COLORADO SPRINGS — Coronavirus cases continue to rise in Colorado, with the statewide total at 2,966 as of Tuesday afternoon, including 69 deaths.
Gov. Jared Polis issued a stay-at-home order for the state that is already in effect 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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Tuesday, March 31
5:04 p.m. | DIA to close north TSA checkpoint due to COVID-19 impact
Denver International Airport will close its north TSA checkpoint "due to lower traffic volumes." The south checkpoint, located near the Westin hotel, will remain open 24 hours a day aand the A Bridge Checkpoint will operate as normal fro 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, officials said.
A TSA screening officer who last worked at Denver International Airport on March 21 at the oversize baggage screening check point on Level 6 between 4 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. tested positive for COVID-19, TSA officials said Monday.
4:55 p.m. | Governor will wait for more data to decide if stay-at-home order will be extended statewide
While Governor Jared Polis said during a news conference Monday that "it is looking more and more like we will need an extension" of the state's stay-at-home order, Conor Cahill, a spokesperson for his office, said the governor wants to get a "few more days of data before we make that decision."
The statement comes after Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said he will likely extend the city and county's stay-at-home order until April 30.
4:25 p.m. | Polis requests extension of work permits for DACA recipients
Gov. Polis has urged the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to automatically extend work authorizations for all Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients whose grants expire in 2020.
“Coloradans face unprecedented challenges to their economic and social lives, and this extension would provide some needed stability to our businesses and residents who benefit from opportunities that DACA provides,” the Governor wrote to Acting Secretary Wolf.
The governor's office says Colorado is home for nearly 15,000 Dreamers.
4:22 p.m. | Gardner requests coronavirus testing for Colorado tribes
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-CO, is requesting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide additional COVID-19 testing kits to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribes in Colorado to ensure they have the testing capabilities necessary to resond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There have already been two confirmed positive cases on the Southern Ute Indian reservation, and the Indian Health Service expects an increase in positive cases amongst all tribes in the coming weeks. The federal government needs to fulfill its trust responsibility to tribal governments and ensure they have access to the resources they need,” wrote Senator Gardner. “It is crucial that FEMA provides a sufficient amount of testing kits both to the state of Colorado and to our tribal communities in order to ensure that they are able to respond to the grave threat that COVID-19 poses.”
To read the full letter, click here.
4:15 p.m. | Latest numbers for Colorado
2,966 cases
509 hospitalized
50 counties
16,849 tests back
69 deaths
16 outbreaks residential/non-hospital health care facilities
Find the latest information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment here.
3:50 p.m. | Modeling shows mitigation works
During the daily White House briefing, Dr. Birx said modeling from other countries shows that mitigation works. If we all follow these social guidelines, deaths can be significantly reduced.
During his turn at the podium, Dr. Fauci also reiterated that mitigation will and is working.
"We are a strong and resilient nation, this is tough, people are suffering, people are dying, but mitigation is going to be the answer to our problems," Fauci said.
3:40 p.m. | US has 10,000 ventilators ready to go
President Trump said the US has 10,000 ventilators ready to go, but they will be held onto until a determination is made as to which states need them the most. New York, Michigan, California, and New Jersey have received more already.
Following this statement, the president said the next two weeks will be very rough. A surge of deaths and cases related to COVID-19 is expected.
3:30 p.m. | Daily White House briefing
1:25 p.m.| Teller County officials add surge hospital in Woodland Park in response to COVID-19
Health and city official in Teller County announced Monday that a surge hospital has been built in Woodland Park to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teller COVID-19 Surge Hospital will be located at 703 Gold Hill Place South in Woodland Park, that is behind the Loaf 'N Jug has station near HWY 24/HWY 67.
The auxiliary medical site, if it is needed to be used, will have 50 beds to start but it could expand to 150 beds.
Eight people in Teller County have tested positive for COVID-19, while one person died.
County leaders say they are concerned about misinformation circulating in the county and they urge everyone to go to the Teller County COVID-19 website for the most up to date and accurate information.
