COLORADO SPRINGS — Coronavirus cases continue to rise in Colorado, with the statewide total at 1,086 as of Wednesday afternoon, including 19 deaths. The next update will come in from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment around 4 p.m.
Gov. Jared Polis issued a stay-at-home order for the state that goes into effect Thursday, March 26, at 6 a.m. through April 11.
Check here for the latest update on the number of cases, the age, gender and location of presumptive positive, indeterminate and confirmed cases from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Colorado Springs and Pueblo have both set up hotlines for people to call with questions about COVID-19. In Colorado, call 719-555-8888, or the United Way 2-1-1 hotline. In Pueblo call 719-583-4444.
Below, we're updating this blog with the latest information regarding COVID-19 in Colorado.
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Thursday, March 26
6:10 p.m. | First confirmed COVID-19 death in Pueblo County
The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment said Thursday it confirmed the first death in Pueblo County due to COVID-19.
A release from the department said the patient was an 81-year-old woman. No further details are currently available.
“This is a tragic loss of life and we share our heartfelt condolences with the family," said Randy Evetts, public health director at PDPHE . “This unfortunate loss highlights the seriousness of this virus. Now more than ever, we want to remind our residents to protect yourself, your family, and the community.”
Pueblo health officials are working to identify close contacts of the woman.
Evetts said the best way to protect yourself and others follow social distancing guidelines, practice good hygiene, stay home if you're sick, and adhere to public health orders.
4:45 p.m. | Department of Corrections parole officer tests positive
The Department of Corrections said Thursday a parole officer from the Sterling region tested positive for COVID-19.
That officer did not work inside a prison. CDOC said it will contact anyone who needs to be notified about potential contact with that person.
The department is working to track where that person has been and who they have been in contact with.
CDOC said the parole officer was already operating on a reduced staffing play to support social distancing recommendations.
Other Department of Corrections staff members have been tested and the department is waiting for confirmation on some of those results. Staff members who test positive, have pending results, or shows possible symptoms has been placed on administrative leave.
The department says so far no inmates have tested positive for COVID-19.
4:15 p.m. |More than 1,400 coronavirus cases statewide
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says there are 1,430 cases of COVID-19 statewide, in 39 counties.
The health department says 184 people are hospitalized, and 24 have died.
Statewide 10,122 people have been tested.
There are now 9 reported outbreaks at residential and non-hospital health care facilities.
3:35 p.m. | Colorado Avalanche announce a player has tested positive
The Colorado Avalanche released a statement Thursday afternoon saying the team was advised that a player tested positive for COVID-19.
The Avalanche did not release the name of the player, but said he has been at home in isolation since the first symptoms appeared, and has recovered.
The team has notified anyone known to have had close contact with the player.
3:10 p.m. | Two women test positive in Pueblo County
Two women, aged 80 and 82, have tested positive for COVID-19 according to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. Public Health says the two cases are not related.
The department said one of the cases announced today was linked to the bridge games at Colorado Springs Bridge Center. An El Paso County woman who passed away earlier this month had also played in those games.
“As the number of positive COVID-19 cases increase, it is evident COVID-19 is in our community,” stated Randy Evetts public health director at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. Evetts added, “It is important to follow social distancing of six feet or more from each other to protect our family, friends, and neighbors.”
Public Health said investigations are being conducted into the two new cases.
To date in Pueblo County:
- 217 tests administered in Pueblo County (including 90 taken at State Fairgrounds on March 19).
- 73 tests have returned with negative results.
- 137 pending
- 7 have returned positive results, including 5 from Pueblo county, one from Crowley County, and one from huerfano County.
- It currently takes a minimum of 7 days for results to be reported to Pueblo Health.
3:00 p.m. | Pueblo announces park facilities closures; trails and open spaces to remain open
Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar and Parks and Recreation Director Steven Meier announced the closure of several park facilities and areas to comply with Governor Polis' Stay at Home Order.
These facilities are closed effective immediately:
- Ice Arena
- El Centro Rec. Center
- Golf Courses
- Auto Racetracks
- Dog Parks
- Tennis Courts
- Softball Fields
- Basketball Courts
- Skate (wheel) Parks
- Playgrounds
- Disc Golf Course
- Exercise Equipment
- Horseshoe Pits
- Bocce Ball
- Picnic Shelters
They say while parks and trails are open for walking, hiking, running, and biking, it's important to practice social distancing at all times.
