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
Springs City Council approves Law Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Commission
The Colorado Springs City Council passed an ordinance to create a new advisory commission tasked with bringing policy recommendations to the City Council, the Mayor and the Colorado Springs Police Department.
The Law Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Commission was approved Tuesday by the City Council on an 8-1 vote.
The city said the council has already received more than 600 applications since June 17, when the application process for the proposed commission was opened. The deadline for submitting applications has been set for July 1 at 5 p.m.
Colorado to lift some nursing home visitation restrictions
Gov. Jared Polis announced Wednesday that Colorado is taking steps to increase outdoor visitation at these facilities but under strict guidelines.
Some of the guidelines include screening all visitors, including temperature check, before entering a designated outdoor visitation area at the facility. The resident will also need to be screened for symptoms before they are allowed in the outdoor visitation area, and masks will be required for both parties.
Facilities will need to disinfect the furniture used in the area between visits, and can only allow a certain number of visitors into the area based on the area’s square footage or eight people, whichever is smaller.
Outdoor downtown dining expands for second weekend
A second block of Tejon was being added to the Downtown Partnership's summer program called Dine Out Downtown.
The program allows restaurants to utilize outdoor spaces to seat customers. The block of South Tejon Street between Pikes Peak and Colorado avenues was closed last weekend for the soft launch, which the partnership said was very successful. So now, the block of North Tejon Street between Platte Avenue and Bijou Street will also be closed to traffic starting on June 26 and 27, and continuing through the summer. All cross streets will be open to traffic.
Currently, 11 restaurants are participating. CLICK HERE to see the full list.
The Preview
News5 continues to listen to your questions, concerns, and tell your stories. We are following you through unemployment, changing business models, and a new way of life for so many. We'll be telling your stories this week highlighting the innovation and perseverance of so many of you.
These stories are all part of our The Rebound Colorado as we work to get Colorado back to work, find ways to help you manage the stress, make ends meet, and follow-up to see if tax dollars allocated to help are going to the right place.
Tuesday we're talking about gyms reopening. News 5's Patrick Nelson is looking into what's being done to keep people safe and how it's so important for some to get back to their regular workouts.
Later in the week, Patrick will be talking about COVID-19 and insomnia. More people are suffering from sleep issues with all of the stress and uncertainty that comes along with our new way of life and a lack of sleep really affects depression and suicidal thoughts. You'll hear from a doctor and a patient working through challenges.
July 4th is coming next weekend and celebrations are going to look different. We'll be looking behind the scenes in Colorado Springs to see how the city is navigating changes with COVID-19 and making sure everyone county-wide can still see the sights and hear the sounds of Independence Day.
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For the latest information, be sure to download our News 5 App, check our social media and live streaming platforms.
News 5 is embarking upon a new journey with all of you in The Rebound Colorado. Our will be helping you connect with job opportunities. News 5's team will be here to answer your questions, bringing you expert advice to balance the books, pay the bills, and rebuild savings accounts. E-mail us any time at rebound@koaa.com with your suggestions, feedback, frustrations, ideas, suggestions, and anything else you need.
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