With so much information being announced daily about the COVID-19 pandemic, here is a review and preview of what is going on in southern Colorado as it pertains to the virus:
The Review
Colorado, as well as Nevada, will join California, Oregon and Washington in the Western States Pact.
The Western States Pact is a group of governors from the western states that have a shared vision for modifying the stay-at-home orders and continuing to fight the novel coronavirus. The governors have pledged that health outcomes and science, and not politics, will guide their decisions regarding COVID-19.
Gov. Polis says Colorado hopes to test 8,500 people a day for COVID-19 by end of May
Colorado expects to significantly ramp up its testing capabilities to be able to perform around 8,500 COVID-19 tests per day by the end of May as more testing supplies are received and as community-based testing increases at the county level statewide.
The state is currently testing around 3,000 people per day but hope to increase that number to 5,000 people per day by mid-May and to 8,500 or more by the end of the month.
El Paso County transitions to Safer at Home: Prevention remains critical
As the transition from stay-at-home orders to safer-at-home starts, government, health and business leaders in El Paso County are encouraging locals to remain serious about COVID-19 prevention. Positive trends make easing restrictions possible, but there is also reason to remain vigilant.
Trump says federal government won't extend social distancing guidelines
President Donald Trump says the federal government will not be extending its social distancing guidelines after they expired at the end of the month.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that the coronavirus guidelines will be “fading out” because of work that governors are doing in their states.
The Preview
Offices can reopen at 50% capacity May 4
Offices can reopen at 50% reduced in-person staffing capacity if best practices are being implemented to protect the health and safety of employees. Businesses are encouraged to allow employees to continue telecommuting at higher levels if possible. Child care facilities can also expand or reopen if they are following Safer at Home requirements.
Monday, News5's Elizabeth Watts will be doing a special Rebound story featuring The Hatch Cover.
The Hatch Cover is a well loved bar and restaurant in southwest Colorado Springs that like so many others, is struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.
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