thedenverpost--2020-03-13--UFC to fight on; Dana White says sports world is “panicking”

LOS ANGELES — The UFC is determined to fight on amid the coronavirus pandemic .
While leagues and organizers across sports canceled or delayed competition this week , the UFC proceeded with its plans to hold a fan-free event Saturday night in Brasilia , Brazil .
Next weekend , the promotion still plans to stage a full fight card with fans inside London ’ s O2 Arena .
The UFC hasn ’ t canceled any competitions , even those previously scheduled for areas where large gatherings are now banned .
Instead , the promotion has moved events scheduled for March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 11 in Portland , Oregon , to the new UFC Apex complex in Las Vegas , where it has a small arena and television production capabilities .
UFC President Dana White attributes his decision to go against the sports world ’ s collective mindset partly to a conversation Thursday with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence .
White and Trump are longtime friends and business associates .
“ I talked to the president and the vice president of the United States about this , ” White said on ESPN , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They ’ re taking this very serious .
They ’ re saying , ‘ Be cautious , be careful , but live your life and stop panicking.
’ Everybody is panicking , and instead of panicking , we ’ re actually getting out there and working with doctors and health officials and the government to figure out how we can keep the sport safe and how we can continue to put on events.
” The UFC won ’ t have fans in the stands , but the competition will go on — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ll get paid in a sport with no financial compensation unless a fight actually takes place .
White said the UFC will monitor its fighters for symptoms of coronavirus before allowing them to compete .
“ We ’ re always looking out for the health and safety of our fans , our athletes , whatever it might be , ” White said .
“ This thing going on , we ’ re going to do the same thing .
We ’ re going to make sure that two healthy athletes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go.
” For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
Combat sports are among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just two fighters and a referee in a cage or ring surrounded by three judges and relatively few vital support personnel .
That ’ s a big reason why the UFC believes it can continue while the rest of the sporting world grinds to a halt .
They ’ re also unlikely to get significant resistance from the fighters , who largely need the paychecks .
“ I would bet more than half of fighters would expose themselves to coronavirus before not getting to fight , ” UFC welterweight Anthony Rocco Martin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and don ’ t get paid to not fight .
Most spend all their money getting to their next fight.
” White stands increasingly alone among sports ’ power brokers in his perception of the pandemic .
NASCAR and the PGA Tour scrapped planned events Friday , a few days after nearly every team sports league in North America had abandoned hopes of regular competition in upcoming weeks .
Even the world ’ s smaller mixed martial arts promotions changed their plans , with Bellator postponing a planned fan-free show Friday in Uncasville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before it was scheduled to start .
“ I ’ m good with fighting in an empty arena , ” tweeted Kevin Lee , who will compete in the main event in Brasilia even after missing weight by 2 1/2 pounds Friday .
“ Let ’ s not panic too crazy , let us fight , entertain the people stuck at home.
” Even boxing , with its notoriously fractious politics and headstrong leadership , has largely halted .
Top Rank had two shows headlined by its elite young talent scheduled for New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Olympian Shakur Stevenson was supposed to defend his featherweight title Saturday in an ESPN fight , and Ireland ’ s Michael Conlan was to fight on St. Patrick ’ s Day on the ESPN+ streaming service .
After initially announcing plans to hold the shows without fans , Top Rank scrapped them altogether Thursday .
Top Rank boss Bob Arum attributed the cancellations to a lack of available tests for coronavirus , saying he could have staged the shows if he could guarantee the participants ’ health .
“ Unless something is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not going to see sports for a long , long time , ” Arum said .
“ It ’ s really the testing .
There ’ s no reason the March Madness couldn ’ t be on if everybody was assured there was adequate testing for all the participants .
… Obviously you can ’ t test every spectator , but you can certainly test the fighters and corner people as long as you have tests.
” Unlike White , Arum has been at odds with Trump for many years , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner in 2016 .
“ The system is a mess , and a mess because there ’ s no leadership , ” Arum said .
“ If we had a normal president , we ’ d have the leadership .
”

LOS ANGELES — The UFC is determined to fight on amid the coronavirus pandemic.
While leagues and organizers across sports canceled or delayed competition this week, the UFC proceeded with its plans to hold a fan-free event Saturday night in Brasilia, Brazil. Next weekend, the promotion still plans to stage a full fight card with fans inside London’s O2 Arena.
The UFC hasn’t canceled any competitions, even those previously scheduled for areas where large gatherings are now banned. Instead, the promotion has moved events scheduled for March 28 in Columbus, Ohio, and April 11 in Portland, Oregon, to the new UFC Apex complex in Las Vegas, where it has a small arena and television production capabilities.
UFC President Dana White attributes his decision to go against the sports world’s collective mindset partly to a conversation Thursday with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. White and Trump are longtime friends and business associates.
“I talked to the president and the vice president of the United States about this,” White said on ESPN, his promotion’s broadcast partner. “They’re taking this very serious. They’re saying, ‘Be cautious, be careful, but live your life and stop panicking.’ Everybody is panicking, and instead of panicking, we’re actually getting out there and working with doctors and health officials and the government to figure out how we can keep the sport safe and how we can continue to put on events.”
The UFC won’t have fans in the stands, but the competition will go on — and more importantly to the fighters, they’ll get paid in a sport with no financial compensation unless a fight actually takes place.
White said the UFC will monitor its fighters for symptoms of coronavirus before allowing them to compete.
“We’re always looking out for the health and safety of our fans, our athletes, whatever it might be,” White said. “This thing going on, we’re going to do the same thing. We’re going to make sure that two healthy athletes are competing, and these guys are good to go.”
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Combat sports are among the most elemental competitive events, with just two fighters and a referee in a cage or ring surrounded by three judges and relatively few vital support personnel. That’s a big reason why the UFC believes it can continue while the rest of the sporting world grinds to a halt.
They’re also unlikely to get significant resistance from the fighters, who largely need the paychecks.
“I would bet more than half of fighters would expose themselves to coronavirus before not getting to fight,” UFC welterweight Anthony Rocco Martin said. “We aren’t union and don’t get paid to not fight. Most spend all their money getting to their next fight.”
White stands increasingly alone among sports’ power brokers in his perception of the pandemic. NASCAR and the PGA Tour scrapped planned events Friday, a few days after nearly every team sports league in North America had abandoned hopes of regular competition in upcoming weeks.
Even the world’s smaller mixed martial arts promotions changed their plans, with Bellator postponing a planned fan-free show Friday in Uncasville, Connecticut, just a few hours before it was scheduled to start.
“I’m good with fighting in an empty arena,” tweeted Kevin Lee, who will compete in the main event in Brasilia even after missing weight by 2 1/2 pounds Friday. “Let’s not panic too crazy, let us fight, entertain the people stuck at home.”
Even boxing, with its notoriously fractious politics and headstrong leadership, has largely halted.
Top Rank had two shows headlined by its elite young talent scheduled for New York in the next week. Former U.S. Olympian Shakur Stevenson was supposed to defend his featherweight title Saturday in an ESPN fight, and Ireland’s Michael Conlan was to fight on St. Patrick’s Day on the ESPN+ streaming service.
After initially announcing plans to hold the shows without fans, Top Rank scrapped them altogether Thursday.
Top Rank boss Bob Arum attributed the cancellations to a lack of available tests for coronavirus, saying he could have staged the shows if he could guarantee the participants’ health.
“Unless something is done in the country, we’re not going to see sports for a long, long time,” Arum said. “It’s really the testing. There’s no reason the March Madness couldn’t be on if everybody was assured there was adequate testing for all the participants. … Obviously you can’t test every spectator, but you can certainly test the fighters and corner people as long as you have tests.”
Unlike White, Arum has been at odds with Trump for many years, and he campaigned aggressively against the former casino owner in 2016.
“The system is a mess, and a mess because there’s no leadership,” Arum said. “If we had a normal president, we’d have the leadership.”
___
AP Boxing Writer Tim Dahlberg contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Stocks roar back on hopes for government’s virus plan