10:14 a.m.| El Paso County addresses Monday's spike
Dr. Leon Kelly said it's important to remember to be consistent, measured and fight with the plan. Monday's spike was due to a backlog of testing that was released. "Fight the plan and we'll get through this thing," Kelly said.
10:06 a.m.| Homeless isolation shelter in the works
Dr. Leon Kelly said there are discussions to put in place a homeless isolation shelter in the county. He also mentioned there are no positive cases of inmates in El Paso County.
10 a.m.| 'We're always playing this game where we're a couple weeks behind'
Dr. Leon Kelly said it's not necessarily how many people get it, it's who gets it. The group that's going to end up in hospitals are the at-risk group and Kelly said that is why everyone needs to be vigilant. Those who end up in the hospitals were infected numerous days before they show up, so he said "we're always playing this game where we're a couple weeks behind."
9:45 a.m.| The process El Paso County health department goes through to identify cases
The El Paso County Public Health department said on average for one positive case there could be 10 people they were in contact with. If the case becomes known, the department investigates to identify possible contacts.
"We are continuing to do this. We are continuing to do outreach," Kelly said. "...It's critical that we have accurate information before we take action." He said there may be a point in the future that they may not be able to do this, but for right now they are working to investigate these cases.
He referenced El Paso County's first death due to COVID-19, who was at a bridge tournament, and having track those who attended to see if they were symptomatic or who they were in contact with . He said the individual contracted it from another person because of the lack of travel history.
Kelly said the result of the one case at the tournament led to 300 contacts.
9:37 a.m.| El Paso County coronavirus cases
"This is not the seasonal flu, this is not H1N1," Dr. Leon Kelly said. He said El Paso County is the largest in the state and we are having success locally because we are below the state average of cases.
9:25 a.m.| Benefits to the U.S. for COVID-19
Dr. Leon Kelly, whowho is acting as the county’s deputy medical director during the outbreak, presented to the Board of County Commissioners and said there was a benefit for the U.S. seeing the COVID-19 outbreak later than other countries around the world. Because of this, health experts in the U.S. are able to analyze other countries' response and the spread of the virus.
9:05 a.m.| The El Paso County Health Department gives update to county commissioners
At an El Paso County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the health department said that right now they are working to slow the spread of the virus. There are 245 cases of COVID-19 as of Monday afternoon. Susan Wheelan, director of El Paso County Public Health, said there are phases of the pandemic and that the county is in its first phase.
Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management Director Jim Reed said the communication within the county is better coordinated with one "team fighting this fight."
6:45 a.m.| Teller County to give details on surge hospital in Woodland Park
Teller County officials will hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the surge hospital that was built in Woodland Park.
Monday, March 30
6:45 p.m. | CDPHE: Due to limited number of current tests and PPE, COVID-19 testing prioritized in tiers
Only hospital staff, hospitalized patients, those most at-risk who already have symptoms and critical health care workers and first responders are currently being prioritized for COVID-19 testing because of a limited number of tests and personal protective equipment, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said Monday afternoon.
That had mostly been the case for nearly two weeks in Colorado, but the department issued new guidance on the state’s testing strategy Monday that implements a tier system for testing only those who need it the most at the moment until more equipment is received, the department said. Click here to read the full story.
4:50 p.m. | Three additional cases in Pueblo
Public health officials from the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment announced MOnday three additional positive COVID-19 cases.
They are a male age 59, a female age 52, and another female age 56.
Pueblo County now has a total of 21 confirmed positive cases among Pueblo County residents. Five additional positive cases are from individuals residing in other counties (one from Crowley County, one from Huerfano County, one from Douglas County, one from Fremont County, one from Rio Grande County) but who were tested in Pueblo County.
There have been 209 negative results with 45 tests results still pending, and three test unable to be read and determined unsatisfactory.
4:30 p.m. | City of Colorado Springs in hiring freeze to due COVID-19
Colorado Springs major John Suthers confirmed that the City of Colorado Springs is currently in a hiring freeze, but as of Monday, no city employees have been laid off.
