thedenverpost--2020-12-22--Colorado’s COVID-19 situation is improving — so health officials are worried people will let their g

Colorado’s COVID-19 situation is improving — so health officials are worried people will let their guard down

New COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are falling in Colorado as Christmas approaches , but relaxing health precautions too quickly could set up another deadly spike , health officials warned Monday .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 17,671 new cases of the novel coronavirus last week , which was the lowest level since the start of October .
As of Monday afternoon , 1,386 people were hospitalized with either confirmed or suspected COVID-19 .
That was the lowest level since Nov. 14 .
State epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said Friday that cases and hospitalizations are still above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s clear Colorado hasn ’ t seen the post-Thanksgiving spike that some states have , she said .
“ Our numbers remain high overall and call for continued action , ” she said .
“ Colorado ’ s actions and Colorado ’ s policies have made a difference.
” It ’ s not clear whether COVID-19 deaths have begun to decrease , because reports can be delayed two weeks or longer .
The state hit a record high of 456 deaths reported during the week ending Dec. 6 .
While the numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still dealing with growing outbreaks .
Starting Tuesday , Pitkin County will require most industries to follow Level Red restrictions on the state ’ s dial framework .
There ’ s an exception for restaurants , which will still be able to allow indoor dining at 25 % of capacity , according to The Aspen Times .
Personal gatherings will be prohibited .
If the downward trajectory continues , schools could begin offering in-person classes again in the New Year , Herlihy said .
But for that to happen , everyone needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing and wearing masks over the holidays , she said .
“ If we can avoid a Christmas and New Year ’ s spike , we can get our numbers back to spring levels in time for school reopenings , ” she said .
If the current rate of decline continues , Colorado could reach the level of infections it had during the spring peak by mid-January , said Beth Carlton , an associate professor of occupational and environmental health at the Colorado School of Public Health .
It would take until March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer levels , she said .
A small or moderate increase in close contacts over Christmas weekend likely wouldn ’ t be enough to overwhelm hospitals , Carlton said , though more people would get sick and die .
The bigger concern is a sustained change in people ’ s behavior , she said .
“ The thing we ’ re most concerned about is people letting down their guard , or major policy changes , ” she said .
“ If we go back to mid-October ( levels of precautions ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest projections , from Wednesday , estimated about one in 59 people in Colorado are currently contagious with the virus .
Masks , keeping six feet of distance , handwashing , increasing ventilation and other precautions all reduce the odds the virus will successfully jump from a contagious person to someone who ’ s not yet immune .
They all have weaknesses , though , and the more people who are contagious , the greater the odds the virus gets through .
Imagine storming a castle with thousands of soldiers , versus only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — or people transmitting the virus — the greater the odds the defenses fail .
While the number of people who have received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing , most Coloradans still have a long wait until they ’ re immune .
The state health department reported 12,300 doses of the Moderna vaccine arrived Monday .
The remaining 83,300 in the first shipment are expected Tuesday , as are 14,040 additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine .
A coalition of six public health agencies in the Denver area released a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let up on precautions .
While the trends are encouraging , they could easily reverse , said Dr. Bill Burman , executive director of Denver Public Health .
“ Now is the worst time for us to become complacent , ” he said .
“ Our counties still have very high case rates , and we have already witnessed the health and economic consequences of loosening distancing and mitigation policies too quickly.
” Since March , 311,036 people in Colorado have tested positive for the new coronavirus , and 17,228 have been hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

New COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are falling in Colorado as Christmas approaches, but relaxing health precautions too quickly could set up another deadly spike, health officials warned Monday.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 17,671 new cases of the novel coronavirus last week, which was the lowest level since the start of October.
As of Monday afternoon, 1,386 people were hospitalized with either confirmed or suspected COVID-19. That was the lowest level since Nov. 14.
State epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said Friday that cases and hospitalizations are still above their spring levels. Still, it’s clear Colorado hasn’t seen the post-Thanksgiving spike that some states have, she said.
“Our numbers remain high overall and call for continued action,” she said. “Colorado’s actions and Colorado’s policies have made a difference.”
It’s not clear whether COVID-19 deaths have begun to decrease, because reports can be delayed two weeks or longer. The state hit a record high of 456 deaths reported during the week ending Dec. 6.
While the numbers are improving statewide, some counties are still dealing with growing outbreaks. Starting Tuesday, Pitkin County will require most industries to follow Level Red restrictions on the state’s dial framework. There’s an exception for restaurants, which will still be able to allow indoor dining at 25% of capacity, according to The Aspen Times. Personal gatherings will be prohibited.
If the downward trajectory continues, schools could begin offering in-person classes again in the New Year, Herlihy said. But for that to happen, everyone needs to “stay the course” and continue distancing and wearing masks over the holidays, she said.
“If we can avoid a Christmas and New Year’s spike, we can get our numbers back to spring levels in time for school reopenings,” she said.
If the current rate of decline continues, Colorado could reach the level of infections it had during the spring peak by mid-January, said Beth Carlton, an associate professor of occupational and environmental health at the Colorado School of Public Health. It would take until March to get back to the relatively safe summer levels, she said.
A small or moderate increase in close contacts over Christmas weekend likely wouldn’t be enough to overwhelm hospitals, Carlton said, though more people would get sick and die. The bigger concern is a sustained change in people’s behavior, she said.
“The thing we’re most concerned about is people letting down their guard, or major policy changes,” she said. “If we go back to mid-October (levels of precautions), we could be in trouble.”
The latest projections, from Wednesday, estimated about one in 59 people in Colorado are currently contagious with the virus.
Masks, keeping six feet of distance, handwashing, increasing ventilation and other precautions all reduce the odds the virus will successfully jump from a contagious person to someone who’s not yet immune. They all have weaknesses, though, and the more people who are contagious, the greater the odds the virus gets through. Imagine storming a castle with thousands of soldiers, versus only a few dozen. The more soldiers — or people transmitting the virus — the greater the odds the defenses fail.
While the number of people who have received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing, most Coloradans still have a long wait until they’re immune. The state health department reported 12,300 doses of the Moderna vaccine arrived Monday. The remaining 83,300 in the first shipment are expected Tuesday, as are 14,040 additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
A coalition of six public health agencies in the Denver area released a statement Monday asking the public not to let up on precautions. While the trends are encouraging, they could easily reverse, said Dr. Bill Burman, executive director of Denver Public Health.
“Now is the worst time for us to become complacent,” he said. “Our counties still have very high case rates, and we have already witnessed the health and economic consequences of loosening distancing and mitigation policies too quickly.”
Since March, 311,036 people in Colorado have tested positive for the new coronavirus, and 17,228 have been hospitalized. The state has reported 4,378 coronavirus-related deaths.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-12-22--Broncos Mailbag: Why did Denver sign Taylor Russolino instead of a more veteran kicker as insurance