NEW YORK — Wall Street roared back from its worst day in 30 years Friday with a broad rally that sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average nearly 2,000 points higher — its biggest point gain ever — after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency .
Fueled by a late-day surge while Trump was speaking , the Dow saw its largest percentage gain since 2008 .
The rally recouped many of the losses from a day earlier , when the index experienced its worst slide since the Black Monday crash of 1987 and European indexes had one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The major indexes each closed with gains of more than 9 % .
The session capped a dizzying week on Wall Street , with wild swings driven largely by uncertainty over how much damage the coronavirus would cause to the global economy .
By Thursday , the Dow had suffered two drops of more than 2,000 points and the longest-ever bull market had ended .
Then on Friday stocks rallied , shooting sharply upward in the last half-hour of trading as investors appeared to gain confidence that the Trump administration has a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care and economic perspective .
Despite Friday ’ s pickup , the market still ended the week with its second-worst weekly loss in the past 10 years .
In just a few weeks , U.S. stocks have lost all the gains made during 2019 , one of the best years for the market in decades .
All the major indexes are in what traders call a bear market .
Investors have been clamoring for strong action from the U.S. government to combat the outbreak ’ s effect on businesses and workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were close to announcing an agreement on a package to provide sick pay , free testing and other resources helped boost the market .
“ We ’ re finally getting that a little late to the party , but it ’ s better to be late to the party then not to come to the party , ” said Ryan Detrick , senior market strategist at LPL Financial .
He said the stimulus plan should help cushion the financial effects on people and businesses .
Stocks jumped in the early going Friday after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the two sides were “ very close to getting this done.
” But during a late-afternoon White House press conference , Trump said the White House and Congress had yet to agree on a broader aid package .
He said he doesn ’ t believe House Democrats are “ giving enough.
” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House would approve its own coronavirus aid package and urged the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to “ put families first ” by backing the effort to provide Americans with relief .
The market ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ torrent of cancellations and shutdowns worldwide .
Business closures have fueled fear that a severe pullback in consumer and business spending will tip the U.S. economy into a recession and wreck corporate profits .
The virus has infected over 137,000 people worldwide .
More than 5,000 have died , but half of those who had the virus have already recovered .
The pandemic ’ s new epicenter is Europe .
In the United States , cases have topped 1,600 , while 41 people have died , according to the Centers For Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was broad , with technology stocks accounting for a big slice of the gains .
Shares in cruise line operators , airlines and hotels — among the hardest-hit stocks as people canceled vacations and companies shut down business trips — headed higher .
Investors ’ anticipation of a government stimulus effort and a rate cut by the Fed next week likely put traders in a buying mood , though it ’ s not unusual for stocks to rebound a day after a big decline , something Wall Street calls a “ dead cat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if I would call this a dead cat bounce , but I would certainly not call it a trend , ” said Katie Nixon , chief investment officer at Northern Trust Wealth Management .
“ Maybe it reflects a little more optimism that we ’ re getting a fiscal impulse that will help support the economy , and by extension , the market while we get through this transitory period of economic weakness.
” On Thursday , the Federal Reserve unveiled a massive short-term lending program to try to help smooth trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fed will move to cut interest rates by a full percentage point , to nearly zero , at its meeting of policymakers next Wednesday .
This week ’ s historic sell-off helped to wipe out most of the big gains since President Trump took office in 2017 .
After hitting an all-time high on Feb. 19 , the S & P 500 fell more than 20 % , officially ending Wall Street ’ s unprecedented bull-market run of nearly 11 years .
The slide into a bear market has been the fastest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been so swift and sharp that there remains the potential for a significant bounce after the virus and its impact begin to recede , Detrick said .
The economy was already on solid footing , and well-known companies like Disney and Apple could help lead a recovery .
He also said there could be a recession on the horizon , but it would likely be mild .
“ It could be a shallow , quick , violent , scary recession , but one that bounces back quickly , ” Detrick said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual shareholder meeting for Berkshire Hathaway will be streamed live in early May without any attendees , apart from maybe select journalists .
The meeting normally draws a crowd to rival professional sporting events .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illnesses , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover in a few weeks .
For now , investors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What markets are trying to do is understand what the cycle of the virus is , and then the human reaction to it , ” said Thomas Martin , senior portfolio manager at Globalt Investments in Atlanta .

NEW YORK — Wall Street roared back from its worst day in 30 years Friday with a broad rally that sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average nearly 2,000 points higher — its biggest point gain ever — after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency.
Fueled by a late-day surge while Trump was speaking, the Dow saw its largest percentage gain since 2008. The rally recouped many of the losses from a day earlier, when the index experienced its worst slide since the Black Monday crash of 1987 and European indexes had one of the worst drops on record. The major indexes each closed with gains of more than 9%.
The session capped a dizzying week on Wall Street, with wild swings driven largely by uncertainty over how much damage the coronavirus would cause to the global economy. By Thursday, the Dow had suffered two drops of more than 2,000 points and the longest-ever bull market had ended.
Then on Friday stocks rallied, shooting sharply upward in the last half-hour of trading as investors appeared to gain confidence that the Trump administration has a plan to combat the outbreak from both a health care and economic perspective.
Despite Friday’s pickup, the market still ended the week with its second-worst weekly loss in the past 10 years. In just a few weeks, U.S. stocks have lost all the gains made during 2019, one of the best years for the market in decades. All the major indexes are in what traders call a bear market.
Investors have been clamoring for strong action from the U.S. government to combat the outbreak’s effect on businesses and workers. News that the White House and Congress were close to announcing an agreement on a package to provide sick pay, free testing and other resources helped boost the market.
“We’re finally getting that a little late to the party, but it’s better to be late to the party then not to come to the party,” said Ryan Detrick, senior market strategist at LPL Financial. He said the stimulus plan should help cushion the financial effects on people and businesses.
Stocks jumped in the early going Friday after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on CNBC that the two sides were “very close to getting this done.” But during a late-afternoon White House press conference, Trump said the White House and Congress had yet to agree on a broader aid package. He said he doesn’t believe House Democrats are “giving enough.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House would approve its own coronavirus aid package and urged the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to “put families first” by backing the effort to provide Americans with relief.
The market’s rout intensified this week amid a torrent of cancellations and shutdowns worldwide. Business closures have fueled fear that a severe pullback in consumer and business spending will tip the U.S. economy into a recession and wreck corporate profits.
The virus has infected over 137,000 people worldwide. More than 5,000 have died, but half of those who had the virus have already recovered. The pandemic’s new epicenter is Europe. In the United States, cases have topped 1,600, while 41 people have died, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
Friday’s rally was broad, with technology stocks accounting for a big slice of the gains. Shares in cruise line operators, airlines and hotels — among the hardest-hit stocks as people canceled vacations and companies shut down business trips — headed higher.
Investors’ anticipation of a government stimulus effort and a rate cut by the Fed next week likely put traders in a buying mood, though it’s not unusual for stocks to rebound a day after a big decline, something Wall Street calls a “dead cat bounce.”
“I don’t know if I would call this a dead cat bounce, but I would certainly not call it a trend,” said Katie Nixon, chief investment officer at Northern Trust Wealth Management. “Maybe it reflects a little more optimism that we’re getting a fiscal impulse that will help support the economy, and by extension, the market while we get through this transitory period of economic weakness.”
On Thursday, the Federal Reserve unveiled a massive short-term lending program to try to help smooth trading in U.S. Treasurys. Many economists expect the Fed will move to cut interest rates by a full percentage point, to nearly zero, at its meeting of policymakers next Wednesday.
This week’s historic sell-off helped to wipe out most of the big gains since President Trump took office in 2017. After hitting an all-time high on Feb. 19, the S&P 500 fell more than 20%, officially ending Wall Street’s unprecedented bull-market run of nearly 11 years. The slide into a bear market has been the fastest since World War II.
The selling has been so swift and sharp that there remains the potential for a significant bounce after the virus and its impact begin to recede, Detrick said. The economy was already on solid footing, and well-known companies like Disney and Apple could help lead a recovery.
He also said there could be a recession on the horizon, but it would likely be mild. “It could be a shallow, quick, violent, scary recession, but one that bounces back quickly,” Detrick said.
Also Friday, Warren Buffett said the annual shareholder meeting for Berkshire Hathaway will be streamed live in early May without any attendees, apart from maybe select journalists. The meeting normally draws a crowd to rival professional sporting events.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illnesses, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover in a few weeks.
For now, investors must wait for more information.
“What markets are trying to do is understand what the cycle of the virus is, and then the human reaction to it,” said Thomas Martin, senior portfolio manager at Globalt Investments in Atlanta.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--A popular food hall is the first Denver restaurant to close temporarily due to coronavirus concerns

Lower Highland food hall Avanti F & B is the first major food business in Denver to close temporarily during the coronavirus outbreak .
Avanti is closed starting at 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday , and its owners will reassess the situation on Monday , according to a press release .
“ To be clear , none of our staff has fallen ill with the virus , ” Patrick O ’ Neill , managing partner , said in the release .
“ This decision is based on the severity of the situation and a feeling of obligation to do what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Polis orders cancellation of events with more than 250 people in Colorado During the three-day closure , O ’ Neill said that a professional sanitation company would be disinfecting the two-floor space and its outdoor areas .
Employees will continue to be paid during the closure .
Avanti is home to three bars and seven food stalls and can fit more than 600 people .
Stall operators will have the option to remain open over the weekend , but serving only delivery orders .
“ These deliveries will be received curbside to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Neill said .
Subscribe to our new food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

Lower Highland food hall Avanti F&B is the first major food business in Denver to close temporarily during the coronavirus outbreak.
Avanti is closed starting at 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and its owners will reassess the situation on Monday, according to a press release.
“To be clear, none of our staff has fallen ill with the virus,” Patrick O’Neill, managing partner, said in the release. “This decision is based on the severity of the situation and a feeling of obligation to do what we can for our community.”
MORE: Polis orders cancellation of events with more than 250 people in Colorado
During the three-day closure, O’Neill said that a professional sanitation company would be disinfecting the two-floor space and its outdoor areas. Employees will continue to be paid during the closure.
Avanti is home to three bars and seven food stalls and can fit more than 600 people. Stall operators will have the option to remain open over the weekend, but serving only delivery orders.
“These deliveries will be received curbside to maintain our sanitation protocols,” O’Neill said.
Subscribe to our new food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Comcast offering free broadband to low-income households to help them cope with virus outbreak