Parks will remain open during normal hours, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Restrooms at Mineral Palace Park and City Park will remain open.
2:00 p.m. | El Paso Co and Colorado Springs representatives discuss stay at home order
Representatives from El Paso County and Colorado Springs are expected are making comments about the order. Watch in the stream below.
Mayor John Suthers reminds people the order from the Governor is a legal order that officials are asking everyone to voluntarily comply with. Using law enforcement is a last resort. He says people seen violating the order will be educated and warned at first. "Do your part", Suthers says.
During this morning's Board of County Commissioner's meeting, Commissioner Mark Waller said, "When this stay-at-home order came out yesterday I was hearing it for the very first time as the governor was talking about it. And then let my phone blew up, and I have all sorts of constituents, business leaders texting me saying 'what does this mean for me?' 'what is this mean for us?' and I couldn't give them any information."
He closed out the meeting by imploring Governor Polis to communicate with county leaders on actions before announcing them to the public, or at least discussing options beforehand.
Read more about what the order means for you, here.
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10 a.m.| 7 deaths due to COVID-19 in El Paso County
Another two deaths are reported in El Paso County due to COVID-19, bringing the total to seven deaths. Dr. Leon Kelly, who is acting as the county’s deputy medical director during the outbreak, told the county’s board of commissioners Thursday morning. These numbers will be included in today's update from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment around 4 p.m.
9:17 a.m.| El Paso County Board of County Commissioners holds meeting discussing executive order
The Board of County Commissioners is holding an "emergency meeting" discussing the executive order issued by Gov. Jared Polis. The stay-at-home order is now in place statewide.
8:35 a.m.| Colorado State Patrol on statewide accident alert
Colorado State Patrol is now on statewide accident alert, meaning if you are involved in an accident with no injuries, no drugs or alcohol involved, and everyone has insurance, troopers will not respond.
6 a.m.| Stay-at-home order now in effect
This executive order means Coloradans should not be leaving their homes except for critical activities. The order states "local authorities are encouraged to determine the best course of action" when it comes to enforcement. If you do not comply with the order, you could be fined up to $1,000 or face jail time for up to one year.
Wednesday, March 25
8:30 p.m. Mesa Verde National Park closes due to coronavirus fears
Mesa Verde National Park has become the second national park in the state to close in an effort to stop the relentless spread of coronavirus in Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park also announced they are closing.
7:00 p.m. Air Force Academy closing Academy North Gate Thursday
The Academy said Academy North Gate will close to all traffic on Thursday, March 26, until further notice. Make sure to plan extra time and use the South Gate for entrance.
5:07 p.m. |Statement from Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers on governor's stay-at-home order
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers released a statement in regards to Governor Polis' state at home order. “The City of Colorado Springs will, of course, follow the Governor’s Stay at Home Order announced earlier today," said Mayor Suthers. "Because the physical order will not be available until late tonight, we cannot yet provide further guidance until we know the specifics and exceptions and exemptions that are or are not included."
4:29 p.m. | Stay-at-home order issued for Colorado
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has issued a statewide stay at home order going into effect Thursday at 6 a.m. until April 11.
"Now is the time to stay at home," Polis says, adding that "the patriotism of those who take this seriously will save countless lives."
According to the Governor's Office:
- Coloradoans must stay home unless for necessary business
- Critical businesses are exempt from this Executive Order
- Critical businesses must comply with social distancing requirements
4 p.m. | Colorado death toll reaches 20
According to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 20 people in Colorado have now died as a result of coronavirus. There are a total of 1,086 cases out of 8,064 patients tested. Learn more with official case data, here.
12:30 p.m.| Pueblo city departments to temporarily close
Mayor Nick Gradisar order the Sales Tax, Finance and the City Clerk departments will temporarily close to the public. If you need to reach the Sales Tax department, you can still call (719) 553-2659. And if you need to reach the City Clerk, you can call (719) 553-2669.
11:45 a.m.| Pueblo County officials looking at possible stay-at-home order
Pueblo County officials announced a stay-at-home order will not be issued, but it is something they are still considering.