Broncos Mailbag: Why did Denver sign Taylor Russolino instead of a more veteran kicker as insurance for Brandon McManus?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season .
Submit questions to Ryan here .
Clearly the Bills ’ game got out of hand in the third quarter , but I ’ m still a little curious about why we didn ’ t sign an actual NFL veteran kicker rather than a 31-year old “ rookie.
” ( Taylor Russolino ) .
Having a 21-17 deficit would have been a better halftime score than 21-13 and maybe a more experienced kicker doesn ’ t shank the second-half kickoff to give Buffalo the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyway , my point is if the team is looking for another 31-year-old who hasn ’ t taken a snap in the NFL maybe you can forward my email address to Vic Fangio .
I ’ m free on Sundays .
Well , I know everybody was wondering how old Steve was and now we know .
I had this conversation with a colleague before the Bills game .
Was Russolino , he of no NFL experience , really the best option in case Brandon McManus wasn ’ t available ?
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re in a COVID-19 world and they had to convince a kicker to travel to Denver , go through the testing protocols , sign to the practice squad and isolate himself at a local hotel … with no guarantee of playing .
A player like Russolino may have been the best of the options .
Russolino missed a field goal and extra point in the first half , which meant the Broncos trailed by eight instead of four .
It probably would have delayed the inevitable Buffalo win , but the third quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know Mark Kiszla talked about mortgaging the future and going after Trevor Lawrence , but do the Broncos even have enough to entertain a trade for him ?
At a minimum , I can ’ t imagine we ’ d be able to get him without several first-round picks and a number of our young offensive weapons .
There ’ s not going to be much left aside from Garett Bolles .
What do you think ?
The Jets won their way out of the No .
1 spot on Sunday with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That puts Jacksonville in the driver ’ s seat — lose to Chicago and Indianapolis and going 1-15 will have the benefit of drafting Lawrence .
If the Broncos want to draft a quarterback , they should call the Jets to ask a ) is Sam Darnold on the block ?
or b ) if they ’ re committed to Darnold , are they interested in moving down ?
As for the cost of trading up to Nos .
1-2 … it ’ s a lot , period .
• Kiszla vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secondary need an extreme makeover ?
• Kwity Paye to the Broncos ?
NFL mock draft has Michigan edge rusher coming to Denver .
• Broncos ’ receivers mostly spectators in blowout loss to Buffalo In 2016 , the Rams moved from No .
15 to No .
1 ( Jared Goff ) and the Eagles moved from No .
8 to No .
2 ( Carson Wentz ) .
The Rams gave up Nos .
15 , 43 and 45 in ’ 16 and first- and third-round picks in ’ 17 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received fourth- and sixth-round picks from Tennessee ) .
The Eagles gave up Nos .
8 , 77 and 100 in ’ 16 , a first-round pick in ’ 17 and a second-round pick in ’ 18 to move up for Wentz ( they received a ’ 17 fourth-rounder ) .
A wild card for any team wanting to move up : Would they be willing to include established veteran players to sweeten the deal ?
The Broncos should if they are serious .
Hey Ryan : Not loving the thought of Philip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been tough sledding lately .
Was wondering if you might be seeing what I think I ’ m seeing .
When he has good games , he is often patient waiting for the hole to open .
It seems in his last several games , he heads into the line often with no place to go .
If true , I was thinking that being banged up has limited his explosiveness .
Maybe when he ’ s healthy , he gets that back ?
Hard to say , I know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — 5.4 yards in 2018 , 4.5 yards last year and 4.3 yards this year .
Toe , head and knee injuries have derailed his season and he has only 118 carries and seven catches entering the final two games .
Only Lindsay knows how much his health has impacted his production this year but it is accurate that he could never get out of the blocks .
The Broncos essentially chose Melvin Gordon ( via two-year contract ) in March over Lindsay ( eligible for a contract extension ) .
The messy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who then has early success , is potentially moving on from him .
But business decisions are made and not tendering Lindsay would be one of those calls .
I think the Broncos should draft Trey Lance , the quarterback from North Dakota State .
He may be the next Patrick Mahomes !
Also , they have too many receivers to keep them all happy and should trade one of them .
Your thoughts ?
Good to hear from my home state and I ’ ve been keeping tabs on Lance since he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an FCS national title .
Lance is young ( won ’ t turn 21 until May 9 ) and inexperienced ( 17 career starts ) , but he has the kind of build ( 6-foot-4/226 pounds ) that is almost required to be an NFL quarterback .
How teams view Lance will be one of the fascinating draft sub-plots .
Draft him and sit him ?
Draft him and develop an offense around his skill-set even though it will require out-of-the-box thinking ?
Select him over BYU ’ s Zach Wilson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Kyle Trask ?
What stood out about Lance last year , besides going 16-0 , is throwing 28 touchdowns and no interceptions and also rushing for 1,100 yards .
About your second question , the Broncos aren ’ t going to trade Courtland Sutton , Jerry Jeudy or KJ Hamler .
Tim Patrick is a restricted free agent but is likely in their plans .
That leaves DaeSean Hamilton and Diontae Spencer .
Don ’ t see how they have much trade value .
Two questions : 1 .
Do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Munchak is starting to pay off ?
Prior to the Bills game , the line only gave up four sacks in the previous five games and the offense was averaging 126 yards rushing per game .
2 .
Given the Broncos have the most difficult schedule in the league , a ton of youth and injuries , shouldn ’ t Broncos Country stay patient and let this team grow with the current coaching staff ?
Thanks .
Munchak ’ s impact can be illustrated by left tackle Garett Bolles going from not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May to signing a long-term extension in November .
And yes , the Broncos ’ line has performed well in the last two months .
Even with the Bills ’ three sacks on Saturday , Lock has been sacked only 15 times in his 10 games since returning from a shoulder injury .
The Broncos have played a tough schedule .
They have played a combined five games against the top four teams in the AFC ( 0-4 record ) and have faced the second and sixth seeds in the NFC ( New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient would be a departure for this organization , but what should be concerning to upper management is getting blown out four times this year by at least 25 points .
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season .
Submit questions to Ryan here .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. Submit questions to Ryan here.
Clearly the Bills’ game got out of hand in the third quarter, but I’m still a little curious about why we didn’t sign an actual NFL veteran kicker rather than a 31-year old “rookie.” (Taylor Russolino). Having a 21-17 deficit would have been a better halftime score than 21-13 and maybe a more experienced kicker doesn’t shank the second-half kickoff to give Buffalo the ball on our side of the 50. Anyway, my point is if the team is looking for another 31-year-old who hasn’t taken a snap in the NFL maybe you can forward my email address to Vic Fangio. I’m free on Sundays.
— Steve, Forks, Wash.
Well, I know everybody was wondering how old Steve was and now we know. I had this conversation with a colleague before the Bills game. Was Russolino, he of no NFL experience, really the best option in case Brandon McManus wasn’t available?
My defense for the Broncos: We’re in a COVID-19 world and they had to convince a kicker to travel to Denver, go through the testing protocols, sign to the practice squad and isolate himself at a local hotel … with no guarantee of playing. A player like Russolino may have been the best of the options.
Russolino missed a field goal and extra point in the first half, which meant the Broncos trailed by eight instead of four. It probably would have delayed the inevitable Buffalo win, but the third quarter may have been more interesting.
I know Mark Kiszla talked about mortgaging the future and going after Trevor Lawrence, but do the Broncos even have enough to entertain a trade for him? At a minimum, I can’t imagine we’d be able to get him without several first-round picks and a number of our young offensive weapons. There’s not going to be much left aside from Garett Bolles. What do you think?
— Karl, Houston
The Jets won their way out of the No. 1 spot on Sunday with a stunning win over the Los Angeles Rams. That puts Jacksonville in the driver’s seat — lose to Chicago and Indianapolis and going 1-15 will have the benefit of drafting Lawrence.
If the Broncos want to draft a quarterback, they should call the Jets to ask a) is Sam Darnold on the block? or b) if they’re committed to Darnold, are they interested in moving down?
As for the cost of trading up to Nos. 1-2 … it’s a lot, period.
In 2016, the Rams moved from No. 15 to No. 1 (Jared Goff) and the Eagles moved from No. 8 to No. 2 (Carson Wentz).
The Rams gave up Nos. 15, 43 and 45 in ’16 and first- and third-round picks in ’17 to move up for Goff (they also received fourth- and sixth-round picks from Tennessee).
The Eagles gave up Nos. 8, 77 and 100 in ’16, a first-round pick in ’17 and a second-round pick in ’18 to move up for Wentz (they received a ’17 fourth-rounder).
A wild card for any team wanting to move up: Would they be willing to include established veteran players to sweeten the deal? The Broncos should if they are serious.
Hey Ryan: Not loving the thought of Philip Lindsay leaving the Broncos, but it’s been tough sledding lately. Was wondering if you might be seeing what I think I’m seeing. When he has good games, he is often patient waiting for the hole to open. It seems in his last several games, he heads into the line often with no place to go. If true, I was thinking that being banged up has limited his explosiveness. Maybe when he’s healthy, he gets that back? Hard to say, I know. Thanks.
— Jim, Denver
Lindsay’s per-carry averages — 5.4 yards in 2018, 4.5 yards last year and 4.3 yards this year. Toe, head and knee injuries have derailed his season and he has only 118 carries and seven catches entering the final two games.
Only Lindsay knows how much his health has impacted his production this year but it is accurate that he could never get out of the blocks.
The Broncos essentially chose Melvin Gordon (via two-year contract) in March over Lindsay (eligible for a contract extension). The messy part about signing a hometown player, who then has early success, is potentially moving on from him. But business decisions are made and not tendering Lindsay would be one of those calls.
I think the Broncos should draft Trey Lance, the quarterback from North Dakota State. He may be the next Patrick Mahomes! Also, they have too many receivers to keep them all happy and should trade one of them. Your thoughts?
— Andy, Bismarck, N.D.
Good to hear from my home state and I’ve been keeping tabs on Lance since he emerged last year in leading the Bison to an FCS national title.
Lance is young (won’t turn 21 until May 9) and inexperienced (17 career starts), but he has the kind of build (6-foot-4/226 pounds) that is almost required to be an NFL quarterback.
How teams view Lance will be one of the fascinating draft sub-plots. Draft him and sit him? Draft him and develop an offense around his skill-set even though it will require out-of-the-box thinking? Select him over BYU’s Zach Wilson, Alabama’s Mac Jones or Florida’s Kyle Trask?
What stood out about Lance last year, besides going 16-0, is throwing 28 touchdowns and no interceptions and also rushing for 1,100 yards.
About your second question, the Broncos aren’t going to trade Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy or KJ Hamler. Tim Patrick is a restricted free agent but is likely in their plans. That leaves DaeSean Hamilton and Diontae Spencer. Don’t see how they have much trade value.
Two questions: 1. Do you think the impact of offensive line coach Mike Munchak is starting to pay off? Prior to the Bills game, the line only gave up four sacks in the previous five games and the offense was averaging 126 yards rushing per game. 2. Given the Broncos have the most difficult schedule in the league, a ton of youth and injuries, shouldn’t Broncos Country stay patient and let this team grow with the current coaching staff? Thanks.
— Brandon Brown, Rogers, Minn.
Munchak’s impact can be illustrated by left tackle Garett Bolles going from not having his fifth-year option picked up in May to signing a long-term extension in November. And yes, the Broncos’ line has performed well in the last two months. Even with the Bills’ three sacks on Saturday, Lock has been sacked only 15 times in his 10 games since returning from a shoulder injury.
The Broncos have played a tough schedule. They have played a combined five games against the top four teams in the AFC (0-4 record) and have faced the second and sixth seeds in the NFC (New Orleans/Tampa Bay — 0-2). Being patient would be a departure for this organization, but what should be concerning to upper management is getting blown out four times this year by at least 25 points.
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. Submit questions to Ryan here.


thedenverpost--2020-12-22--The Nuggets are eyeing an NBA championship. Here are five keys that can get them there.