People who are hunkering down at home to evade the coronavirus may not have much to watch in the way of sports , but Comcast is stepping in to make sure households who are financially vulnerable can at least have a fast internet connection .
The Internet Essentials program targets low-income households in a Comcast service area with rates of $ 9.95 a month .
For existing customers , Comcast will boost download speeds from 15 megabytes per second to 25 megabytes per second starting on Monday .
The company will also provide 60 days of free Internet service to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covers families receiving housing assistance , Medicaid , SNAP and who participate in the National School Lunch Program .
“ Our hope is that broader access and faster speeds will help all of our Internet Essentials customers more easily work from home , access educational resources , obtain important government health care alerts , and stay in contact with their families during this difficult time , ” the company said in a news release .
Low-income households interested in obtaining free internet service can visit the program ’ s website to sign up @

People who are hunkering down at home to evade the coronavirus may not have much to watch in the way of sports, but Comcast is stepping in to make sure households who are financially vulnerable can at least have a fast internet connection.
The Internet Essentials program targets low-income households in a Comcast service area with rates of $9.95 a month. For existing customers, Comcast will boost download speeds from 15 megabits per second to 25 megabits per second starting on Monday.
The company will also provide 60 days of free Internet service to low-income households starting Monday. That definition covers families receiving housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP and who participate in the National School Lunch Program.
“Our hope is that broader access and faster speeds will help all of our Internet Essentials customers more easily work from home, access educational resources, obtain important government health care alerts, and stay in contact with their families during this difficult time,” the company said in a news release.
Low-income households interested in obtaining free internet service can visit the program’s website to sign up.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Colorado government, hospitals take extraordinary measures to avert “catastrophic overload”

Treating coronavirus patients in Colorado will , in the best-case scenario , be an all-hands-on-deck effort for the state ’ s health care system .
In a potential grimmer reality , public health experts say , hospitals here and around the country won ’ t have enough beds or ventilators to respond to a growing crisis that already has killed one Coloradan and that Gov .
Jared Polis warned could bring about a “ catastrophic overload ” on hospitals and other health facilities .
In an attempt to prepare for the coming surge , Polis on Friday urged anyone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the medical fields , including nurses and doctors , and who have either left those jobs or retired , to contact their previous employers and offer to temporarily re-enter the field .
Polis also said that in the next couple days he would be formalizing new guidelines to cut down “ red tape ” and accelerate medical licensing in the state , including for people here who may be licensed in other states or countries but not in Colorado .
“ This is really an extraordinary moment , and it calls for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Dealing with this public health crisis needs to be our top focus.
” According to the state , there are some 11,000 licensed hospital beds across Colorado .
Polis said Friday that even though health officials have confirmed just 72 coronavirus cases in the state , the lack of testing to this point — the governor called the roughly 1,500 tests administered as of Friday morning woefully inadequate — means that “ in all likelihood , there are hundreds if not thousands of people in Colorado who have coronavirus ” already .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going to get worse : “ We are very much on the verge of a tipping point , ” he said , noting that community spread of COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus , has been confirmed in Colorado .
“ We fully expect and are actively planning for that community transmission to accelerate in the coming days and weeks ahead , ” the governor said .
Colorado ’ s hospitals are preparing for that , too .
The members of the Colorado Hospital Association , which represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have signed onto an agreement to share resources , staff , supplies and equipment .
“ We know that supporting each other and collaborating at times like these is crucial , ” said Cara Welch , spokeswoman for the association .
“ This will impact communities differently .
Some communities may see more cases , or more severe cases .
It ’ s important we can move things around so we can support the hospitals where those more critical cases are occurring.
” Welch said that Colorado ’ s hospitals are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governor in saying that it is critical that every effort be made right now to “ flatten the curve ” of coronavirus — that is , trying to stretch out the number of daily cases over time , and avoid a major spike in the near future , with the understanding that it is now inevitable that many people will become infected .
“ If we can spread the outbreak over a longer period of time , it ’ s more likely the system can match the need , ” Welch said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it , or a friend will get it , or a family member , ” Polis told reporters Friday morning .
“ Our goal is to spread it out and protect our most vulnerable population.
” In the event that this relatively positive scenario does not come to pass , however , Colorado hospitals are prepared to take additional measures , including , Welch said , turning “ regular rooms into isolation rooms.
” “ There are a lot of different things that we may end up needing to try , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welch said .
“ We ’ re certainly learning from what ’ s happening in Italy , where the hospitals have been really maxed out .
We ’ re working on it , is about all I can say at this point.
” It ’ s not just hospitals that are and will be stretched .
Clinics and local medical practices are also already seeing a spike .
State Rep. Yadira Caraveo , D-Thornton , is a pediatrician and the only doctor in the legislature .
She said during an interview on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit guilty being away from her medical practice , because the need is already so high .
“ Every winter we already worry about overload with all the respiratory illnesses that go around , ” Caraveo said .
“ This is just adding onto the issues we usually see.
” Of the health care system ’ s capacity , Caraveo added , “ I think we should be worried.
” “ Obviously doctors and nurses and hospitals are well equipped to handle surges and will try to handle as many patients as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we get to a peak , in terms of the number of ventilators that are needed , that ’ s going to be a concern .
That ’ s a finite resource.
” Availability and rapidity of coronavirus testing will be a major determining factor in whether Colorado sees a crisis-level peak .
Right now , Welch said , hospitals have patients in insolation for multiple days who are awaiting test results , which is not ideal now and which may in the future prove untenable .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inbox .

Treating coronavirus patients in Colorado will, in the best-case scenario, be an all-hands-on-deck effort for the state’s health care system.
In a potential grimmer reality, public health experts say, hospitals here and around the country won’t have enough beds or ventilators to respond to a growing crisis that already has killed one Coloradan and that Gov. Jared Polis warned could bring about a “catastrophic overload” on hospitals and other health facilities.
In an attempt to prepare for the coming surge, Polis on Friday urged anyone in the state who at one point worked in the medical fields, including nurses and doctors, and who have either left those jobs or retired, to contact their previous employers and offer to temporarily re-enter the field.
Polis also said that in the next couple days he would be formalizing new guidelines to cut down “red tape” and accelerate medical licensing in the state, including for people here who may be licensed in other states or countries but not in Colorado.
“This is really an extraordinary moment, and it calls for extraordinary measures,” Polis said. “Dealing with this public health crisis needs to be our top focus.”
According to the state, there are some 11,000 licensed hospital beds across Colorado.
Polis said Friday that even though health officials have confirmed just 77 coronavirus cases in the state, the lack of testing to this point — the governor called the roughly 1,500 tests administered as of Friday morning woefully inadequate — means that “in all likelihood, there are hundreds if not thousands of people in Colorado who have coronavirus” already.
And, he added, it’s going to get worse: “We are very much on the verge of a tipping point,” he said, noting that community spread of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, has been confirmed in Colorado.
“We fully expect and are actively planning for that community transmission to accelerate in the coming days and weeks ahead,” the governor said.
Colorado’s hospitals are preparing for that, too. The members of the Colorado Hospital Association, which represents more than 100 facilities in the state, have signed onto an agreement to share resources, staff, supplies and equipment.
“We know that supporting each other and collaborating at times like these is crucial,” said Cara Welch, spokeswoman for the association. “This will impact communities differently. Some communities may see more cases, or more severe cases. It’s important we can move things around so we can support the hospitals where those more critical cases are occurring.”
Welch said that Colorado’s hospitals are not at capacity yet, and she echoed the governor in saying that it is critical that every effort be made right now to “flatten the curve” of coronavirus — that is, trying to stretch out the number of daily cases over time, and avoid a major spike in the near future, with the understanding that it is now inevitable that many people will become infected.
“If we can spread the outbreak over a longer period of time, it’s more likely the system can match the need,” Welch said.
“You’re going to get it, or a friend will get it, or a family member,” Polis told reporters Friday morning. “Our goal is to spread it out and protect our most vulnerable population.”
In the event that this relatively positive scenario does not come to pass, however, Colorado hospitals are prepared to take additional measures, including, Welch said, turning “regular rooms into isolation rooms.”
“There are a lot of different things that we may end up needing to try, if we get to that point,” Welch said. “We’re certainly learning from what’s happening in Italy, where the hospitals have been really maxed out. We’re working on it, is about all I can say at this point.”
It’s not just hospitals that are and will be stretched. Clinics and local medical practices are also already seeing a spike.
State Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, is a pediatrician and the only doctor in the legislature. She said during an interview on Friday at the Capitol that she felt a bit guilty being away from her medical practice, because the need is already so high.
“Every winter we already worry about overload with all the respiratory illnesses that go around,” Caraveo said. “This is just adding onto the issues we usually see.”
Of the health care system’s capacity, Caraveo added, “I think we should be worried.”
“Obviously doctors and nurses and hospitals are well equipped to handle surges and will try to handle as many patients as possible,” she said, “but if we get to a peak, in terms of the number of ventilators that are needed, that’s going to be a concern. That’s a finite resource.”
Availability and rapidity of coronavirus testing will be a major determining factor in whether Colorado sees a crisis-level peak. Right now, Welch said, hospitals have patients in insolation for multiple days who are awaiting test results, which is not ideal now and which may in the future prove untenable.
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thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Colorado ski areas not included in state, county gathering bans

