Here's what science tells us and why we should listen
After issuing a statewide
stay-at-home order last week, Governor Polis followed up the announcement with a press conference on Friday and presented the data that informed the order. I thought it might be helpful to share with you the presentation so you can see for yourself why we need to stay home and practice social distancing.
Here is a copy of the slides from the presentation. For starters, they explain the R NAUGHT VALUE (RO), which is the number of people a positive person is likely to infect. For example, one person spreads the virus to two people, two people spread it to four people, and so on. Currently, Colorado's RO stands between 3 and 4. Meaning, one infected Coloradan spreads the virus to three or four people, who infect three or four more people, and so on. The goal of staying at home is to knock down the RO value as quickly as we can.
The rest of the presentation discusses the impact of the RO value on our resources and what the outcomes could be based on the different levels of compliance. For example, with no social distancing, the peak ICU bed demand will be 13,800 by the end of April (we have 900 COVID beds available). If we are able to achieve 60% social distancing, the ICU bed need drops to 4500 by June.
If we assume an RO value of 4 with no social distancing, there would be approximately 33,200 deaths by June 1. Thankfully, we have implemented social distancing steps already, and if we are able to achieve 60% compliance at an RO value of 4, the number of deaths drops to 11,500. And, if the RO value drops from a 4 to a 3, with 60% social distancing compliance, the number of deaths by June could drop to 400.
As the presentation demonstrates, the quickest and most effective way to end this situation is to understand how the math works and to get on board with the stay-at-home guidelines. For many, this situation has already been difficult and the impact financially cannot be understated. If you find yourself struggling, please reach out and we can try and connect you to some resources.
I want to end with a shout out to the essential workers in our community--THANK YOU!! By showing up to work, potentially putting yourself and your families in harms way, in order to help heal the sick, stock the grocery shelves, and keep the lights on, you are making things better for others. Thank you for your sacrifice and for your service!
Student loan relief
Right now, Coloradans across the state are dealing with financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and student loans payments could be making it worse. If you are struggling to pay back your student loans during this uncertain period of time, New Era Colorado has pulled together some tips.
They have comprehensive resources on their website about the best steps to take if someone has lost income (or seen a big reduction). The federal aid package does provide a small amount of relief (payments and interest waived through September) but that may not be enough for some.
To read the full advice and get resources, click HERE.
Rachel Zenzinger
Rachel Zenzinger won election to the Colorado State Senate, representing District 19, in November 2016. She also served as Senator for SD19 in 2014. Sen. Zenzinger is a member of the Joint Budget Committee, the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Vice Chair of the Statutory Revision Committee.
Tele-Town Hall slated for Wednesday, April 1
Please join me for a tele-town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 30 at 3:00 p.m. We are pleased to welcome officials from the Colorado Department of Public Safety and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Stay tuned for details on how to call in on my Facebook page or my website as soon as they become available.
If you have questions or need resources that are not covered by the links below, send me an email and we will try and track them down!
Participate in the United States Census from home!
2020 Census: What is the Census?
Don't forget to fill out your U.S. Census form! To participate CLICK HERE.
Donations to
Rachel For Colorado
I am pleased to announce that I am running for re-election for a second term as your state senator for Senate District 19. I would be honored to have your support! Can you help by making a contribution?