If the Nuggets are going to match or exceed their “ Bubble ” run to the Western Conference Finals , the team ’ s deepest since 2009-10 , here are the things that can make it happen : There ’ s a significant change currently underway regarding how the Nuggets conduct their offensive business .
Though they were the fifth-most potent offense in the NBA last season , they weren ’ t necessarily playing “ smart ” basketball .
For example , more than 11 % of their points came via mid-range attempts .
Their 30.6 3-point attempts per game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preseason , the Nuggets made a concerted effort to limit the former and up the latter .
At the end of the preseason ( an admittedly small three-game sample size ) , only 6.7 % of their points had come off mid-range looks .
And their 3-point attempts ?
They rose to 38.3 per game .
The philosophical shift yielded 120 points per game — the third-best offense of the preseason .
In Jerami Grant , Torrey Craig and Mason Plumlee , the Nuggets lost three of their best defenders — departures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Malone , a defensive coach first and foremost , isn ’ t going to drastically alter his approach because of some personnel changes .
There may be more of an emphasis on offense , but that doesn ’ t mean he ’ ll accept lackluster effort or performance on the defensive end .
Denver finished 16th in defensive rating last regular season .
In the “ Bubble , ” the Nuggets were significantly worse , making their run even more impressive .
So who becomes Denver ’ s defensive stopper against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The two choices at the early juncture of the season : newcomer JaMychal Green and defensive stalwart PJ Dozier .
Both may be given more responsibility than they ’ ve ever had .
Nikola Jokic said he was in the best shape of his life during the “ Bubble.
” We ’ re only two-plus months removed from that , and Jokic looks spry and engaged .
Jokic ’ s encouraging preseason averages were evidence he took the short offseason seriously .
But the real reason Jokic will deserve serious MVP consideration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competing against .
Would media voters really consider Giannis Antetokounmpo for a third consecutive award ?
Given the quick turnaround and LeBron James ’ age , is anyone going to be surprised if he rests on more than one occasion ?
Same story for Kawhi Leonard .
MVPs are about narratives , and James Harden isn ’ t doing himself any favors right now .
When you consider the field , Jokic ’ s biggest competition will probably come from Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis .
If all goes well , the Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big 3 .
Jamal Murray was arguably the breakout star of the postseason .
His jaw-dropping individual scoring explosions tapped into a level not previously seen from him .
In addition , Murray committed on the defensive end .
He was tired of being targeted as he was in his playoff debut .
If he can bring the same level of consistency , Murray could be looking at his first all-star appearance despite a loaded Western Conference field .
With Denver ’ s two cornerstones set , much of this season ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Porter Jr.
It ’ s not insignificant that 15 % of NBA GMs tabbed Porter as the season ’ s breakout star .
His dogged pursuit of buckets may come with slight migraines for Michael Malone , but he offers a floor-spacing sniper well suited to play alongside Jokic and Murray .
Who can predict what happens when a league forges on despite a raging pandemic around it ?
Organizations can only account for so much .
Teams are at the mercy of their players ’ obedience to COVID guidelines .
Whether or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the Nuggets are well-suited to withstand it .
With the team ’ s regular starting five , and Will Barton , JaMychal Green and Monte Morris , the Nuggets boast at least eight potential starters .
The second unit , featuring Facundo Campazzo , PJ Dozier and Isaiah Hartenstein , will be loaded .
Frankly , there won ’ t be enough minutes for everyone .
And unless injuries hit , everyone ’ s favorite unicorn , Bol Bol , is going to have a difficult time seeing consistent minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem to have .
But it ’ s an issue that ’ s going to be ever-present .

If the Nuggets are going to match or exceed their “Bubble” run to the Western Conference Finals, the team’s deepest since 2008-09, here are the things that can make it happen:
Playing style
There’s a significant change currently underway regarding how the Nuggets conduct their offensive business.
Though they were the fifth-most potent offense in the NBA last season, they weren’t necessarily playing “smart” basketball. For example, more than 11% of their points came via mid-range attempts. Their 30.6 3-point attempts per game ranked 26th in the NBA.
Throughout the preseason, the Nuggets made a concerted effort to limit the former and up the latter. At the end of the preseason (an admittedly small three-game sample size), only 6.7% of their points had come off mid-range looks. And their 3-point attempts? They rose to 38.3 per game.
The philosophical shift yielded 120 points per game — the third-best offense of the preseason.
Defensive losses
In Jerami Grant, Torrey Craig and Mason Plumlee, the Nuggets lost three of their best defenders — departures the team will be challenged to overcome.
Malone, a defensive coach first and foremost, isn’t going to drastically alter his approach because of some personnel changes. There may be more of an emphasis on offense, but that doesn’t mean he’ll accept lackluster effort or performance on the defensive end. Denver finished 16th in defensive rating last regular season. In the “Bubble,” the Nuggets were significantly worse, making their run even more impressive.
So who becomes Denver’s defensive stopper against the Western Conference’s numerous star wings? The two choices at the early juncture of the season: newcomer JaMychal Green and defensive stalwart PJ Dozier. Both may be given more responsibility than they’ve ever had.
MVP watch
Nikola Jokic said he was in the best shape of his life during the “Bubble.” We’re only two-plus months removed from that, and Jokic looks spry and engaged.
Jokic’s encouraging preseason averages were evidence he took the short offseason seriously. But the real reason Jokic will deserve serious MVP consideration is because of who he’s competing against.
Would media voters really consider Giannis Antetokounmpo for a third consecutive award? Given the quick turnaround and LeBron James’ age, is anyone going to be surprised if he rests on more than one occasion? Same story for Kawhi Leonard.
MVPs are about narratives, and James Harden isn’t doing himself any favors right now. When you consider the field, Jokic’s biggest competition will probably come from Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.
Star power
If all goes well, the Nuggets could be on the verge of a Big 3.
Jamal Murray was arguably the breakout star of the postseason. His jaw-dropping individual scoring explosions tapped into a level not previously seen from him. In addition, Murray committed on the defensive end. He was tired of being targeted as he was in his playoff debut. If he can bring the same level of consistency, Murray could be looking at his first all-star appearance despite a loaded Western Conference field.
With Denver’s two cornerstones set, much of this season’s potential hinges on the development of Michael Porter Jr. It’s not insignificant that 15% of NBA GMs tabbed Porter as the season’s breakout star. His dogged pursuit of buckets may come with slight migraines for Michael Malone, but he offers a floor-spacing sniper well suited to play alongside Jokic and Murray.
Depth
Who can predict what happens when a league forges on despite a raging pandemic around it? Organizations can only account for so much. Teams are at the mercy of their players’ obedience to COVID guidelines.
Whether or not COVID hits Denver hard (again), the Nuggets are well-suited to withstand it. With the team’s regular starting five, and Will Barton, JaMychal Green and Monte Morris, the Nuggets boast at least eight potential starters. The second unit, featuring Facundo Campazzo, PJ Dozier and Isaiah Hartenstein, will be loaded.
Frankly, there won’t be enough minutes for everyone. And unless injuries hit, everyone’s favorite unicorn, Bol Bol, is going to have a difficult time seeing consistent minutes.
Ultimately, it’s a good problem to have. But it’s an issue that’s going to be ever-present.


thedenverpost--2020-12-22--Ask Amy: Longtime partner struggles with workload

Dear Amy : I have been with my partner for more than 30 years ( we ’ re both women ) .
We ’ ve lived together for the past seven years .
During this time , I ’ ve watched her “ bad habits ” become worse , to the point that I ’ m worried about our future .
I think she may be suffering from depression .
I asked her how/why she wears clothes that are stained and torn , even to work .
She said , “ I don ’ t care about that stuff.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she never picks up anything she uses in the house ( I run around behind her like she ’ s an unruly teenager ) , and she leaves things where she has dropped them in the house and yard .
In the morning , she fixes herself breakfast and leaves the dishes in the sink .
Over and over , every day .
I ’ ve tried to talk with her .
We both work long hours and are successful in our pressure-cooker jobs , so why do I have to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has always been sloppy , but this is more than I know how to handle .
She is also shut down emotionally .
She spends every minute on her phone .
I suspect she is shut down because she ’ s so closeted , which is hilarious because everyone knows I ’ M gay .
She truly believes that people think she ’ s straight , although she has never been married , never dated men , and has been living with a lesbian for years .
Amy , I am 63 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First , our bad habits get worse as we age , and second , I can not keep up this house on my own for the rest of my life .
I ’ m afraid of the future .
I still love her , and I remember how much we used to “ click.
” But now… is she lazy , or is she depressed ?
When I ’ ve tried to get her to open up or even go for counseling together or on her own , she turns it into an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get her to care about herself — and us ?
Dear Hanging On : I can not give you the magic words that will lift the scales from your partner ’ s eyes , help her to exit the closet , and then clean up the closet afterward .
You can not force her to love you differently .
Read your own query and ask yourself ( not your partner ) : Is this what I want ?
Am I living the life I want to live ?
Answer those questions honestly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focuses on you and on fixing your life , not hers .
From your description , it doesn ’ t seem to me that she is depressed , but rather that she has found herself a wonderful woman who enables her at every turn .
And now , 30 years later , your partner simply doesn ’ t seem to give a damn , in part because she has never really had to .
You should see a therapist on your own .
I think you should also consider separating , in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own choices , and contemplate your options for the future .
Dear Amy : In these COVID days of drive-by birthday celebrations , would a drive-by Christmas work ?
The giving family could drive by Grandma ’ s house ( or whomever ) , and while waving from inside the suitably decorated car , drop off a bag of gifts to be opened by them on whatever special holiday they celebrate .
The act of opening the gifts on the big day ( s ) could be shared by phone or Zoom .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I think this is a splendid idea , even as the need for it brings tears to my eyes .
This Christmas will be different .
This holiday season might be quite poignant and painful for many .
I do hope that those of us fortunate enough to be healthy can use this experience to deepen and broaden our compassion for all those ( family , friends , and strangers ) who are suffering , sad , and struggling right now .
Dear Amy : “ Anxious ” related her experience of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become very stressful and complicated ( his father is in the hospital with cancer and COVID ) .
I ’ m glad you suggested that this woman should back off .
Stressful times are the worst times to feel hemmed in by a needy new girlfriend .
Dear Man : Reading the question from “ Anxious ” almost gave me hives .
I hope she can train herself to respect the extra distance that her long-distance guy seems to need right now .