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the state , Gov .
Jared Polis announced Friday a ban on gatherings @ @ @ @ @ .
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock followed by closing city venues until mid-April .
In Eagle @ @ @ @ @ , stricter bans were already in place that limited gatherings of more than 50 people @ @ @ @ @ only apply to events and do not impact normal ski area operations .
“ Event @ @ @ @ @ that are primarily individual or occur in small groups or in non-congregate settings , such @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , or primarily small-group sports like skiing , as long as social distancing occurs @ @ @ @ @ congregating in groups is unavoidable , such as lift lines of certain areas of restaurants @ @ @ @ @ — Pitkin County Public Health release But , several ski areas have canceled events that @ @ @ @ @ mountains .
Check individual resorts for a full list of their closures .
Subscribe to @ @ @ @ @ Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the state, Gov. Jared Polis announced Friday a ban on gatherings of more than 250 people. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock followed by closing city venues until mid-April.
In Eagle, Pitkin and Garfield counties, stricter bans were already in place that limited gatherings of more than 50 people. Notably, these bans only apply to events and do not impact normal ski area operations.
“Event” does not include activities that are primarily individual or occur in small groups or in non-congregate settings, such as places of employment, restaurants, or primarily small-group sports like skiing, as long as social distancing occurs, particularly in areas where congregating in groups is unavoidable, such as lift lines of certain areas of restaurants open to the public.”
— Pitkin County Public Health release
But, several ski areas have canceled events that were planned on their respective mountains. Check individual resorts for a full list of their closures.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-03-14--Ask Amy: Finding the courage to reveal secret of past abuse

Dear Readers : Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects .
I ’ ve gathered some topical “ Best Of ” columns from 10 years ago .
Today ’ s compilation deals with problems and complications related to weddings .
( Some content has been lightly edited . )
I ’ ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns .
Dear Amy : I am a 33-year-old woman who has kept a secret since I was in junior high school .
A relative who is a few years older than me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexually inappropriate things to me .
It didn ’ t involve nudity and I ’ d rather not get into detail , but it was very inappropriate and made me quite uncomfortable .
I never told anyone about this .
Our parents were close and I never wanted to cause any hardship between them .
It has not mattered before because we would see that part of the family so infrequently that I was able to avoid him .
I have mostly forgotten about the incident except for occasional flashbacks that I quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ save the date ” announcement for Steve ’ s wedding .
I have no desire to celebrate him in any way , much less be forced to go to his wedding .
My mother takes these occasions very seriously and has not responded well to my initial attempts to tell her that I do not want to attend .
I don ’ t think any excuse ( except telling her the truth ) will get me out of this and still be in her good graces .
I don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mothers are very close , and I don ’ t want to upset that relationship .
Dear Worried : If you try hard enough , you can always find a good reason for not revealing the truth — to protect your mother ’ s relationships , for instance .
Shedding light on this secret might be the best thing for you , and I could well imagine that your mother would want to know ( most loyal mothers would ) .
You should get used to the idea that your mother is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you choose to do .
You could try to hedge by saying , “ Mom , I really don ’ t like ‘ Steve.
’ I haven ’ t liked him since we were kids .
I don ’ t want to go to his wedding.
” That might be enough of an explanation for your mother , but you should ask yourself if this is really right for you .
Dear Amy : I ’ m getting married in September and have been planning my wedding for quite a while .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything related to the wedding , and my father and stepmother haven ’ t offered any money .
They ’ ve been telling me about financial hardships that they ’ ve been having , but I notice they have been buying high-ticket items for their three girls .
How can I ask them to contribute when they claim to have “ no money ” ?
My fiance ’ s family also hasn ’ t offered to contribute .
How do I broach that subject with them — I know his mom doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d appreciate the support .
Dear Fed Up : You and your fiance ( not you and your mother ) should be in charge of paying for and financing your wedding .
Consider this the first test of your marriage .
If you and your fiance tackle this together , you will have the benefit of each other ’ s assistance when trying to raise the money for your nuptials .
If your mother isn ’ t in the mix , your father may be more inclined to contribute , and if your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his family , they may pony up .
The best way to do this is respectfully — and in person .
You should take your discomfort as a sign that you should be judicious and realistic when asking people to open their wallets .
You two should plan only the wedding you know you can afford .
Dear Amy : Responding to the question of what to do with your wedding gown ( after you ’ ve used it ) , I got married in a Jessica McClintock ensemble of white lace jodhpurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lace jabot .
This Halloween for our neighborhood pet costume contest I made my cat , Roscoe , a wedding dress and used my lace jabot as his veil .
Of course , my jabot went back in the cedar chest afterward .
Dear Proud : And people say that cat owners are a little eccentric !
I ’ m imagining your costumed cat , as well as the next use for your lace jabot .

Dear Readers: Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects. I’ve gathered some topical “Best Of” columns from 10 years ago. Today’s compilation deals with problems and complications related to weddings. (Some content has been lightly edited.) I’ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns.
Dear Amy: I am a 33-year-old woman who has kept a secret since I was in junior high school.
A relative who is a few years older than me, “Steve,” did some sexually inappropriate things to me. It didn’t involve nudity and I’d rather not get into detail, but it was very inappropriate and made me quite uncomfortable.
I never told anyone about this. Our parents were close and I never wanted to cause any hardship between them.
It has not mattered before because we would see that part of the family so infrequently that I was able to avoid him.
I have mostly forgotten about the incident except for occasional flashbacks that I quickly repress.
We were recently sent a “save the date” announcement for Steve’s wedding.
I have no desire to celebrate him in any way, much less be forced to go to his wedding.
My mother takes these occasions very seriously and has not responded well to my initial attempts to tell her that I do not want to attend.
I don’t think any excuse (except telling her the truth) will get me out of this and still be in her good graces.
I don’t want to tell the truth now because our mothers are very close, and I don’t want to upset that relationship.
— Worried
Dear Worried: If you try hard enough, you can always find a good reason for not revealing the truth — to protect your mother’s relationships, for instance.
Shedding light on this secret might be the best thing for you, and I could well imagine that your mother would want to know (most loyal mothers would).
You should get used to the idea that your mother is going to be upset, regardless of what you choose to do.
You could try to hedge by saying, “Mom, I really don’t like ‘Steve.’ I haven’t liked him since we were kids. I don’t want to go to his wedding.”
That might be enough of an explanation for your mother, but you should ask yourself if this is really right for you.
August 2020
Dear Amy: I’m getting married in September and have been planning my wedding for quite a while. My mom and I have been paying for everything related to the wedding, and my father and stepmother haven’t offered any money.
They’ve been telling me about financial hardships that they’ve been having, but I notice they have been buying high-ticket items for their three girls.
How can I ask them to contribute when they claim to have “no money”?
My fiance’s family also hasn’t offered to contribute.
How do I broach that subject with them — I know his mom doesn’t like me, but I’d appreciate the support.
— Fed Up
Dear Fed Up: You and your fiance (not you and your mother) should be in charge of paying for and financing your wedding.
Consider this the first test of your marriage. If you and your fiance tackle this together, you will have the benefit of each other’s assistance when trying to raise the money for your nuptials. If your mother isn’t in the mix, your father may be more inclined to contribute, and if your future husband takes the lead in approaching his family, they may pony up. The best way to do this is respectfully — and in person.
You should take your discomfort as a sign that you should be judicious and realistic when asking people to open their wallets.
You two should plan only the wedding you know you can afford.
January 2010
Dear Amy: Responding to the question of what to do with your wedding gown (after you’ve used it), I got married in a Jessica McClintock ensemble of white lace jodhpurs, a black silk jacket and a lace jabot.
This Halloween for our neighborhood pet costume contest I made my cat, Roscoe, a wedding dress and used my lace jabot as his veil.
Roscoe won best in show!
Of course, my jabot went back in the cedar chest afterward.
— Proud Cat Owner
Dear Proud: And people say that cat owners are a little eccentric! I’m imagining your costumed cat, as well as the next use for your lace jabot.
November 2010
(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--2020-03-14--House passes aid package for coronavirus emergency; Buck is Colorado’s lone no vote