Suthers did say that could change, but for now, he has asked department heads to come up with $20 million in cuts, which could include wages and furloughs. The city is also holding off on discretionary spending for the time being.
4:15 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers for Colorado
- 2,627 cases
- 414 hospitalizations
- 47 counties
- 15,364 people tested
- 51 deaths
- 14 outbreaks at residential & non-hospital healthcare facilities
Find the latest information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment here.
4:00 p.m. | 1 million COVID-19 tests administered in US
President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States hit a milestone of administering 1 million COVID-19 tests nationally since the spread of the virus that has gripped the nation.
Trump went on to claim that the United States has tested more suspected cases of COVID-19 than any other nation. While Trump’s claim is true, a number of countries have conducted more tests than the United States on a per ca pita basis.
3:45 p.m. | Pentagon orders 8,000 ventilators
The Pentagon says it has ordered an additional 8,000 ventilators, with delivery of the first 1,400 by early May.
During the daily briefing, President Trump said he expects that there will be enough ventilators for hospitals across the country.
3:15 p.m. | White House briefing
2:46 p.m. | Elbert County Coroner confirms death of recently deceased man was due to COVID-19
In a Facebook post, the Elbert County Coroner confirmed postmortem lab results of a recently deceased Elbert Co. resident showed he tested positive for COVID-19. The man, in his 70s, passed away at home on March 26.
1:38 p.m.| Colorado Springs officials to announce small business relief measures in response to COVID-19.
1:38 p.m.| Colorado Springs officials to announce small business relief measures in response to COVID-19.
Mayor John Suthers, along with representatives from the Exponential Impact as well as the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, announced there will be help for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
Mayor John Suthers, along with representatives from the Exponential Impact as well as the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, announced there will be help for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
The creation of Survive and Thrive COS will help small businesses in Colorado Springs and El Paso County meet the challenges of the COVID-19 virus. Small businesses might be eligible for a loan of up to $25,000 to help with recovery funding, mentoring and other resources.
The creation of Survive and Thrive COS will help small businesses in Colorado Springs and El Paso County meet the challenges of the COVID-19 virus. Small businesses might be eligible for a loan of up to $25,000 to help with recovery funding, mentoring and other resources.
Here are the terms:
Here are the terms:
- Installments are provided monthly over three months
- Repayment occurs over three years and payments are not required for the first year
- Interest is 0% in year one and increases by 1% over each of the next two years
To apply for the fund,click right here.
To apply for the fund,click right here.
Pikes Peak Community Foundation
Pikes Peak Community Foundation
1:11 p.m.| Everyone needs to take precautions
Dr. Marc Moss says everyone needs to take precautions. There are patients who are young that contracted the virus and are in critical condition, according to Moss.
1:05 p.m.| Colorado doctor gives first-hand perspective of coronavirus
University of Colorado School of Medicine Dr. Marc Moss said there are 72 COVID-19 positive patients in the hospital right now. He said, on average, the patients they are treating are in their 40s or 50s or as young as 19 years old.
New COVID patients are being admitted into the hospital at a faster rate than patients are recovering, according to Moss. He reiterated the need for more equipment and the importance for Coloradans to take this virus seriously. Right now, physicians are able to receive test results faster. Moss said this helps doctors save protective equipment for patients who are truly positive.
Moss said "we cannot risk overwhelming" our healthcare systems if people do not follow social distancing guidelines.
"The COVID-19 epidemic is real and it's scary," Moss said.
12:53 p.m.| Travel rates in the state
"This is not a vacation," Polis said as he explained the need for traffic to slow down and not travel outside of your residential area. There has been a 60% reduction in traffic, according to Polis.
12:47 p.m.| Coronavirus spread in Colorado
"This is not a vacation," Polis said as he explained the need for traffic to slow down and not travel outside of your residential area. There has been a 60% reduction in traffic, according to Polis.
Polis said the doubling rate of the virus was previously two days. Now, it's at five days. He said this is better, but it is still a very contagious virus.