Dear Amy: I have been with my partner for more than 30 years (we’re both women). We’ve lived together for the past seven years.
During this time, I’ve watched her “bad habits” become worse, to the point that I’m worried about our future.
I think she may be suffering from depression. I asked her how/why she wears clothes that are stained and torn, even to work. She said, “I don’t care about that stuff.”
Her car is dirty inside and out, she never picks up anything she uses in the house (I run around behind her like she’s an unruly teenager), and she leaves things where she has dropped them in the house and yard. In the morning, she fixes herself breakfast and leaves the dishes in the sink. Over and over, every day.
I’ve tried to talk with her. We both work long hours and are successful in our pressure-cooker jobs, so why do I have to work so hard in this house? She has always been sloppy, but this is more than I know how to handle.
She is also shut down emotionally. She spends every minute on her phone. I suspect she is shut down because she’s so closeted, which is hilarious because everyone knows I’M gay. She truly believes that people think she’s straight, although she has never been married, never dated men, and has been living with a lesbian for years.
Amy, I am 63 years old. I know two things: First, our bad habits get worse as we age, and second, I cannot keep up this house on my own for the rest of my life.
I’m afraid of the future. I still love her, and I remember how much we used to “click.” But now… is she lazy, or is she depressed?
When I’ve tried to get her to open up or even go for counseling together or on her own, she turns it into an argument.
What words can I say to get her to care about herself — and us?
— Hanging On
Dear Hanging On: I cannot give you the magic words that will lift the scales from your partner’s eyes, help her to exit the closet, and then clean up the closet afterward. You cannot force her to love you differently.
Let’s do you.
Read your own query and ask yourself (not your partner): Is this what I want? Am I living the life I want to live?
Answer those questions honestly, and then make a choice that focuses on you and on fixing your life, not hers.
From your description, it doesn’t seem to me that she is depressed, but rather that she has found herself a wonderful woman who enables her at every turn. And now, 30 years later, your partner simply doesn’t seem to give a damn, in part because she has never really had to.
You should see a therapist on your own. I think you should also consider separating, in order to clear your head, review your own choices, and contemplate your options for the future.
Dear Amy: In these COVID days of drive-by birthday celebrations, would a drive-by Christmas work?
The giving family could drive by Grandma’s house (or whomever), and while waving from inside the suitably decorated car, drop off a bag of gifts to be opened by them on whatever special holiday they celebrate. The act of opening the gifts on the big day(s) could be shared by phone or Zoom.
What do you think?
— Physically Distant, but Socially Close
Dear Close: I think this is a splendid idea, even as the need for it brings tears to my eyes.
This Christmas will be different. This holiday season might be quite poignant and painful for many. I do hope that those of us fortunate enough to be healthy can use this experience to deepen and broaden our compassion for all those (family, friends, and strangers) who are suffering, sad, and struggling right now.
Dear Amy: “Anxious” related her experience of distance-dating a man whose life seems to have become very stressful and complicated (his father is in the hospital with cancer and COVID).
I’m glad you suggested that this woman should back off. Stressful times are the worst times to feel hemmed in by a needy new girlfriend.
— Man With a Plan
Dear Man: Reading the question from “Anxious” almost gave me hives. I hope she can train herself to respect the extra distance that her long-distance guy seems to need right now.
(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--2020-12-22--Congress approves $900B COVID relief bill, sending to Trump

WASHINGTON — Congress passed a $ 900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths .
Lawmakers tacked on a $ 1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year .
The bill goes to President Donald Trump for his signature , which is expected in the coming days .
The relief package , unveiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate in a matter of hours .
The Senate cleared the massive package by a 91-7 vote after the House approved the COVID-19 package by another lopsided vote , 359-53 .
The tallies were a bipartisan coda to months of partisanship and politicking as lawmakers wrangled over the relief question , a logjam that broke after President-elect Joe Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked .
The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $ 600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans , along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses , restaurants , and theaters and money for schools , health care providers and renters facing eviction .
The 5,593-page legislation — by far the longest bill ever — came together Sunday after months of battling , posturing and postelection negotiating that reined in a number of Democratic demands as the end of the congressional session approached .
Biden was eager for a deal to deliver long-awaited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the economy , even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall .
“ This deal is not everything I want — not by a long shot , ” said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern , D-Mass.
, a longstanding voice in the party ’ s old-school liberal wing .
“ The choice before us is simple .
It ’ s about whether we help families or not .
It ’ s about whether we help small businesses and restaurants or not .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) benefits and strengthen anti-hunger programs or not .
And whether we help those dealing with a job loss or not .
To me , this is not a tough call.
” The Senate , meanwhile , was also on track to pass a one-week stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight and give Trump time to sign the sweeping legislation .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , a key negotiator , said on CNBC Monday morning that the direct payments would begin arriving in bank accounts next week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden takes office , but Republicans were signaling a wait-and-see approach .
The measure would fund the government through September , wrapping a year ’ s worth of action on annual spending bills into a single package that never saw Senate committee or floor debate .
The legislation followed a tortured path .
Democrats played hardball up until Election Day , amid accusations that they wanted to deny Trump a victory that might help him prevail .
Democrats denied that , but their demands indeed became more realistic after Trump ’ s loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half a loaf was better than none .
The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $ 1 trillion package put together by Senate Republican leaders in July , a proposal that at the time was scoffed at by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , as way too little .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , took a victory lap after blocking far more ambitious legislation from reaching the Senate floor .
He said the pragmatic approach of Biden was key .
“ The president-elect suggesting that we needed to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi and Schumer into a better place , ” McConnell told The Associated Press .
“ My view about what comes next is let ’ s take a look at it .
Happy to evaluate that based upon the needs that we confront in February and March.
” Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , came to the Senate to cast her vote for the bill .
“ The American people need relief and I want to be able to do what I can to help them , ” she said .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 to individuals making up to $ 75,000 per year and $ 1,200 to couples making up to $ 150,000 , with payments phased out for higher incomes .
An additional $ 600 payment will be made per dependent child , similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring .
“ I expect we ’ ll get the money out by the beginning of next week — $ 2,400 for a family of four , ” Mnuchin said .
“ So much needed relief just in time for the holidays.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $ 1.8 billion CARES Act in March .
That more generous benefit and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks .
The direct $ 600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment .
The CARES Act was credited with keeping the economy from falling off a cliff during widespread lockdowns in the spring , but Republicans controlling the Senate cited debt concerns in pushing against Democratic demands .
“ Anyone who thinks this bill is enough hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voices of their constituents , has not looked into the eyes of the small-business owner on the brink of ruin , ” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , a lifelong New Yorker who pushed hard for money helping his city ’ s transit systems , renters , theaters and restaurants .
Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $ 908 billion plan that built a middle-ground position that the top four leaders of Congress — the GOP and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lawmakers urged leaders on both sides to back off of hardline positions .
“ At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle didn ’ t want to give , in order to give the other side a win , ” said freshman Rep. Elssa Slotkin , D-Mich. “ And it was gross to watch , frankly.
” Republicans were most intent on reviving the Paycheck Protection Program with $ 284 billion , which would cover a second round of PPP grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set-asides for low-income and minority communities .
The sweeping bill also contains $ 25 billion in rental assistance , $ 15 billion for theaters and other live venues , $ 82 billion for local schools , colleges and universities , and $ 10 billion for child care .
The governmentwide appropriations bill was likely to provide a last $ 1.4 billion installment for Trump ’ s U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature .
The Pentagon would receive $ 696 billion .
Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12.5 billion more for domestic programs into the legislation .
The bill was an engine to carry much of Capitol Hill ’ s unfinished business , including an almost 400-page water resources bill that targets $ 10 billion for 46 Army Corps of Engineers flood control , environmental and coastal protection projects .
Another addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks , such as one for craft brewers , wineries and distillers .
It also would carry numerous clean-energy provisions sought by Democrats with fossil fuel incentives favored by Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadband , $ 4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people , $ 14 billion for cash-starved transit systems , $ 1 billion for Amtrak and $ 2 billion for airports and concessionaires .
Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15 % .
The Senate Historical Office said the previous record for the length of legislation was the 2,847-page tax reform bill of 1986 — about one-half the size of Monday ’ s behemoth .