President Donald Trump on Friday declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency , freeing up money and resources to fight the outbreak , and then threw his support behind an aid package in Congress that is on track to provide direct relief to Americans .
From the Rose Garden , Trump said , “ I am officially declaring a national emergency , ” unleashing as much as $ 50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis .
Trump also announced a range of executive actions , including a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to subdue the new virus whose spread is roiling markets , shuttering institutions and disrupting the lives of everyday Americans .
But he denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available as his administration has come under criticism for being too slow to respond .
Trump said , “ I don ’ t take responsibility at all ” for the slow rollout of testing .
Before the House voted late Friday , Speaker Nancy Pelosi trumpeted the hard-fought package that will provide free testing , sick pay for workers , enhanced unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We did what we said we were going to do : Put families first , ” said Pelosi , flanked by Democratic lawmakers , including many freshmen .
The House passed the bill after midnight on a bipartisan vote , 363-40 .
Republican Ken Buck of Windsor was the only Colorado lawmaker to vote against the bill .
It now goes to the Senate .
Trump ’ s tweet of approval instilled fresh energy in the package , all but ensuring that wary Republicans would join with a robust vote .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together and VOTE YES !
” He added , “ Look forward to signing the final Bill , ASAP !
” The crush of late-day activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines , school closures and a changed way of life .
The White House was under enormous pressure , dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president .
Trump has been known to flout public health advice — and was eagerly shaking hands during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged he “ most likely ” will be tested soon after exposures to individuals who have tested positive for the virus .
The White House physician indicated later his interactions were low-risk and testing is not necessary .
Still , Trump said officials don ’ t want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms .
“ We don ’ t want people without symptoms to go and do that test , ” Trump said , adding , “ It ’ s totally unnecessary.
” Additionally , Trump took a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans and give medical professionals additional “ flexibility ” in treating patients during the public health crisis .
“ Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice , national determination , we will overcome the threat of the virus , ” Trump said .
Central to the aid package from Congress , which builds on an emergency $ 8.3 billion measure approved last week , are the free testing , sick pay and family leave provisions .
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapid spread of the infection .
Officials warn that the nation ’ s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients , as suddenly happened in Italy , one of the countries hardest hit by the virus .
The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing — for people self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship .
The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave .
Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steven Mnuchin in days of around-the-clock negotiations with cross-town phone calls , even as Trump was speaking at the White House .
Hopes for swift passage stalled as talks dragged and Trump dismissed it during as “ not doing enough.
” Republicans were reluctant to come on board without his backing , according to a person unauthorized to discuss the talks and granted anonymity .
Ahead of Trump ’ s news conference , Pelosi delivered her own statement from the speaker ’ s balcony at the Capitol , imploring Trump ’ s party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backing the effort to provide Americans with relief .
Voting in the Senate is not yet set , with senators out of town for the weekend .
But Senate Leader Mitch McConnell canceled a plan recess week and senators were scheduled to return Monday .
He said he expects most senators will want to “ act swiftly.
” Both Mnuchin and Pelosi , who said she did not speak directly to Trump during the negotiations , promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon , with more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slipped into recession .
The financial markets closed on an upswing after one of the worst nosedives since the 1987 downturn .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks to be over it .
Trump said he was gratified that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested negative for the virus , after the pair sat next to each other for an extended period of time last weekend at Trump ’ s Mar-a-Lago club .
A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive .
The White House physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump was also exposed to a second guest at the club dinner , “ sharing the table with the president , ” who has since tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the physician said Trump had only “ LOW risk ” interactions and testing “ is not currently indicated.
” Trump ’ s daugher , Ivanka Trump , worked from home Friday after meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton , now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said she was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit .
Attorney General William Barr , who also met with the Australian official , stayed home Friday , though he “ felt great and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec .
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado .
Several lawmakers , including some close to Trump , have also been exposed to people who tested positive for the virus , and are self-isolating .
Among them are Republican Sens .
Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott , who were at Trump ’ s club on the weekend .
Graham announced Friday that he also met with the Australian official who has now tested positive .
And GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential exposure at a conservative conference in Washington , said Friday he met with a Spanish official and is now self-quarantining .
Hospitals welcomed Trump ’ s emergency declaration , which they and lawmakers in Congress had been requesting .
It allows the Health and Human Services Department to temporarily waive certain federal rules that can make it harder for hospitals and other health care facilities to respond to an emergency .
The American Medical Association said the emergency declaration would help ensure America ’ s health care system has sufficient resources to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Anthony Fauci , infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health , said more tests would be available over the next week , but warned , “ We still have a long way to go .
”

President Donald Trump on Friday declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight the outbreak, and then threw his support behind an aid package in Congress that is on track to provide direct relief to Americans.
From the Rose Garden, Trump said, “I am officially declaring a national emergency,” unleashing as much as $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis.
Trump also announced a range of executive actions, including a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities with drive-through locations, as Washington tries to subdue the new virus whose spread is roiling markets, shuttering institutions and disrupting the lives of everyday Americans.
But he denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available as his administration has come under criticism for being too slow to respond.
Trump said, “I don’t take responsibility at all” for the slow rollout of testing.
Before the House voted late Friday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi trumpeted the hard-fought package that will provide free testing, sick pay for workers, enhanced unemployment benefits and bolstered food programs.
“We did what we said we were going to do: Put families first,” said Pelosi, flanked by Democratic lawmakers, including many freshmen. The House passed the bill after midnight on a bipartisan vote, 363-40. Republican Ken Buck of Windsor was the only Colorado lawmaker to vote against the bill.
It now goes to the Senate.
Trump’s tweet of approval instilled fresh energy in the package, all but ensuring that wary Republicans would join with a robust vote.
“I fully support H.R. 6201: Families First CoronaVirus Response Act,” Trump wrote.
“I encourage all Republicans and Democrats to come together and VOTE YES!” He added, “Look forward to signing the final Bill, ASAP!”
The crush of late-day activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines, school closures and a changed way of life.
The White House was under enormous pressure, dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president.
Trump has been known to flout public health advice — and was eagerly shaking hands during the more than hour-long afternoon event — but acknowledged he “most likely” will be tested soon after exposures to individuals who have tested positive for the virus. The White House physician indicated later his interactions were low-risk and testing is not necessary.
Still, Trump said officials don’t want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms. “We don’t want people without symptoms to go and do that test,” Trump said, adding, “It’s totally unnecessary.”
Additionally, Trump took a number of other actions to bolster energy markets, ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans and give medical professionals additional “flexibility” in treating patients during the public health crisis.
“Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice, national determination, we will overcome the threat of the virus,” Trump said.
Central to the aid package from Congress, which builds on an emergency $8.3 billion measure approved last week, are the free testing, sick pay and family leave provisions.
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection. Officials warn that the nation’s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients, as suddenly happened in Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the virus.
The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing — for people self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship. The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave. Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits.
Pelosi negotiated the deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in days of around-the-clock negotiations with cross-town phone calls, even as Trump was speaking at the White House.
Hopes for swift passage stalled as talks dragged and Trump dismissed it during as “not doing enough.” Republicans were reluctant to come on board without his backing, according to a person unauthorized to discuss the talks and granted anonymity.
Ahead of Trump’s news conference, Pelosi delivered her own statement from the speaker’s balcony at the Capitol, imploring Trump’s party to “put families first” by backing the effort to provide Americans with relief.
Voting in the Senate is not yet set, with senators out of town for the weekend. But Senate Leader Mitch McConnell canceled a plan recess week and senators were scheduled to return Monday. He said he expects most senators will want to “act swiftly.”
Both Mnuchin and Pelosi, who said she did not speak directly to Trump during the negotiations, promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon, with more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy, which economists fear has already slipped into recession.
The financial markets closed on an upswing after one of the worst nosedives since the 1987 downturn.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to be over it.
Trump said he was gratified that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested negative for the virus, after the pair sat next to each other for an extended period of time last weekend at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club. A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive.
The White House physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump was also exposed to a second guest at the club dinner, “sharing the table with the president,” who has since tested positive for the virus. Still despite the incidents, the physician said Trump had only “LOW risk” interactions and testing “is not currently indicated.”
Trump’s daugher, Ivanka Trump, worked from home Friday after meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus. White House spokesman Judd Deere said she was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit.
Attorney General William Barr, who also met with the Australian official, stayed home Friday, though he “felt great and wasn’t showing any symptoms,” according to his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec.
Join our Facebook group for updates on coronavirus in Colorado.
Several lawmakers, including some close to Trump, have also been exposed to people who tested positive for the virus, and are self-isolating.
Among them are Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott, who were at Trump’s club on the weekend. Graham announced Friday that he also met with the Australian official who has now tested positive. And GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who had previously isolated himself after a potential exposure at a conservative conference in Washington, said Friday he met with a Spanish official and is now self-quarantining.
Hospitals welcomed Trump’s emergency declaration, which they and lawmakers in Congress had been requesting. It allows the Health and Human Services Department to temporarily waive certain federal rules that can make it harder for hospitals and other health care facilities to respond to an emergency.
The American Medical Association said the emergency declaration would help ensure America’s health care system has sufficient resources to properly respond to the ongoing outbreak.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health, said more tests would be available over the next week, but warned, “We still have a long way to go.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-14--PHOTOS: Colorado braces for COVID-19 by stocking up, sanitizing and educating

A healthcare provider puts a fit-tested mask over her face before her next patient at the coronavirus testing location at @ @ @ @ @ 's Aspen Village location on Thursday , March 12 , 2020 , in Aspen , @ @ @ @ @ of people recover from the new coronavirus .
According to the World Health Organization , @ @ @ @ @ two to six weeks , depending on the severity of the illness .