"We are not doing a stay-at-home, however we are considering it and watching what the community does," Pueblo Public Health Director Randy Evetts said. He continued by saying residents need to follow the public health orders already in place in the state to help "slow down the spread of this virus in our community."
11:10 a.m.| Pueblo County officials to give update on coronavirus prevention
Pueblo County officials are holding a press conference to give an update on coronavirus prevention at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
5:50 a.m.| White House, Congress reach agreement on $2 trillion bill
The White House and Senate leaders of both major political parties announced agreement early Wednesday on unprecedented emergency legislation to rush sweeping aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuesday, March 24
9:30 p.m. | Second El Paso County deputy tests positive
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday night that a second deputy has a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
The office said the deputy has been isolated since the first developing symptoms and all employees and inmates who have had direct or indirect contact, or other work-related contact with this employee have been personally contacted and notified.
Staff has had plans and structures in place for some time and have continued to take steps to prevent further spread to other employees and inmates that are housed in the jail, the Sheriff's Office said.
5:30 P.M. | Fort Carson medical personnel to deploy to Washington State
Fort Carson announced Tuesday that more than 300 medical personnel from the 627th Hospital Center will deploy to Washington State to provide supplemental, routine, and emergency medical support to community medical staffs, allowing them to focus their resources and efforts on detecting and treating patients believed to have been exposed to COVID-19.
The Mountain Post said this response is part of the whole-of-nation approach to fighting COVID-19.
5:00 p.m. | Free parking in downtown Manitou Springs until April 30
The City of Manitou Springs announced Tuesday that parking in the downtown region is free of charge until April 30. This action was put in place to better accommodate the local restaurants that are now doing curbside pickups, the city said.
Barr Trail Lot, the 400 blocks of Ruxton and Winter will remain paid parking. Additionally, residential parking areas will still be monitored and enforced as necessary.
4:30 p.m. | King Soopers to install partitions at cash registers
King Soopers announces Tuesday that beginning this week, many stores are starting the process of installing plexiglass partitions at cash register to further promote physical distancing. The company said the anticipate every check out lane to have a partition within the next several weeks.
The company also said that it is advocating to government officials at all levels for help securing a priority place in line for all grocery workers - after health care workers - to have access to protective masks and gloves.
3:40 p.m. | White House daily briefing on COVID-19.
3:30 p.m. | Mayor Suthers update regarding parks and COVID-19
3:30 p.m. | Mayor Suthers update regarding parks and COVID-19
1:46 p.m. | Two additional COVID-19 cases identified in Teller County, one deadly case.
The Teller County Health Officials have announced two additional lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. One of those cases was deadly.
Health officials are investigating and will be notifying any who was in close contact with those affected. There is now a total of three cases in Teller County.
12:35 p.m.| Pueblo County receives supplies from National Strategic Stockpile
Personal protective equipment and other items from the Strategic National Stockpile sent to Colorado started being shipped out to health care providers across the state Monday by the state, though health officials say the supply is only enough for one day of work statewide. The supplies include masks, surgical masks, surgical gowns and face shields that the county says will be used at long-term care facilities.
11:58 a.m.| Colorado State Patrol: Travel if necessary
Colorado State Patrol is reminding everyone that the state's borders have not closed to anyone traveling, however, they are encouraging everyone to travel "if absolutely necessary" while social distancing continues.
10:47 a.m.| Otero County Health Department reports first positive COVID-19 case.
The Otero County Health Department has announced an Otero County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is in their 40s and was previously quarantine while awaiting the test results. The patient has been placed in isolation and is recovering.
9:05 a.m.|Fort Carson declares Public Health Emergency
The installation commander of Fort Carson has declared a Public Health Emergency in place for 30 days, starting Tuesday.
This declaration gives the installation commander the opportunity to take more protective measures as the threat of COVID-19 continues. The post says this order will be in place for 30 days.
This declaration gives the installation commander the opportunity to take more protective measures as the threat of COVID-19 continues. The post says this order will be in place for 30 days.
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Complete coronavirus coverage
Coronavirus related closures
Complete coronavirus coverage
Coronavirus related closures
Get the latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Click here for the latest update on the number of cases, the age, gender and location of presumptive positive, indeterminate and confirmed cases from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in many languages. Email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.
People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in many languages. Email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.
