how one woman who ’ d contracted the illness spread into a series of cases that has led to at least four deaths in the county .
And he described the heroic efforts taken to cut the illness off before it could do more damage .
After the woman in her 80s died on March 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she had attended a bridge tournament earlier in the month .
They scrambled to identify everyone who attended the tournament , realizing that 150 people could have had contact with the woman , Kelly said .
Health officials found 10 to 15 more people who showed symptoms of being infected with the coronavirus or who had become ill .
They traced their contacts , finding out that one of the people at the bridge tournament also attended a choir practice with more than 100 at-risk people .
The one person with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have been exposed , nearly all in the over-60 age group , the demographic at most risk to COVID-19 .
At least four of El Paso County ’ s deaths are now linked to that original outbreak .
And it could have been much worse , Kelly said .
“ Because of the efforts of the original woman ’ s family , bridge club organizers and those in attendance , there were untold lives undoubtedly saved , ” he said .
“ Everyone across the line knew this was important , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves .
There ’ s no one to blame here .
These people were both victims of this virus and also heroes.
” Between the bridge tournament and an outbreak at the Laurel Manor Care Center , the county ’ s most vulnerable population was hit with the virus at the onset , leading to higher numbers in El Paso County , Kelly said .
“ We do not believe our local number of deaths is being driven by a failure by anyone here , ” he told the county commissioners .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the gate we had it in our susceptible portion of the population.
” With 286 confirmed cases , El Paso County ’ s 5.1 % fatality rate ranks sixth in the nation , with Weld County — which has 255 cases and 12 deaths — at 5 % , right behind it .
Colorado has recorded at least 69 coronavirus-related deaths , state health officials said Tuesday .
Kelly said he believes the numbers will eventually even out , with El Paso County still likely to have higher total numbers due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths under 60 in the county , while its case rate per 100,000 people is still lower than Denver , Jefferson and Arapahoe counties .
“ We are near top of the pack fatalities wise , ” Kelly said .
“ But despite having some early setbacks and challenges , from a public health perspective , we ’ re very happy with where we are.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

As Dr. Leon Kelly stood before the El Paso County commissioners Tuesday, he likened the fight against the novel coronavirus to a boxing match.
“It’s a 12-round title belt,” said Kelly, the deputy medical director of El Paso County Public Health. “And at the opening bell, we kinda got punched in the mouth a little bit.”
El Paso County is home to the nation’s sixth-highest fatality rate from COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the virus at the heart of the global pandemic. At least 13 people have died of the new coronavirus in El Paso County, the most in Colorado.
And it all started at a bridge tournament in Colorado Springs.
On Tuesday, Kelly gave the most insight thus far into how one woman who’d contracted the illness spread into a series of cases that has led to at least four deaths in the county. And he described the heroic efforts taken to cut the illness off before it could do more damage.
After the woman in her 80s died on March 13, El Paso County health officials learned that she had attended a bridge tournament earlier in the month. They scrambled to identify everyone who attended the tournament, realizing that 150 people could have had contact with the woman, Kelly said.
Health officials found 10 to 15 more people who showed symptoms of being infected with the coronavirus or who had become ill. They traced their contacts, finding out that one of the people at the bridge tournament also attended a choir practice with more than 100 at-risk people.
The one person with the virus quickly turned into 300 people who could have been exposed, nearly all in the over-60 age group, the demographic at most risk to COVID-19.
At least four of El Paso County’s deaths are now linked to that original outbreak. And it could have been much worse, Kelly said.
“Because of the efforts of the original woman’s family, bridge club organizers and those in attendance, there were untold lives undoubtedly saved,” he said. “Everyone across the line knew this was important, and they worried about helping others versus helping themselves. There’s no one to blame here. These people were both victims of this virus and also heroes.”
Between the bridge tournament and an outbreak at the Laurel Manor Care Center, the county’s most vulnerable population was hit with the virus at the onset, leading to higher numbers in El Paso County, Kelly said.
“We do not believe our local number of deaths is being driven by a failure by anyone here,” he told the county commissioners. “It’s just unfortunate right out of the gate we had it in our susceptible portion of the population.”
With 286 confirmed cases, El Paso County’s 5.1% fatality rate ranks sixth in the nation, with Weld County — which has 255 cases and 12 deaths — at 5%, right behind it.
Colorado has recorded at least 69 coronavirus-related deaths, state health officials said Tuesday.
Kelly said he believes the numbers will eventually even out, with El Paso County still likely to have higher total numbers due to its large population. He cited no deaths under 60 in the county, while its case rate per 100,000 people is still lower than Denver, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties.
“We are near top of the pack fatalities wise,” Kelly said. “But despite having some early setbacks and challenges, from a public health perspective, we’re very happy with where we are.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-04-01--Driver stopped by fake officer in Fort Collins for fraudulent stay-at-home check