RJ Sangosti, Helen H. Richardson, Andy Cross, AAron Ontiveroz

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
Buzz Schaumberg, center, and his wife Mary Ruth, pray with Reverend Dr. Douglas Dunn, left out of picture, and junior warden Ed Paprocki, right, during a '"drive-by" mass at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church on March 15, 2020 in Aurora. In the midst of the coronavirus and Covid-19 scare, churches have suspended mass for the time being. Dunn came up with the idea to offer a "drive-by' mass or a "service in a bag," as Dunn called it. Dunn filled about 80 ziplock plastic bags with four consecrated wafers for home communion, a copy of his Sunday sermon and the Sunday bulletin in each bag. With each passing car, Dunn and Paprocki would lean in closely -- but not too closely-- from a safe three-foot distance and give the occupants their personal bags and then offer up individual and personalized prayers for each driver.


thedenverpost--2020-03-14--‘A fight for my life’: Officers reflect on Wednesday’s mountain lion attack in Loveland

All of Larimer County Sheriff ’ s Office deputy Michelle Ross ’ training kicked into gear on Wednesday when a mountain lion jumped on top of her .
Ross , who has been with the Sheriff ’ s Office for a year and a half , responded to a call of a mountain lion attack in the Riverview RV Park & Campground in west Loveland on Wednesday .
When trying to move the mountain lion away from the park , it attacked her .
Instead of panicking , she fought for her life .
“ The minute you think you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to die , ” Ross said .
“ That ’ s the mindset that we get trained on .
You ’ ve got to push yourself to live.
” Ross discussed her experience at a Friday afternoon press conference in Fort Collins , along with the other officers on scene and a UPS driver who helped fight off the mountain lion after it attacked a civilian .
The civilian that was injured was not able to make it because he is still receiving treatment for his injuries , Sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alejandro Rodriguez , who has worked with UPS for 24 years , went to drop off a package at a home near the Riverview RV Park on Wednesday afternoon .
Like usual , he stopped and chatted with the man doing construction on the house .
As he was going back into the truck , a mountain lion jumped on the man .
He grabbed a piece of pallet from the truck and started hitting the mountain lion .
It ran off and he called 911 .
Afterward , Rodriguez said that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You acted without hesitation for a stranger , ” Moore said .
Moore said that the victim was incredibly grateful to Rodriguez , and doesn ’ t think he would have survived if it wasn ’ t for him .
Colorado State Patrol trooper Scott Boskovich was the first person to arrive on scene after receiving a call about a mountain lion attack .
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources rangers Cindy Kirby and Chris Gardner arrived moments after .
Kirby and Gardner were searching for the mountain lion when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several people in a golf cart .
Normally , mountain lions avoid people and aren ’ t usually out in the middle of the day , Kirby said .
“ This is not right , ” Kirby said she thought at the time .
Gardner got between the golf cart and the lion and yelled at it to go away .
It changed directions and went down to the riverbed and into the RV park , where it went underneath the first trailer in the lot .
Ross arrived and the group headed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move the lion away from the campers .
The mountain lion could have left the trailer park and gone back to the riverbed .
Instead , it jumped at Ross .
“ The only thing that came across my mind was ‘ you need to live , ’ ” Ross said .
“ That ’ s when your training , your instincts take over and you do what you need to do.
” Ross said that the mountain lion tried to latch onto her , but her vest carrier prevented it from digging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the momentum of the cat to throw it off of her and get it away from her face and throat .
The rangers knew they couldn ’ t shoot at the cat while it was on top of Ross , so Gardner kicked it and it ran off .
“ I knew I had to get it off her , ” he said .
Deputies followed the mountain lion to Black Crow Lane , where they shot it and killed it .
It was necessary to shoot the mountain lion because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
If officers can tranquilize an animal or divert it into an area without people , they will .
But after it attacked two people it became necessary to kill it , he said .
Ross has several puncture wounds on her arm from the attack .
Watching the video of the attack doesn ’ t even do justice to the power the mountain lion had , Ross said .
She ’ s 5-foot-3-inches , and the lion was longer than she is tall .
“ I could have died , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fight for my life.
” Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced in a press release Friday that the mountain lion tested positive for rabies .
Both victims are being treated for rabies exposure and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is managing the rabies exposure investigation , CPW said .
It is unknown how the mountain lion contacted rabies , but it is possible that it was bitten by a prey animal that was rabid , CPW said .
The lion was a 91-pound male in good body condition , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNA evidence from the lion was sent to a wildlife lab in Laramie , CPW said .
Results are still pending .
Ross said being treated for rabies made her feel “ like a pincushion , ” but said that she received excellent treatment at Medical Center of the Rockies and is expected to make a full recovery .
She thanked the other officers on scene for their quick action .
“ I ’ m extremely lucky to be here , ” she said .

All of Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputy Michelle Ross’ training kicked into gear on Wednesday when a mountain lion jumped on top of her.
Ross, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office for a year and a half, responded to a call of a mountain lion attack in the Riverview RV Park & Campground in west Loveland on Wednesday. When trying to move the mountain lion away from the park, it attacked her. Instead of panicking, she fought for her life.
“The minute you think you’re going to die, you’re going to die,” Ross said. “That’s the mindset that we get trained on. You’ve got to push yourself to live.”
Ross discussed her experience at a Friday afternoon press conference in Fort Collins, along with the other officers on scene and a UPS driver who helped fight off the mountain lion after it attacked a civilian.
The civilian that was injured was not able to make it because he is still receiving treatment for his injuries, Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Moore said.
Alejandro Rodriguez, who has worked with UPS for 24 years, went to drop off a package at a home near the Riverview RV Park on Wednesday afternoon. Like usual, he stopped and chatted with the man doing construction on the house.
As he was going back into the truck, a mountain lion jumped on the man. He grabbed a piece of pallet from the truck and started hitting the mountain lion. It ran off and he called 911.
Afterward, Rodriguez said that he finished the rest of his delivery route.
Moore praised Rodriguez for his quick thinking.
“You acted without hesitation for a stranger,” Moore said.
Moore said that the victim was incredibly grateful to Rodriguez, and doesn’t think he would have survived if it wasn’t for him.
Colorado State Patrol trooper Scott Boskovich was the first person to arrive on scene after receiving a call about a mountain lion attack. Larimer County Department of Natural Resources rangers Cindy Kirby and Chris Gardner arrived moments after.
Kirby and Gardner were searching for the mountain lion when they saw it running down a hill toward several people in a golf cart. Normally, mountain lions avoid people and aren’t usually out in the middle of the day, Kirby said.
“This is not right,” Kirby said she thought at the time.
Gardner got between the golf cart and the lion and yelled at it to go away. It changed directions and went down to the riverbed and into the RV park, where it went underneath the first trailer in the lot.
Ross arrived and the group headed toward the trailer park to try to move the lion away from the campers.
The mountain lion could have left the trailer park and gone back to the riverbed. Instead, it jumped at Ross.
“The only thing that came across my mind was ‘you need to live,’” Ross said. “That’s when your training, your instincts take over and you do what you need to do.”
Ross said that the mountain lion tried to latch onto her, but her vest carrier prevented it from digging its claws in. She tried to use the momentum of the cat to throw it off of her and get it away from her face and throat.
The rangers knew they couldn’t shoot at the cat while it was on top of Ross, so Gardner kicked it and it ran off.
“I knew I had to get it off her,” he said.
Deputies followed the mountain lion to Black Crow Lane, where they shot it and killed it.
It was necessary to shoot the mountain lion because it was a threat to people, Gardner said. If officers can tranquilize an animal or divert it into an area without people, they will. But after it attacked two people it became necessary to kill it, he said.
Ross has several puncture wounds on her arm from the attack.
Watching the video of the attack doesn’t even do justice to the power the mountain lion had, Ross said. She’s 5-foot-3-inches, and the lion was longer than she is tall.
“I could have died,” Ross said. “That was literally a fight for my life.”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced in a press release Friday that the mountain lion tested positive for rabies. Both victims are being treated for rabies exposure and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is managing the rabies exposure investigation, CPW said.
It is unknown how the mountain lion contacted rabies, but it is possible that it was bitten by a prey animal that was rabid, CPW said.
The lion was a 91-pound male in good body condition, according to a necropsy that was conducted. DNA evidence from the lion was sent to a wildlife lab in Laramie, CPW said. Results are still pending.
Ross said being treated for rabies made her feel “like a pincushion,” but said that she received excellent treatment at Medical Center of the Rockies and is expected to make a full recovery.
She thanked the other officers on scene for their quick action.
“I’m extremely lucky to be here,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-03-14--Colorado college athletes heartbroken over NCAA cancellations: “The rug was yanked out from all of u

Colorado college athletes heartbroken over NCAA cancellations: “The rug was yanked out from all of us”