WASHINGTON — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Lawmakers tacked on a $1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year. The bill goes to President Donald Trump for his signature, which is expected in the coming days.
The relief package, unveiled Monday afternoon, sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours. The Senate cleared the massive package by a 91-7 vote after the House approved the COVID-19 package by another lopsided vote, 359-53. The tallies were a bipartisan coda to months of partisanship and politicking as lawmakers wrangled over the relief question, a logjam that broke after President-elect Joe Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked.
The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses. It would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants, and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.
The 5,593-page legislation — by far the longest bill ever — came together Sunday after months of battling, posturing and postelection negotiating that reined in a number of Democratic demands as the end of the congressional session approached. Biden was eager for a deal to deliver long-awaited help to suffering people and a boost to the economy, even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall.
“This deal is not everything I want — not by a long shot,” said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., a longstanding voice in the party’s old-school liberal wing. “The choice before us is simple. It’s about whether we help families or not. It’s about whether we help small businesses and restaurants or not. It’s about whether we boost (food stamp) benefits and strengthen anti-hunger programs or not. And whether we help those dealing with a job loss or not. To me, this is not a tough call.”
The Senate, meanwhile, was also on track to pass a one-week stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight and give Trump time to sign the sweeping legislation.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a key negotiator, said on CNBC Monday morning that the direct payments would begin arriving in bank accounts next week.
Democrats promised more aid to come once Biden takes office, but Republicans were signaling a wait-and-see approach.
The measure would fund the government through September, wrapping a year’s worth of action on annual spending bills into a single package that never saw Senate committee or floor debate.
The legislation followed a tortured path. Democrats played hardball up until Election Day, amid accusations that they wanted to deny Trump a victory that might help him prevail. Democrats denied that, but their demands indeed became more realistic after Trump’s loss and as Biden made it clear that half a loaf was better than none.
The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $1 trillion package put together by Senate Republican leaders in July, a proposal that at the time was scoffed at by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as way too little.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took a victory lap after blocking far more ambitious legislation from reaching the Senate floor. He said the pragmatic approach of Biden was key.
“The president-elect suggesting that we needed to do something now was helpful in moving both Pelosi and Schumer into a better place,” McConnell told The Associated Press. “My view about what comes next is let’s take a look at it. Happy to evaluate that based upon the needs that we confront in February and March.”
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, D-Calif., came to the Senate to cast her vote for the bill. “The American people need relief and I want to be able to do what I can to help them,” she said.
On direct payments, the bill provides $600 to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 to couples making up to $150,000, with payments phased out for higher incomes. An additional $600 payment will be made per dependent child, similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring.
“I expect we’ll get the money out by the beginning of next week — $2,400 for a family of four,” Mnuchin said. “So much needed relief just in time for the holidays.”
The $300 per week bonus jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $1.8 billion CARES Act in March. That more generous benefit and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks. The direct $600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment.
The CARES Act was credited with keeping the economy from falling off a cliff during widespread lockdowns in the spring, but Republicans controlling the Senate cited debt concerns in pushing against Democratic demands.
“Anyone who thinks this bill is enough hasn’t heard the desperation in the voices of their constituents, has not looked into the eyes of the small-business owner on the brink of ruin,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a lifelong New Yorker who pushed hard for money helping his city’s transit systems, renters, theaters and restaurants.
Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $908 billion plan that built a middle-ground position that the top four leaders of Congress — the GOP and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate — used as the basis for their talks. The lawmakers urged leaders on both sides to back off of hardline positions.
“At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle didn’t want to give, in order to give the other side a win,” said freshman Rep. Elssa Slotkin, D-Mich. “And it was gross to watch, frankly.”
Republicans were most intent on reviving the Paycheck Protection Program with $284 billion, which would cover a second round of PPP grants to especially hard-hit businesses. Democrats won set-asides for low-income and minority communities.
The sweeping bill also contains $25 billion in rental assistance, $15 billion for theaters and other live venues, $82 billion for local schools, colleges and universities, and $10 billion for child care.
The governmentwide appropriations bill was likely to provide a last $1.4 billion installment for Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature. The Pentagon would receive $696 billion. Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid to use bookkeeping maneuvers to squeeze $12.5 billion more for domestic programs into the legislation.
The bill was an engine to carry much of Capitol Hill’s unfinished business, including an almost 400-page water resources bill that targets $10 billion for 46 Army Corps of Engineers flood control, environmental and coastal protection projects. Another addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks, such as one for craft brewers, wineries and distillers.
It also would carry numerous clean-energy provisions sought by Democrats with fossil fuel incentives favored by Republicans, $7 billion to increase access to broadband, $4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people, $14 billion for cash-starved transit systems, $1 billion for Amtrak and $2 billion for airports and concessionaires. Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15%.
The Senate Historical Office said the previous record for the length of legislation was the 2,847-page tax reform bill of 1986 — about one-half the size of Monday’s behemoth.


thedenverpost--2020-12-22--Regis Jesuit grad Fran Belibi dunks, top-ranked Stanford outlasts UCLA 61-49

Francesca Belibi saw the open court and no defenders in front of her .
Teammate Anna Wilson told her she was good to go , so Belibi stormed the paint and dunked , delighting her Stanford teammates .
“ I was going crazy , ” freshman Cameron Brink said .
“ I had to remember I had to get on defense .
She brings so much energy for us and that was a big moment.
” Belibi finished with 15 points and seven rebounds , helping No .
1 Stanford survive its closest game of the season to beat 10th-ranked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Cardinal was leading by five points when Belibi dunked early in the fourth quarter , a week after becoming the first woman to do so in a collegiate game since former Baylor star Brittney Griner in 2013 .
“ Definitely wasn ’ t thinking about time and score , ” Belibi said .
“ If I had remembered , I would have shot a layup and made sure we got the points.
” Cardinal coach Tara VanDerveer said : “ Glad she made it because we needed that basket .
Gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s exciting for the fans watching.
” Brink added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Cardinal ( 7-0 , 4-0 Pac-12 ) .
Kiana Williams had 10 points and was one of four Stanford players with four assists .
Stanford cruised past its first six opponents , winning by a whopping 48.2 points per game while scoring an average of 93.2 points .
But the Cardinal got tested against the Bruins , who took a one-point lead in the second quarter , trailed by six points in the third and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digits until late in the fourth , when Stanford outscored UCLA 18-12 .
The Cardinal scored its fewest points of the season and committed a season-high 16 turnovers .
“ We were within arm ’ s reach for most of the game , ” UCLA ’ s Michaela Onyenwere said .
“ I ’ m proud of our fight , but I know we can learn so much from this game.
” Onyenwere had 19 points and seven rebounds , and Emily Bessoir , a freshman from Germany , added 15 points for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They shot just 27 % from the floor and were 6 of 28 from 3-point range .
“ Some of those 3s were not 3s in rhythm that we create as a team .
They were more panic 3s , ” UCLA coach Cori Close said .
UCLA got to 47-43 in the fourth on a 3-pointer by Lindsey Corsaro .
Williams made 1 of 2 free throws before Brink scored six points in a row to extend Stanford ’ s lead to 54-45 .
In the second quarter , the Bruins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Onyenware , to take their first lead of the game , 26-25 .
The Cardinal regrouped and scored six consecutive points to lead 31-26 at halftime .
“ For a long part , we played pretty well , ” Bessoir said .
“ We just got to clean up our mistakes.
” Stanford : The itinerant Cardinal is headed back to Northern California but not home , having finished off a key stretch .
VanDereer became the winningest coach in women ’ s basketball last Tuesday , passing the late Pat Summitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up two more wins in Los Angeles .
The team has held its first seven opponents to 40 % field-goal shooting or worse while having four games either postponed or canceled due to COVID-19 concerns .
UCLA : The Bruins moved back into the Top 10 on Monday .
Their only losses so far have come against ranked teams , including by three points to then-No .
7 Arizona .
UCLA has added some depth to its bench and the newcomers never complain about a lack of playing time .
Two stuffed bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basketballs between their legs .
They wear passes around their necks and black masks .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic , no fans , cheerleaders or mascots Joe and Josie Bruin are allowed in Pauley Pavilion .
“ We need all the bodies we can get , ” Onyenwere said .
The Bruins have just seven players available ; others are stuck overseas due to U.S. government travel restrictions involving COVID-19 .
The bears were intended as a toy drive donation but were deemed unacceptable because they weren ’ t bagged , Onyenwere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game of the year .
The Cardinal has five days off and will spend the Christmas holiday in a hotel outside of Santa Clara County , which has banned contact sports .
The Bruins also are taking days off , and some players ’ family members will be able to see them after undergoing COVID-19 testing .
“ We were not allowed to let them leave the city or go home .
I can ’ t even explain all the protocols that have gone into making this a safe environment , ” Close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break .
This has been really difficult .
”

Francesca Belibi saw the open court and no defenders in front of her. Teammate Anna Wilson told her she was good to go, so Belibi stormed the paint and dunked, delighting her Stanford teammates.
“I was going crazy,” freshman Cameron Brink said. “I had to remember I had to get on defense. She brings so much energy for us and that was a big moment.”
Belibi finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, helping No. 1 Stanford survive its closest game of the season to beat 10th-ranked UCLA 61-49 on Monday and remain undefeated.
The Cardinal was leading by five points when Belibi dunked early in the fourth quarter, a week after becoming the first woman to do so in a collegiate game since former Baylor star Brittney Griner in 2013.
“Definitely wasn’t thinking about time and score,” Belibi said. “If I had remembered, I would have shot a layup and made sure we got the points.”
Cardinal coach Tara VanDerveer said: “Glad she made it because we needed that basket. Gives our team a lot of energy and it’s exciting for the fans watching.”
Brink added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Cardinal (7-0, 4-0 Pac-12). Kiana Williams had 10 points and was one of four Stanford players with four assists.
Stanford cruised past its first six opponents, winning by a whopping 48.2 points per game while scoring an average of 93.2 points.
But the Cardinal got tested against the Bruins, who took a one-point lead in the second quarter, trailed by six points in the third and didn’t fall behind by double digits until late in the fourth, when Stanford outscored UCLA 18-12.
The Cardinal scored its fewest points of the season and committed a season-high 16 turnovers.
“We were within arm’s reach for most of the game,” UCLA’s Michaela Onyenwere said. “I’m proud of our fight, but I know we can learn so much from this game.”
Onyenwere had 19 points and seven rebounds, and Emily Bessoir, a freshman from Germany, added 15 points for the Bruins (5-2, 3-2). They shot just 27% from the floor and were 6 of 28 from 3-point range.
“Some of those 3s were not 3s in rhythm that we create as a team. They were more panic 3s,” UCLA coach Cori Close said.
UCLA got to 47-43 in the fourth on a 3-pointer by Lindsey Corsaro. Williams made 1 of 2 free throws before Brink scored six points in a row to extend Stanford’s lead to 54-45.
In the second quarter, the Bruins outscored the Cardinal 14-4, including six by Onyenware, to take their first lead of the game, 26-25. The Cardinal regrouped and scored six consecutive points to lead 31-26 at halftime.
“For a long part, we played pretty well,” Bessoir said. “We just got to clean up our mistakes.”
BIG PICTURE
Stanford: The itinerant Cardinal is headed back to Northern California but not home, having finished off a key stretch. VanDereer became the winningest coach in women’s basketball last Tuesday, passing the late Pat Summitt with her 1,099th victory. She picked up two more wins in Los Angeles. The team has held its first seven opponents to 40% field-goal shooting or worse while having four games either postponed or canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
UCLA: The Bruins moved back into the Top 10 on Monday. Their only losses so far have come against ranked teams, including by three points to then-No. 7 Arizona.
STUFFED BENCH
UCLA has added some depth to its bench and the newcomers never complain about a lack of playing time. Two stuffed bears sit in the last row with mini basketballs between their legs. They wear passes around their necks and black masks. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, no fans, cheerleaders or mascots Joe and Josie Bruin are allowed in Pauley Pavilion. “We need all the bodies we can get,” Onyenwere said. The Bruins have just seven players available; others are stuck overseas due to U.S. government travel restrictions involving COVID-19. The bears were intended as a toy drive donation but were deemed unacceptable because they weren’t bagged, Onyenwere said.
HOLIDAY BREAK
Both teams played their final game of the year. The Cardinal has five days off and will spend the Christmas holiday in a hotel outside of Santa Clara County, which has banned contact sports. The Bruins also are taking days off, and some players’ family members will be able to see them after undergoing COVID-19 testing. “We were not allowed to let them leave the city or go home. I can’t even explain all the protocols that have gone into making this a safe environment,” Close said. “They need a mental break. This has been really difficult.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-23--U.S. layoffs remain elevated as 803,000 seek jobless aid