12:47 p.m.| Coronavirus spread in Colorado
12:45 p.m.| Initial measures showing impacts
Polis said the doubling rate of the virus was previously two days. Now, it's at five days. He said this is better, but it is still a very contagious virus.
Polis said the data we are seeing now are impacts from shutting down bars and restaurants, closing the schools, and prohibiting gatherings of more than 10. The results and impact of the stay-at-home order is projected to be measured around April 7.
12:45 p.m.| Initial measures showing impacts
12:41 p.m.| Medical supplies still needed in the state
Polis said the data we are seeing now are impacts from shutting down bars and restaurants, closing the schools, and prohibiting gatherings of more than 10. The results and impact of the stay-at-home order is projected to be measured around April 7.
Polis says medical supplies are still needed in the state: N95, surgical masks, face shields, gowns, gloves and coveralls. He said they would rather have a surplus of supplies to last longer than not have enough.
12:41 p.m.| Medical supplies still needed in the state
12:39 p.m.| Polis explains the virus infects all ages
Polis says medical supplies are still needed in the state: N95, surgical masks, face shields, gowns, gloves and coveralls. He said they would rather have a surplus of supplies to last longer than not have enough.
Gov. Polis reiterated the virus impacts all ages and can hospitalize those in their "prime," giving an example of the first death of someone under the age of 40 in the state.
12:39 p.m.| Polis explains the virus infects all ages
12:35 p.m.| Polis urges support for the days, months ahead
Gov. Polis reiterated the virus impacts all ages and can hospitalize those in their "prime," giving an example of the first death of someone under the age of 40 in the state.
Polis stressed the importance of staying connected and supporting one another during this time.
12:35 p.m.| Polis urges support for the days, months ahead
"Just because we're physically distant, doesn't mean we need to be emotionally distant," Polis said.
Polis stressed the importance of staying connected and supporting one another during this time.
11:50 a.m.| Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is expected to provide an update on COVID-19 in the state.
"Just because we're physically distant, doesn't mean we need to be emotionally distant," Polis said.
Gov. Jared Polis is expected to host a news conference at noon Monday at the Emergency Operations Center in Centennial to discuss the latest on Colorado’s response to COVID-19.
11:50 a.m.| Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is expected to provide an update on COVID-19 in the state.
We will carry it live on our website, social media platforms and streaming apps, as well as over the air. CLICK HERE TO SEE OPTIONS FOR WATCHING LIVE.
Gov. Jared Polis is expected to host a news conference at noon Monday at the Emergency Operations Center in Centennial to discuss the latest on Colorado’s response to COVID-19.
We will carry it live on our website, social media platforms and streaming apps, as well as over the air. CLICK HERE TO SEE OPTIONS FOR WATCHING LIVE.
11 a,m. | King Soopers employee tests positive for COVID-19 in Colorado Springs
A King Soopers employee at the Academy and Woodmen location has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the El Paso County Health Department. Anyone who has visited this store on March 19, March 21 through March 25, and March 28 are asked to monitor for symptoms.
11 a,m. | King Soopers employee tests positive for COVID-19 in Colorado Springs
“Based on our assessment of the situation, and the fact that this individual worked several days while experiencing symptoms, we felt it was important to make people aware,” said Dr. Robin Johnson, El Paso County Public Health Medical Director, said in a release. “While there is no need to panic, we encourage people to monitor for symptoms, and to follow the steps outlined below should they begin to feel ill.”
A King Soopers employee at the Academy and Woodmen location has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the El Paso County Health Department. Anyone who has visited this store on March 19, March 21 through March 25, and March 28 are asked to monitor for symptoms.
The employee last worked on March 28.
“Based on our assessment of the situation, and the fact that this individual worked several days while experiencing symptoms, we felt it was important to make people aware,” said Dr. Robin Johnson, El Paso County Public Health Medical Director, said in a release. “While there is no need to panic, we encourage people to monitor for symptoms, and to follow the steps outlined below should they begin to feel ill.”