Another report of a police impersonator was announced Tuesday , this one in Fort Collins involving a driver , a woman , who was stopped in a bogus stay-at-home compliance check .
The incident happened at about 11:45 a.m. on Thursday at Harmony and Timberline roads , police said in a news release .
A man , wearing a dark blue police uniform and police baseball cap , driving an unmarked white pickup truck with red and blue lights on the windshield , stopped the victim and requested her driver ’ s license , proof of insurance and vehicle registration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the documents to his truck , returning them in several minutes .
The victim later reported the incident to police after she determined that no such stay-at-home compliance checks are being conducted in Fort Collins , the release said .
The incident is being investigated and it ’ s been determined that no law officer conducted a traffic stop in the area at that time on that date .
The suspect is described as a white man about 6 feet tall , between the age of 45 to 50 , with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still enforcing traffic laws , Fort Collins Police officers are not conducting traffic stops solely related to COVID-19 orders , ” Assistant Chief John Feyen said in the release .
“ Unfortunately , criminals around the country are using COVID-19 concerns to their advantage in many ways .
We will hold these people accountable for their illegal activities and encourage our community members to report any suspicious behaviors.
” Similar incidents have been reported in Greeley and Aurora in the past week .
Fort Collins police are concerned that there may be additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an alleged stay-at-home compliance check is asked to call Detective Mike Harres at 970-221-6543 or contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County .
Fort Collins police say that drivers who are stopped , and suspect that the action is not being carried out by a legitimate officer , can take several precautions including : • Call 911 ; dispatchers can verify if it ’ s an actual officer • None Turn on your hazard lights ; it draws the attention of passing vehicles • None Ask to see a badge or identification ; @ @ @ @

Another report of a police impersonator was announced Tuesday, this one in Fort Collins involving a driver, a woman, who was stopped in a bogus stay-at-home compliance check.
The incident happened at about 11:45 a.m. on Thursday at Harmony and Timberline roads, police said in a news release.
A man, wearing a dark blue police uniform and police baseball cap, driving an unmarked white pickup truck with red and blue lights on the windshield, stopped the victim and requested her driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. The woman complied and the impostor took the documents to his truck, returning them in several minutes.
The victim later reported the incident to police after she determined that no such stay-at-home compliance checks are being conducted in Fort Collins, the release said.
The incident is being investigated and it’s been determined that no law officer conducted a traffic stop in the area at that time on that date. The suspect is described as a white man about 6 feet tall, between the age of 45 to 50, with an athletic build.
“While we are still enforcing traffic laws, Fort Collins Police officers are not conducting traffic stops solely related to COVID-19 orders,” Assistant Chief John Feyen said in the release. “Unfortunately, criminals around the country are using COVID-19 concerns to their advantage in many ways. We will hold these people accountable for their illegal activities and encourage our community members to report any suspicious behaviors.”
Similar incidents have been reported in Greeley and Aurora in the past week.
Fort Collins police are concerned that there may be additional victims. Anyone who has been stopped for an alleged stay-at-home compliance check is asked to call Detective Mike Harres at 970-221-6543 or contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County.
Fort Collins police say that drivers who are stopped, and suspect that the action is not being carried out by a legitimate officer, can take several precautions including:


thedenverpost--2020-03-31--Colorado urges automatic extension of DACA authorizations during pandemic

Gov .
Jared Polis sent a letter Tuesday urging the federal government to automatically extend work authorizations set to expire this year for all Deferred Action Childhood Arrival recipients , citing the coronavirus pandemic .
The Obama-era policy allows eligible immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally as children to receive a renewable two-year authorization to study and work in the country without fear of being deported .
Nearly 15,000 “ Dreamers ” have benefited from the program in Colorado since 2012 , according to a news release from the governor ’ s office .
“ Coloradans face unprecedented challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this extension would provide some needed stability to our businesses and residents who benefit from opportunities that DACA provides , ” Polis wrote in a letter to Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf .
The governor ’ s request comes amid concerns about immigrants getting access to services and information they need during a nationwide pandemic .
Polis commended the federal department for using previous biometrics data to continue processing of certain employment authorization requests because of the closure of the U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services offices to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked Wolf to take it “ a step further ” as unemployment numbers hit historic highs and universities and colleges shut down campuses , leaving students unable to get the legal assistance they usually provide .
“ These realities create difficulties for DACA recipients to submit renewals in a timely fashion , despite the actions you have taken thus far , ” he wrote .

Gov. Jared Polis sent a letter Tuesday urging the federal government to automatically extend work authorizations set to expire this year for all Deferred Action Childhood Arrival recipients, citing the coronavirus pandemic.
The Obama-era policy allows eligible immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally as children to receive a renewable two-year authorization to study and work in the country without fear of being deported. Nearly 15,000 “Dreamers” have benefited from the program in Colorado since 2012, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“Coloradans face unprecedented challenges to their economic and social lives, and this extension would provide some needed stability to our businesses and residents who benefit from opportunities that DACA provides,” Polis wrote in a letter to Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf.
The governor’s request comes amid concerns about immigrants getting access to services and information they need during an international pandemic.
Polis commended the federal department for using previous biometrics data to continue processing of certain employment authorization requests because of the closure of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices to the public since March 18. But he asked Wolf to take it “a step further” as unemployment numbers hit historic highs and universities and colleges shut down campuses, leaving students unable to get the legal assistance they usually provide.
“These realities create difficulties for DACA recipients to submit renewals in a timely fashion, despite the actions you have taken thus far,” he wrote.