Imagine spending the majority of a decade striving for a single athletic achievement , and less than 24 hours before that moment arrives , your dream evaporates into thin air .
That is the current bitter reality for thousands of NCAA athletes whose winter championships or entire springs seasons have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Think about all the upperclassmen , like Colorado State distance runner Eric Hamer , who qualified for the NCAA indoor championships for the first time this season as a fifth-year Rams senior .
Hamer , seeded 14th in the 5,000-meter final , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday morning preparing for Friday night ’ s race as the NCAA shifted from no fans allowed , to event postponement , to complete cancellation .
“ I ’ ll take a nap and then realize it ’ s not a dream , ” Hamer said .
“ It ’ s a constant unraveling realization and it ’ s sitting in different ways .
… It took me five years to get here — absolutely — of messing up a lot , overcoming injury and just growing as a person .
The moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rug was yanked out from all of us.
” On Friday afternoon , as the spread of COVID-19 continued globally and shuttered the sports world , the NCAA enacted an immediate ban on in-person recruiting until April 15 .
It also delivered some positive news , in stating that “ eligibility relief is appropriate for all Division I student-athletes who participated in spring sports.
” Those sports include baseball , women ’ s beach volleyball , golf , lacrosse , outdoor track , women ’ s rowing , softball , tennis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s water polo .
Hamer , also an accomplished outdoor track athlete , told The Denver Post late Friday that the NCAA had contacted CSU coaches with preliminary next steps for extending eligibility , but many details still needed to be “ ironed out.
” But it appears the process of adding one spring sports season per athlete will not be simple or universally applied — especially with many on partial scholarships .
“ I think it ’ s the right call , but whether or not I take ( the eligibility ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Hamer said .
“ To be a student and train at this level is not something you do lightly and I would need to get into grad school .
My scholarship has been promised to another up-and-coming runner that ’ s going to be coming into CSU .
“ I think a lot of people are actually going to just accept that it ’ s time to move on.
” The CU skiing team was in fifth place at the NCAA championships in Bozeman , Mont.
, when the NCAA canceled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Post he was a strong proponent of his athletes having an avenue to additional eligibility as a result .
“ We have had back-and-forth contact with our compliance ( office ) and I was hoping something like this would be on the table for discussion , ” Rokos said .
“ Even as the season is technically-speaking over , the championship is the highlight .
If the NCAA will decide to extend the eligibility of athletes based on this situation , I think it ’ s a very fair decision.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing is abundantly clear .
Life on college campuses , and across the world , won ’ t be quite the same for some time .
“ School has gone online , so we ’ ve graduated pretty much , ” Hamer said .
“ A couple of months prematurely , a lot has just ended .
… It ’ s a lost track season .
It ’ s something we won ’ t truly get back .
”

Imagine spending the majority of a decade striving for a single athletic achievement, and less than 24 hours before that moment arrives, your dream evaporates into thin air.
That is the current bitter reality for thousands of NCAA athletes whose winter championships or entire springs seasons have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Think about all the upperclassmen, like Colorado State distance runner Eric Hamer, who qualified for the NCAA indoor championships for the first time this season as a fifth-year Rams senior.
Hamer, seeded 14th in the 5,000-meter final, was in Albuquerque, N.M, on Thursday morning preparing for Friday night’s race as the NCAA shifted from no fans allowed, to event postponement, to complete cancellation.
“I’ll take a nap and then realize it’s not a dream,” Hamer said. “It’s a constant unraveling realization and it’s sitting in different ways. … It took me five years to get here — absolutely — of messing up a lot, overcoming injury and just growing as a person. The moment was not lost on anyone.
“The rug was yanked out from all of us.”
On Friday afternoon, as the spread of COVID-19 continued globally and shuttered the sports world, the NCAA enacted an immediate ban on in-person recruiting until April 15.
It also delivered some positive news, in stating that “eligibility relief is appropriate for all Division I student-athletes who participated in spring sports.” Those sports include baseball, women’s beach volleyball, golf, lacrosse, outdoor track, women’s rowing, softball, tennis, men’s volleyball and women’s water polo.
Hamer, also an accomplished outdoor track athlete, told The Denver Post late Friday that the NCAA had contacted CSU coaches with preliminary next steps for extending eligibility, but many details still needed to be “ironed out.” But it appears the process of adding one spring sports season per athlete will not be simple or universally applied — especially with many on partial scholarships.
“I think it’s the right call, but whether or not I take (the eligibility), I probably won’t,” Hamer said. “To be a student and train at this level is not something you do lightly and I would need to get into grad school. My scholarship has been promised to another up-and-coming runner that’s going to be coming into CSU.
“I think a lot of people are actually going to just accept that it’s time to move on.”
The CU skiing team was in fifth place at the NCAA championships in Bozeman, Mont., when the NCAA canceled the event. Longtime Buffs coach Richard Rokos told The Post he was a strong proponent of his athletes having an avenue to additional eligibility as a result.
“We have had back-and-forth contact with our compliance (office) and I was hoping something like this would be on the table for discussion,” Rokos said. “Even as the season is technically-speaking over, the championship is the highlight. If the NCAA will decide to extend the eligibility of athletes based on this situation, I think it’s a very fair decision.”
No matter what happens next, one thing is abundantly clear. Life on college campuses, and across the world, won’t be quite the same for some time.
“School has gone online, so we’ve graduated pretty much,” Hamer said. “A couple of months prematurely, a lot has just ended. … It’s a lost track season. It’s something we won’t truly get back.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-14--With Colorado’s high school basketball tournaments canceled, here’s some historical benchmarks teams

With Colorado’s high school basketball tournaments canceled, here’s some historical benchmarks teams never got the chance to attain

Seeking back-to-back titles , undefeated Rangeview had a chance to submit the first perfect season in Class 5A boys basketball since 2004 .
Instead , the Rangers , like several other teams who were still alive in Colorado ’ s high school basketball tournaments late Thursday night , will only be able to ponder what could ’ ve been after CHSAA canceled the events amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Here ’ s a sampling of some of the historical benchmarks teams never got the chance to attain due to this week ’ s cancelation : + Had Rangeview ( 26-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve finished the season with 47 consecutive wins , tying 1A Holly ( 2016-18 ) for fifth all-time in consecutive wins .
+ With a state-leading 12 state basketball titles , Manual was seeking to add its 13th and second back-to-back since winning 4A in 1990 and ’ 91 .
Manual won three consecutive championships from 1948-50 .
+ Faith Christian was seeking its seventh title , which would ’ ve moved the school into a tie for sixth all-time with Denver South , Merino and Caliche .
+ Fairview was seeking its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first state championship game appearance in 10 years .
+ Resurrection Christian ’ s average of 79.8 points per game entering the Final Four placed the team 14th all time in average scoring .
The school accounts for four of the top 15 highest scoring teams in state history .
Had the Cougars advanced to win state , 27 victories would ’ ve placed them top 15 all-time for consecutive wins .
+ Valor Christian was seeking its first 5A basketball title .
Valor won 4A in its third state championship appearance in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered the weekend seeking their schools ’ first basketball state championship : Mead , Northfield and The Classical Academy in 4A ; Resurrection Christian in 3A ; Wray in 2A ; and Briggsdale , Walsh and Mile High Academy in 1A .
+ Cherry Creek and Grandview were set for a rematch of last year ’ s 5A girls state championship , which Creek won 51-49 in dramatic fashion .
Grandview was seeking its third title in four consecutive championship game appearances .
+ With a roster filled with sophomores and juniors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-peat , becoming the 12th team in state history to do so .
Mullen previously won three consecutive titles from 2000-02 and would ’ ve become the only school to do it twice .
+ Holy Family sought its seventh overall girls basketball title , which would ’ ve placed the school in a tie for second ( Wray , Highlands Ranch ) on the all-time list .
+ The 2A bracket had the potential for some interesting matchups .
Limon and Holyoke could have met for a rematch of the 2006 2A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanford could ’ ve potentially met for the fourth time as league and district rivals .
+ A new 1A champion would ’ ve been crowned .
All four finalists in the 1A girls bracket had never won a girls basketball state championship : Springfield , Shining Mountain , South Baca , Cotopaxi .
Four others could have been first-time champions : St. Mary ’ s and Centauri in 3A , and Del Norte and Holyoke in 2A .

Seeking back-to-back titles, undefeated Rangeview had a chance to submit the first perfect season in Class 5A boys basketball since 2004.
Instead, the Rangers, like several other teams who were still alive in Colorado’s high school basketball tournaments late Thursday night, will only be able to ponder what could’ve been after CHSAA canceled the events amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Here’s a sampling of some of the historical benchmarks teams never got the chance to attain due to this week’s cancelation:
Boys
+ Had Rangeview (26-0) won out, it would’ve finished the season with 47 consecutive wins, tying 1A Holly (2016-18) for fifth all-time in consecutive wins.
+ With a state-leading 12 state basketball titles, Manual was seeking to add its 13th and second back-to-back since winning 4A in 1990 and ’91. Manual won three consecutive championships from 1948-50.
+ Faith Christian was seeking its seventh title, which would’ve moved the school into a tie for sixth all-time with Denver South, Merino and Caliche.
+ Fairview was seeking its first state title in 5A and its first state championship game appearance in 10 years.
+ Resurrection Christian’s average of 79.8 points per game entering the Final Four placed the team 14th all time in average scoring. The school accounts for four of the top 15 highest scoring teams in state history. Had the Cougars advanced to win state, 27 victories would’ve placed them top 15 all-time for consecutive wins.
+ Valor Christian was seeking its first 5A basketball title. Valor won 4A in its third state championship appearance in 2017.
+ Eight boys’ teams entered the weekend seeking their schools’ first basketball state championship: Mead, Northfield and The Classical Academy in 4A; Resurrection Christian in 3A; Wray in 2A; and Briggsdale, Walsh and Mile High Academy in 1A.
Girls
+ Cherry Creek and Grandview were set for a rematch of last year’s 5A girls state championship, which Creek won 51-49 in dramatic fashion. Grandview was seeking its third title in four consecutive championship game appearances.
+ With a roster filled with sophomores and juniors, Mullen had the potential to complete a three-peat, becoming the 12th team in state history to do so. Mullen previously won three consecutive titles from 2000-02 and would’ve become the only school to do it twice.
+ Speaking of three-peats, the St. Mary’s girls had a chance to win a third consecutive 3A title and would’ve been heavy favorites at 24-1.
+ Holy Family sought its seventh overall girls basketball title, which would’ve placed the school in a tie for second (Wray, Highlands Ranch) on the all-time list.
+ The 2A bracket had the potential for some interesting matchups. Limon and Holyoke could have met for a rematch of the 2006 2A title game, while Del Norte and Sanford could’ve potentially met for the fourth time as league and district rivals.
+ A new 1A champion would’ve been crowned. All four finalists in the 1A girls bracket had never won a girls basketball state championship: Springfield, Shining Mountain, South Baca, Cotopaxi. Four others could have been first-time champions: Centauri in 3A, and Del Norte and Holyoke in 2A.
Updated March 14, 2020 at 6:17 p.m. The following corrected information has been added to this article: Because of a reporting error, this story has been updated to reflect that the St. Mary’s girls basketball team was going for a third straight 3A championship.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Rockies lay out baseball plans in wake of coronavirus; second “spring training” likely