10:50 a.m.| Pueblo County health officials confirm 2nd COVID-19 death
The employee last worked on March 28.
Pueblo County health officials have confirmed a second death in the county due to COVID-19. The man was 80 years old. There are 18 confirmed Pueblo County resident cases of coronavirus.
10:50 a.m.| Pueblo County health officials confirm 2nd COVID-19 death
10:05 a.m. | Colorado House adjourns until Thursday
Pueblo County health officials have confirmed a second death in the county due to COVID-19. The man was 80 years old. There are 18 confirmed Pueblo County resident cases of coronavirus.
Though the suspension of the General Assembly session will continue as the body awaits guidance from the Colorado Supreme Court, the Colorado House of Representatives gaveled in briefly, with nine lawmakers present and 56 excused.
10:05 a.m. | Colorado House adjourns until Thursday
The chamber adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday.
Though the suspension of the General Assembly session will continue as the body awaits guidance from the Colorado Supreme Court, the Colorado House of Representatives gaveled in briefly, with nine lawmakers present and 56 excused.
“The spread of COVID-19 is a dangerous public health emergency that is taking lives every day. While balancing the need to protect the public health with the need to do the people’s work, to the extent possible we want to avoid risking the health of everyone involved at the legislature--be it the public, legislators, staff, or members of the press--and we don’t want to risk further spreading the disease,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “These are unprecedented times, and there is a lot of uncertainty particularly as we wait to hear from the Supreme Court. Today, we’re continuing the suspension while we wait to learn from the Supreme Court whether we can pick up where we left off in the session or whether we continue our business, regardless of the pandemic, in order to adjourn on May 6.”
The chamber adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday.
9:55 a.m. | Pueblo Transit makes changes in response to COVID-19
“The spread of COVID-19 is a dangerous public health emergency that is taking lives every day. While balancing the need to protect the public health with the need to do the people’s work, to the extent possible we want to avoid risking the health of everyone involved at the legislature--be it the public, legislators, staff, or members of the press--and we don’t want to risk further spreading the disease,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “These are unprecedented times, and there is a lot of uncertainty particularly as we wait to hear from the Supreme Court. Today, we’re continuing the suspension while we wait to learn from the Supreme Court whether we can pick up where we left off in the session or whether we continue our business, regardless of the pandemic, in order to adjourn on May 6.”
The City of Pueblo Transit system is implementing new safety measures while coronavirus concerns continue. These changes are being made in an effort to continue providing transit services while protecting both the passengers and driver.
9:55 a.m. | Pueblo Transit makes changes in response to COVID-19
8:04 a.m. | Pueblo West Metropolitan Fire Department creates new welfare check program
The City of Pueblo Transit system is implementing new safety measures while coronavirus concerns continue. These changes are being made in an effort to continue providing transit services while protecting both the passengers and driver.
The Pueblo West Metropolitan District Fire Department created a new welfare check program specifically during this time under the stay-at-home order. They have set up a website for concerned family and friends to submit a request to have a firefighter check on a Pueblo West resident.
8:04 a.m. | Pueblo West Metropolitan Fire Department creates new welfare check program
“We respond to emergencies everyday in our community and during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to be proactive in helping our residents who might not otherwise have resources to help them during this stay-at-home order, said Fire Chief Brian Caserta said in a release. “Their welfare is important and we want to make sure they have what they need in this critical time.”
The Pueblo West Metropolitan District Fire Department created a new welfare check program specifically during this time under the stay-at-home order. They have set up a website for concerned family and friends to submit a request to have a firefighter check on a Pueblo West resident.
To submit a request, click here.
“We respond to emergencies everyday in our community and during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to be proactive in helping our residents who might not otherwise have resources to help them during this stay-at-home order, said Fire Chief Brian Caserta said in a release. “Their welfare is important and we want to make sure they have what they need in this critical time.”
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Complete coronavirus coverage
Coronavirus related closures
RELATED:
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.
Get the latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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.
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.