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell by 89,000 last week to a still-elevated 803,000 , evidence that the job market remains under stress nine months after the coronavirus outbreak sent the U.S. economy into recession and caused millions of layoffs .
The latest figure , released Wednesday by the Labor Department , shows that many employers are still cutting jobs as the pandemic tightens business restrictions and leads many consumers to stay home .
Before the virus struck , applications typically numbered around 225,000 a week before shooting up to 6.9 million in early spring when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it — flattened the economy .
It has since come down but remains at historically high levels .
The total number of people who are receiving traditional state unemployment benefits fell to 5.3 million for the week that ended Dec. 12 from a week earlier .
That figure had peaked in early May at nearly 23 million .
The steady decline since then means that some unemployed Americans are finding work and no longer receiving aid .
But it also indicates that many of the unemployed have used up their state benefits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millions more jobless Americans are now collecting checks under two federal programs that were created in March to ease the economic pain inflicted by the pandemic .
Those programs had been set to expire the day after Christmas .
On Monday , Congress agreed to extend them as part of a $ 900 billion pandemic rescue package .
On Tuesday night , though , President Donald Trump suddenly raised doubts about that aid and other federal money by attacking Congress ’ rescue package as inadequate and suggesting that he might not sign it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit in Congress ’ new measure has been set at $ 300 a week — only half the amount provided in March — and will expire in 11 weeks .
A separate benefits program for jobless people who have exhausted their regular state aid and another benefits program for self-employed and gig workers will also be extended only until early spring , well before the economy will likely have fully recovered .
A tentative economic recovery from the springtime collapse has been faltering in the face of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases a day , up from fewer than 35,000 in early September .
Hiring in November slowed for a fifth straight month , with employers adding the fewest jobs since April .
Nearly 10 million of the 22 million people who lost jobs when the pandemic hit in the spring are still unemployed .
The number of jobless people who are collecting aid from one of the two federal extended-benefit programs — the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program , which offers coverage to gig workers and others who don ’ t qualify for traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9.3 million in the week that ended Dec. 5 .
The number of people receiving aid under the second program — the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program , which provides federal jobless benefits to people who have exhausted their state aid — fell by nearly 8,200 to 4.8 million .
All told , 20.4 million people are now receiving some type of unemployment benefits .
( Figures for the two pandemic-related programs aren ’ t adjusted for seasonal variations . )
States and cities have been increasingly issuing mask mandates , limiting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant dining , closing gyms or reducing the hours and capacity of bars , stores and other businesses , all of which has slowed economic activity .
With vaccines now beginning to be gradually distributed , though , optimism is rising about 2021 .
Months from now , economists say , the widespread distribution and use of the vaccines could potentially unleash a robust economic rebound as the virus is quashed , businesses reopen , hiring picks up and consumers spend freely again .
Until then , the limited aid Congress has agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stave off hardships for many households and small companies , especially if lawmakers balk at enacting further aid early next year .
And a widening financial gap between the affluent and disadvantaged households will likely worsen .

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell by 89,000 last week to a still-elevated 803,000, evidence that the job market remains under stress nine months after the coronavirus outbreak sent the U.S. economy into recession and caused millions of layoffs.
The latest figure, released Wednesday by the Labor Department, shows that many employers are still cutting jobs as the pandemic tightens business restrictions and leads many consumers to stay home. Before the virus struck, applications typically numbered around 225,000 a week before shooting up to 6.9 million in early spring when the virus — and efforts to contain it — flattened the economy. It has since come down but remains at historically high levels.
The total number of people who are receiving traditional state unemployment benefits fell to 5.3 million for the week that ended Dec. 12 from a week earlier. That figure had peaked in early May at nearly 23 million. The steady decline since then means that some unemployed Americans are finding work and no longer receiving aid. But it also indicates that many of the unemployed have used up their state benefits, which typically expire after six months.
Millions more jobless Americans are now collecting checks under two federal programs that were created in March to ease the economic pain inflicted by the pandemic. Those programs had been set to expire the day after Christmas. On Monday, Congress agreed to extend them as part of a $900 billion pandemic rescue package.
On Tuesday night, though, President Donald Trump suddenly raised doubts about that aid and other federal money by attacking Congress’ rescue package as inadequate and suggesting that he might not sign it into law.
The supplemental federal jobless benefit in Congress’ new measure has been set at $300 a week — only half the amount provided in March — and will expire in 11 weeks. A separate benefits program for jobless people who have exhausted their regular state aid and another benefits program for self-employed and gig workers will also be extended only until early spring, well before the economy will likely have fully recovered.
A tentative economic recovery from the springtime collapse has been faltering in the face of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases: An average of more than 200,000 confirmed cases a day, up from fewer than 35,000 in early September. Hiring in November slowed for a fifth straight month, with employers adding the fewest jobs since April. Nearly 10 million of the 22 million people who lost jobs when the pandemic hit in the spring are still unemployed.
The number of jobless people who are collecting aid from one of the two federal extended-benefit programs — the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which offers coverage to gig workers and others who don’t qualify for traditional benefits — rose by nearly 27,000 to 9.3 million in the week that ended Dec. 5.
The number of people receiving aid under the second program — the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, which provides federal jobless benefits to people who have exhausted their state aid — fell by nearly 8,200 to 4.8 million.
All told, 20.4 million people are now receiving some type of unemployment benefits. (Figures for the two pandemic-related programs aren’t adjusted for seasonal variations.)
States and cities have been increasingly issuing mask mandates, limiting the size of gatherings, restricting or banning restaurant dining, closing gyms or reducing the hours and capacity of bars, stores and other businesses, all of which has slowed economic activity. With vaccines now beginning to be gradually distributed, though, optimism is rising about 2021.
Months from now, economists say, the widespread distribution and use of the vaccines could potentially unleash a robust economic rebound as the virus is quashed, businesses reopen, hiring picks up and consumers spend freely again.
Until then, the limited aid Congress has agreed to won’t likely be sufficient to stave off hardships for many households and small companies, especially if lawmakers balk at enacting further aid early next year. And a widening financial gap between the affluent and disadvantaged households will likely worsen.


thedenverpost--2020-12-23--One dead after shooting at Aurora restaurant, suspect at large

A man was killed after a shooting at an Aurora restaurant Tuesday night , and police are searching for a @ @ @ @ @ at 8 p.m. at Mariscos El Rey on the 10000 block of East Iliff Avenue @ @ @ @ @ Police Department .
The man was transported to an area hospital following the shooting .
@ @ @ @ @ .
The incident is being investigated as a homicide .
Police said the suspect was @ @ @ @ @ late Tuesday night .
They have not released a description of the suspect .
The @ @ @ @ @ person who died have not yet been released .