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — The Rockies have laid out their basic blueprint for baseball activities as they deal with the coronavirus outbreak and wait for a starting date of the regular season .
While Major League Baseball on Friday officially suspended spring major training for all 30 teams , MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed that players can elect to return home , remain in their spring training cities , or return to their club ’ s home city .
In response , the Rockies decided that it will keep its spring training facility at Salt River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their players will participate in workouts there .
General manager Jeff Bridich said the club would operate a program similar to the one that ’ s run in January when players begin gearing up for spring training .
“ At this point , we don ’ t have a final count , but we have a general feeling that a lot of guys will stay here , and we plan on keeping this place open , to a certain degree , on a weekly basis , ” Bridich said after an hour-and-a-half meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that although “ nothing is 100 percent set in stone , ” the players will be provided with food and training and all baseball facilities will be available .
Although MLB has officially canceled at least the first two weeks of the regular season , which was scheduled to begin March 26 , it ’ s likely that the season will not begin until sometime in May .
That means that a “ second version ” of spring training will likely be needed .
“ There has been talk already about this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obviously there will have to be some lead time for the players to get into game shape again .
The players were tracking toward that — we were two weeks from opening day .
Now , we don ’ t know when that ’ s going to be .
But we will get plenty of time from MLB to get back in game shape and it will be at least a three-week period … to be ready for a season.
” Following are other details of the Rockies ’ plan : — Bridich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendations to the players , stressing that they are free to make their own decision about whether they want to remain in Arizona or return home .
Players with families would be the most likely to leave Arizona .
The overreaching goal , Bridich said , “ is to limit everyone to exposure to this virus.
” — Minor-league players and staff are being sent home , beginning immediately .
— The Rockies are not planning to hold intrasquad games in an effort to build up pitch counts , at least not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarity on when the season might start , and when camps might reopen , there will be plenty of time to get into game shape , ” Black said .
— Players have been told to avoid exposure to large groups and to monitor their own health .
“ We have told them to be honest about how they feel and be truthful about symptoms , ” Bridich said .
“ This is no time to be macho or tough .
If you are not feeling well , you have to communicate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And that ’ s not just players , it goes for the entire organization.
” — To this point , no Rockies player or staff , and no employee at Salt River Field has been diagnosed with the coronavirus , Bridich said .

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Rockies have laid out their basic blueprint for baseball activities as they deal with the coronavirus outbreak and wait for a starting date of the regular season.
While Major League Baseball on Friday officially suspended spring major training for all 30 teams, MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed that players can elect to return home, remain in their spring training cities, or return to their club’s home city.
In response, the Rockies decided that it will keep its spring training facility at Salt River Fields open and anticipate that many of their players will participate in workouts there. General manager Jeff Bridich said the club would operate a program similar to the one that’s run in January when players begin gearing up for spring training.
“At this point, we don’t have a final count, but we have a general feeling that a lot of guys will stay here, and we plan on keeping this place open, to a certain degree, on a weekly basis,” Bridich said after an hour-and-a-half meeting with the players Friday.
Bridich said that although “nothing is 100 percent set in stone,” the players will be provided with food and training and all baseball facilities will be available.
Although MLB has officially canceled at least the first two weeks of the regular season, which was scheduled to begin March 26, it’s likely that the season will not begin until sometime in May. That means that a “second version” of spring training will likely be needed.
“There has been talk already about this,” manager Bud Black said. “Obviously there will have to be some lead time for the players to get into game shape again. The players were tracking toward that — we were two weeks from opening day. Now, we don’t know when that’s going to be. But we will get plenty of time from MLB to get back in game shape and it will be at least a three-week period … to be ready for a season.”
Following are other details of the Rockies’ plan:
— Bridich said the club did not make any recommendations to the players, stressing that they are free to make their own decision about whether they want to remain in Arizona or return home. Players with families would be the most likely to leave Arizona. The overreaching goal, Bridich said, “is to limit everyone to exposure to this virus.”
— Minor-league players and staff are being sent home, beginning immediately.
— The Rockies are not planning to hold intrasquad games in an effort to build up pitch counts, at least not in the short-term.
“When we get clarity on when the season might start, and when camps might reopen, there will be plenty of time to get into game shape,” Black said.
— Players have been told to avoid exposure to large groups and to monitor their own health.
“We have told them to be honest about how they feel and be truthful about symptoms,” Bridich said. “This is no time to be macho or tough. If you are not feeling well, you have to communicate that, and that goes for everybody involved. And that’s not just players, it goes for the entire organization.”
— To this point, no Rockies player or staff, and no employee at Salt River Field has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, Bridich said.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Denver, Aurora police no longer sending officers to low-level crimes to minimize spread of coronavir

Denver, Aurora police no longer sending officers to low-level crimes to minimize spread of coronavirus

Denver and Aurora police will no longer send an officer to take reports on low-level incidents in an effort to protect their staff from the new coronavirus .
Both departments are encouraging people to report crimes online if they don ’ t require an immediate response and if no one is in danger .
The departments can then follow up with a phone call without risking exposure of officers or the person making the complaint to the virus .
The Denver Police Department started preparing for COVID-19 more than a month ago and has contingency plans should a bulk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pazen said .
The department will have to prioritize calls as they come in if their staffing is severely impacted , he said .
Officers will no longer respond in-person to reports of crimes like vandalism and low-level theft .
“ We ’ re not turtling up into shells and hiding , ” Pazen said .
“ Our ability to fight crime , our ability to prevent crime in the first place , that has not changed.
” The Denver Police Department could stop making arrests and instead issue summons if its staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems at the jail , Pazen said .
Officers have access to full-body protective gear should they need it .
The department has also moved all meetings to phone conferences and staggered shift roll calls to limit the number of people in a room at the same time .
Multiple members of the Denver Police Department have voluntarily decided to quarantine themselves in an abundance of caution , Pazen said .
He wouldn ’ t say exactly how many members , but said it was less than five .
Nobody in the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other law enforcement agencies , like the Arapahoe County Sheriff ’ s Office , have suspended non-essential services , like fingerprinting and concealed handgun permitting .

Denver and Aurora police will no longer send an officer to take reports on low-level incidents in an effort to protect their staff from the new coronavirus.
Both departments are encouraging people to report crimes online if they don’t require an immediate response and if no one is in danger. The departments can then follow up with a phone call without risking exposure of officers or the person making the complaint to the virus. Aurora police leadership said they would not send officers to a call unless there is still a crime in progress or its a serious offense.
The Denver Police Department started preparing for COVID-19 more than a month ago and has contingency plans should a bulk of their force become infected, Chief Paul Pazen said. The department will have to prioritize calls as they come in if their staffing is severely impacted, he said. Officers will no longer respond in-person to reports of crimes like vandalism and low-level theft.
“We’re not turtling up into shells and hiding,” Pazen said. “Our ability to fight crime, our ability to prevent crime in the first place, that has not changed.”
The Denver Police Department could stop making arrests and instead issue summons if its staff is greatly impacted or if there are problems at the jail, Pazen said. Officers have access to full-body protective gear should they need it. The department has also moved all meetings to phone conferences and staggered shift roll calls to limit the number of people in a room at the same time.
Multiple members of the Denver Police Department have voluntarily decided to quarantine themselves in an abundance of caution, Pazen said. He wouldn’t say exactly how many members, but said it was less than five. Nobody in the department has been diagnosed with the virus.
Other law enforcement agencies, like the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, have suspended non-essential services, like fingerprinting and concealed handgun permitting.
Denver residents can file online reports here: https://secure.coplogic.com/dors/en/filing/selectincidenttype?dynparam=1584141049775
Aurora residents can file online reports here: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/police/make_an_online_report