A man was killed after a shooting at an Aurora restaurant Tuesday night, and police are searching for a suspect.
The shooting occurred at 8 p.m. at Mariscos El Rey on the 10000 block of East Iliff Avenue. As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not identified the suspect and did not know what led to the fatal shooting, according to an Aurora Police Department news release.
The man was transported to an area hospital following the shooting. He died around 9 p.m.
The incident is being investigated as a homicide. Police said the suspect was still at large as of late Tuesday night. They have not released a description of the suspect.
The name and age of the person who died will be released later by the Arapahoe County coroner’s office.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.


thedenverpost--2020-12-23--As some counties wait, Summit County reopens scores of restaurants under Colorado’s new Five Star pr

As some counties wait, Summit County reopens scores of restaurants under Colorado’s new Five Star program

Within 24 hours of Colorado announcing a new path to reopening restaurants to indoor diners , Summit County deployed newly minted inspectors throughout its mountain towns to make sure tables were 10 feet apart , registration sheets were ready to go and ventilation systems were pumping fresh air through buildings .
“ Things have been gone through with a finer-tooth comb now , ” Matt Vawter , who owns Rootstalk in Breckenridge , said of the process to reopen indoor dining in a county where it had been barred under the state ’ s COVID-19 restrictions .
“ The guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was pretty well understood by everybody what you had to get done in order to qualify.
” By Monday morning , 134 restaurants in Summit County were approved to reopen their indoor dining areas under new — but more rigorous — guidelines created through the state ’ s Five Star State Certification Program .
The star rating has nothing to do with food quality but everything to do with making it a little safer to eat at a restaurant or work out in a gym without catching the novel coronavirus .
While it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 % safe , Colorado ’ s new program improves the odds , according to at least one health expert who reviewed the new rules .
Under the Five Star program , businesses that add safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 that go beyond their county ’ s current public health requirements — such as spacing tables 10 feet apart rather than six — can apply to have restrictions eased .
In a county at Level Red on the state ’ s color-coded dial , which includes Denver and the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualifying restaurants can be allowed to reopen indoor dining at 25 % capacity .
Restaurants in counties at lower color levels can increase their dining capacities through the program .
First , though , counties must apply to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to participate in the Five Star program , and show they can put together a process for inspecting businesses , monitoring data and enforcing compliance .
If a county application is approved and certain public health benchmarks are met , then businesses can apply .
The Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program , saying Gov .
Jared Polis hasn ’ t moved fast enough to reopen dining rooms as the industry struggles to survive .
Two members of the Colorado COVID-19 Modeling Team , on the other hand , have publicly called for indoor dining to remain closed , saying such restrictions are “ a crucial lever for reducing COVID-19 deaths and illness.
” Colorado rolled out the Five Star program — which mostly impacts restaurants and gyms — on Thursday , but Summit is the only county where the application has been approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met .
Douglas County ’ s application is tentatively approved , but hospitalization rates have not reached the benchmark necessary for restaurants and gyms to move to expanded capacity .
Statewide , only three other counties have filed applications , although the Department of Public Health and Environment would not identify them .
In a Friday news release , Larimer County announced it had applied for a variance .
Denver , which has thousands of restaurants and gyms , won ’ t apply until early January , said Bob McDonald , executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Environment .
And a Boulder County representative said it would wait as well .
The state Five Star program is modeled after a system set up earlier this fall in Mesa County , and officials in Summit and Douglas counties said they watched what happened there and started putting their models in place before the state finalized its plan .
In Summit County , solid baseline protocols already were in place , County Manager Scott Vargo said .
“ The biggest game changer for us was all of our towns jumped into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Breckenridge , Frisco , Silverthorne and Dillon agreed to operate under the same plan as unincorporated areas of the county .
The county knew what the state was proposing on Wednesday and by Thursday had trained about 60 people from all five governments to help inspect the restaurants .
That meant people who normally work in other jobs , such as building inspectors , were checking restaurants for compliance with the new COVID-19 prevention guidelines and administrative clerks from across local government were handling the paperwork and scheduling on-site visits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as keeping a log of restaurant visitors for contact-tracing purposes — were easy to meet , he said .
But some restaurants needed help upgrading their air filters , fans and heating and cooling systems .
“ That was the most difficult part — the ventilation , ” Vargo said .
Rootstalk , for example , was able to become certified quickly , Vawter said , because he and his staff already were largely in compliance .
The restaurant screens employees daily for symptoms , uses approved chemicals for sanitizing , tracks cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their contact information , and replaces air filters and purifiers .
“ The big challenge is the 10 feet separating parties , ” Vawter said , “ and that ’ s just laying out the dining room appropriately.
” And while Rootstalk is one of 134 Summit County restaurants approved for indoor dining , Vawter doesn ’ t think the process was rushed .
“ Everyone ’ s taking it very seriously and putting their best foot forward , ” he said .
“ Everyone wanted to get open , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be safe in doing so .
The last thing I want is my staff to get sick or a guest to get sick while they ’ re here at the restaurant.
” Summit County officials believed it was crucial to get restaurants back in business because so many people visit the county to ski over the Christmas holidays , and restaurants are a critical piece of the tourism economy , Vargo said .
“ We don ’ t think we cut corners , ” he said .
In Douglas County , 121 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of noon Tuesday , according to an email from Wendy Holmes , the county spokeswoman .
Of those , 20 already are pre-certified to reopen indoor dining , the email said .
Under the state ’ s Five Star rules , a county ’ s hospitalizations must show 10 days of sustained decline .
Douglas County was at nine days on Tuesday , said Jennifer Ludwig , deputy director of the Tri-County Health Department .
If Wednesday proves to be the 10th day , then the 20 businesses that have been pre-certified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor capacity , she said .
As for Denver , the holidays and the enormous task of figuring out the logistics of certifying thousands of businesses will take time , McDonald said .
“ We ’ re not going to do it blindly and certify businesses of all types and see our case numbers go up , ” McDonald said .
McDonald estimated it would be another couple of weeks before Denver submits an application , and there ’ s no way to predict how long it will take for the state to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city health department also would delay filing its application if COVID-19 case numbers rise after the Christmas and New Years holidays , he said .
John Tayer , president and CEO of Boulder Chamber , said Boulder County isn ’ t eligible to apply , based on virus case numbers , so there ’ s time to be thoughtful on how the Five Star program would work .
Still , there ’ s no definitive timeline .
“ Sometime in January , and there ’ s no certainty around that , as there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , ” he said .
While counties are moving to participate in the Five Star program , there ’ s no guarantee it will be a long-lasting fix for struggling restaurants and gyms .
If a county ’ s case numbers and hospitalizations rise , a program can be revoked .
And individual business certifications can be suspended for violations , Ludwig said .
“ We ’ ve had people ask , ‘ How can you do this ?
What if case numbers go up ?
’ ” McDonald said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , we revoke the program .
Implementing it doesn ’ t mean we are stuck in it.
” At the end of the day , people must realize that eating out is never going to be completely safe during the pandemic , said Dr. Preeti Malani , an infectious disease professor at the University of Michigan School of Medicine .
After reviewing the rules for Colorado ’ s new Five Star program , Malani said it appears to provide a path for restaurants to reduce the virus ’ spread .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant inspections were and how closely they will be monitored afterward , she said .
“ Those are the kind of questions people need to ask , ” she said .
“ Is it something someone just signed off on ?
” And people need to understand a certification does not guarantee they won ’ t catch the virus while dining out .
“ If you sit down to dine with people who are not in your household , you ’ re taking on their risks , too , ” Malani said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep you safe , but who you dine with is the biggest decision you make.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Within 24 hours of Colorado announcing a new path to reopening restaurants to indoor diners, Summit County deployed newly minted inspectors throughout its mountain towns to make sure tables were 10 feet apart, registration sheets were ready to go and ventilation systems were pumping fresh air through buildings.
“Things have been gone through with a finer-tooth comb now,” Matt Vawter, who owns Rootstalk in Breckenridge, said of the process to reopen indoor dining in a county where it had been barred under the state’s COVID-19 restrictions. “The guidelines were laid out efficiently, and it was pretty well understood by everybody what you had to get done in order to qualify.”
By Monday morning, 134 restaurants in Summit County were approved to reopen their indoor dining areas under new — but more rigorous — guidelines created through the state’s Five Star State Certification Program.
The star rating has nothing to do with food quality but everything to do with making it a little safer to eat at a restaurant or work out in a gym without catching the novel coronavirus. While it’s impossible to make dining out 100% safe, Colorado’s new program improves the odds, according to at least one health expert who reviewed the new rules.
Under the Five Star program, businesses that add safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 that go beyond their county’s current public health requirements — such as spacing tables 10 feet apart rather than six — can apply to have restrictions eased.
In a county at Level Red on the state’s color-coded dial, which includes Denver and the rest of the Front Range, that means qualifying restaurants can be allowed to reopen indoor dining at 25% capacity. Restaurants in counties at lower color levels can increase their dining capacities through the program.
First, though, counties must apply to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to participate in the Five Star program, and show they can put together a process for inspecting businesses, monitoring data and enforcing compliance. If a county application is approved and certain public health benchmarks are met, then businesses can apply.
The Colorado Restaurant Association has been critical of the program, saying Gov. Jared Polis hasn’t moved fast enough to reopen dining rooms as the industry struggles to survive. Two members of the Colorado COVID-19 Modeling Team, on the other hand, have publicly called for indoor dining to remain closed, saying such restrictions are “a crucial lever for reducing COVID-19 deaths and illness.”
Colorado rolled out the Five Star program — which mostly impacts restaurants and gyms — on Thursday, but Summit is the only county where the application has been approved and where public health thresholds have been met. Douglas County’s application is tentatively approved, but hospitalization rates have not reached the benchmark necessary for restaurants and gyms to move to expanded capacity.
Statewide, only three other counties have filed applications, although the Department of Public Health and Environment would not identify them.
In a Friday news release, Larimer County announced it had applied for a variance. Denver, which has thousands of restaurants and gyms, won’t apply until early January, said Bob McDonald, executive director of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. And a Boulder County representative said it would wait as well.
Taking more precautions
The state Five Star program is modeled after a system set up earlier this fall in Mesa County, and officials in Summit and Douglas counties said they watched what happened there and started putting their models in place before the state finalized its plan.
In Summit County, solid baseline protocols already were in place, County Manager Scott Vargo said.
“The biggest game changer for us was all of our towns jumped into the fray with us,” he said.
Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne and Dillon agreed to operate under the same plan as unincorporated areas of the county. The county knew what the state was proposing on Wednesday and by Thursday had trained about 60 people from all five governments to help inspect the restaurants. That meant people who normally work in other jobs, such as building inspectors, were checking restaurants for compliance with the new COVID-19 prevention guidelines and administrative clerks from across local government were handling the paperwork and scheduling on-site visits, Vargo said.
Some requirements — such as keeping a log of restaurant visitors for contact-tracing purposes — were easy to meet, he said. But some restaurants needed help upgrading their air filters, fans and heating and cooling systems.
“That was the most difficult part — the ventilation,” Vargo said.
Rootstalk, for example, was able to become certified quickly, Vawter said, because he and his staff already were largely in compliance. The restaurant screens employees daily for symptoms, uses approved chemicals for sanitizing, tracks cleaning schedules, keeps a list of diners and their contact information, and replaces air filters and purifiers.
“The big challenge is the 10 feet separating parties,” Vawter said, “and that’s just laying out the dining room appropriately.”
And while Rootstalk is one of 134 Summit County restaurants approved for indoor dining, Vawter doesn’t think the process was rushed.
“Everyone’s taking it very seriously and putting their best foot forward,” he said. “Everyone wanted to get open, but I know that everyone wants to stay open and be safe in doing so. The last thing I want is my staff to get sick or a guest to get sick while they’re here at the restaurant.”
Summit County officials believed it was crucial to get restaurants back in business because so many people visit the county to ski over the Christmas holidays, and restaurants are a critical piece of the tourism economy, Vargo said.
“We don’t think we cut corners,” he said.
Waiting to apply
In Douglas County, 121 businesses were somewhere along the application process as of noon Tuesday, according to an email from Wendy Holmes, the county spokeswoman. Of those, 20 already are pre-certified to reopen indoor dining, the email said.
Under the state’s Five Star rules, a county’s hospitalizations must show 10 days of sustained decline. Douglas County was at nine days on Tuesday, said Jennifer Ludwig, deputy director of the Tri-County Health Department. If Wednesday proves to be the 10th day, then the 20 businesses that have been pre-certified will have the green light to expand indoor capacity, she said.
As for Denver, the holidays and the enormous task of figuring out the logistics of certifying thousands of businesses will take time, McDonald said.
“We’re not going to do it blindly and certify businesses of all types and see our case numbers go up,” McDonald said.
McDonald estimated it would be another couple of weeks before Denver submits an application, and there’s no way to predict how long it will take for the state to review and approve the application. The city health department also would delay filing its application if COVID-19 case numbers rise after the Christmas and New Years holidays, he said.
John Tayer, president and CEO of Boulder Chamber, said Boulder County isn’t eligible to apply, based on virus case numbers, so there’s time to be thoughtful on how the Five Star program would work. Still, there’s no definitive timeline.
“Sometime in January, and there’s no certainty around that, as there is no certainty around the course of the virus,” he said.
Judging the risk
While counties are moving to participate in the Five Star program, there’s no guarantee it will be a long-lasting fix for struggling restaurants and gyms. If a county’s case numbers and hospitalizations rise, a program can be revoked. And individual business certifications can be suspended for violations, Ludwig said.
“We’ve had people ask, ‘How can you do this? What if case numbers go up?’” McDonald said. “Well, if case numbers go up, we revoke the program. Implementing it doesn’t mean we are stuck in it.”
At the end of the day, people must realize that eating out is never going to be completely safe during the pandemic, said Dr. Preeti Malani, an infectious disease professor at the University of Michigan School of Medicine.
After reviewing the rules for Colorado’s new Five Star program, Malani said it appears to provide a path for restaurants to reduce the virus’ spread. It’s fair to question exactly how thorough the restaurant inspections were and how closely they will be monitored afterward, she said.
“Those are the kind of questions people need to ask,” she said. “Is it something someone just signed off on?”
And people need to understand a certification does not guarantee they won’t catch the virus while dining out.
“If you sit down to dine with people who are not in your household, you’re taking on their risks, too,” Malani said. “The restaurant can do everything to keep you safe, but who you dine with is the biggest decision you make.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-12-23--This Christmas is less “Silver Bells,” more “Silent Night” for Salvation Army’s bell ringers

Notice something missing as you walk into the mall or a grocery store ?
That ’ s because the coronavirus pandemic forced the Salvation Army to drastically reduce its number of bell ringers across the metro area , and now the charity finds itself falling fall short of its Christmas budget goals as Dec. 25 approaches .
“ Silver bells… it ’ s not just a song , ” said Maj. Richard Pease of the Salvation Army in metro Denver .
“ It ’ s part of the Christmas tradition.
” On an average day in a normal Christmas season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bell ringers across the Denver area as part of its annual Red Kettle Campaign , he said .
This year , an average of 75 are ringing each day , although that number can drop if volunteers are sick or decide they don ’ t want to risk illness .
Already , the Red Kettle campaign is falling short of its $ 850,000 goal — one that already was lower than in previous years due to the pandemic .
As of Monday , $ 540,000 has been raised , said Rachael Fowler , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer volunteers , there are fewer stores available to set up outside and fewer shoppers to drop change into the kettles , Fowler said .
And people are carrying less cash during the pandemic .
The shortfall comes at a terrible time .
Along with providing Christmas presents to needy families , the Salvation Army also helps people who are struggling to pay for or find housing .
And this year the Salvation Army is preparing for a deluge of requests for housing assistance in January because a new stimulus package that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t kick in for several more weeks .
“ Fundraising is down and the need is up and that puts us in a position where we are struggling a bit , ” Pease said .
The Salvation Army established a virtual Red Kettle Campaign , and as of Dec. 21 , it has raised a little more than half of its $ 20,000 goal .
When someone donates , a bell rings online in an attempt to replace the in-person ringers who are such a holiday icon .
On Tuesday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again dropped gold South African Krugerrands into kettles in Fort Collins and Highlands Ranch .
The mystery donations have been happening in both towns for years .
This year , the gold coins were wrapped in encouraging notes .
A gold Krugerrand is worth almost $ 2,000 , according to Monex , an online site that tracks the value of precious metals .
For 65 years , Merrill Fie and his family have rung bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas .
This year , though , the 92-year-old Fie and his extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 16th Street Mall , where he and his wife , Dorie Fie , are joined by their daughters , grandchildren , their spouses and longtime friends to raise money .
“ Frankly it isn ’ t Christmas until you ’ re ringing bells , ” Fie said .
“ We have fun on the Fie bell-ringing day .
It ’ s been rewarding for 65 years.
” This year , the Fie family is attempting to raise $ 100,000 through an online campaign .
They ’ re emailing friends asking them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their goal .
And while raising money online is still rewarding , it ’ s just not as fun as being on the mall , he said .
“ We were disappointed we couldn ’ t do it , ” Fie said .
“ But we ’ ll be back in force in the coming year .
”

Stop. Listen.
Notice something missing as you walk into the mall or a grocery store?
There’s a good chance you won’t hear bells ringing.
That’s because the coronavirus pandemic forced the Salvation Army to drastically reduce its number of bell ringers across the metro area, and now the charity finds itself falling fall short of its Christmas budget goals as Dec. 25 approaches.
“Silver bells… it’s not just a song,” said Maj. Richard Pease of the Salvation Army in metro Denver. “It’s part of the Christmas tradition.”
How to help To donate to the virtual Red Kettle Campaign, please visit denvermetroredkettle.org.
On an average day in a normal Christmas season, the Salvation Army deploys about 160 bell ringers across the Denver area as part of its annual Red Kettle Campaign, he said. This year, an average of 75 are ringing each day, although that number can drop if volunteers are sick or decide they don’t want to risk illness.
Already, the Red Kettle campaign is falling short of its $850,000 goal — one that already was lower than in previous years due to the pandemic. As of Monday, $540,000 has been raised, said Rachael Fowler, a Salvation Army spokeswoman.
Along with fewer volunteers, there are fewer stores available to set up outside and fewer shoppers to drop change into the kettles, Fowler said. And people are carrying less cash during the pandemic.
The shortfall comes at a terrible time. Along with providing Christmas presents to needy families, the Salvation Army also helps people who are struggling to pay for or find housing. And this year the Salvation Army is preparing for a deluge of requests for housing assistance in January because a new stimulus package that will bring more help to the unemployed won’t kick in for several more weeks.
“Fundraising is down and the need is up and that puts us in a position where we are struggling a bit,” Pease said.
The Salvation Army established a virtual Red Kettle Campaign, and as of Dec. 21, it has raised a little more than half of its $20,000 goal. When someone donates, a bell rings online in an attempt to replace the in-person ringers who are such a holiday icon.
Some bell-ringing traditions continued, though.
On Tuesday, the Salvation Army announced that mystery donors once again dropped gold South African Krugerrands into kettles in Fort Collins and Highlands Ranch. The mystery donations have been happening in both towns for years. This year, the gold coins were wrapped in encouraging notes. A gold Krugerrand is worth almost $2,000, according to Monex, an online site that tracks the value of precious metals.
Another tradition moved online.
For 65 years, Merrill Fie and his family have rung bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas. This year, though, the 92-year-old Fie and his extended family missed their annual date on Denver’s 16th Street Mall, where he and his wife, Dorie Fie, are joined by their daughters, grandchildren, their spouses and longtime friends to raise money.
“Frankly it isn’t Christmas until you’re ringing bells,” Fie said. “We have fun on the Fie bell-ringing day. It’s been rewarding for 65 years.”
This year, the Fie family is attempting to raise $100,000 through an online campaign. They’re emailing friends asking them to donate and on Tuesday had surpassed their goal. And while raising money online is still rewarding, it’s just not as fun as being on the mall, he said.
“We were disappointed we couldn’t do it,” Fie said. “But we’ll be back in force in the coming year.”