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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As of Monday, there were
10,447
confirmed COVID-19 cases in Colorado with 486 deaths. In Denver, there are
1,981
cases with 108 deaths. My heart goes out to each and every family that has lost someone to this relentless virus.
While we are doing what we can to flatten the curve, we are not out of the  woods quite yet, especially here in Denver where we have the highest number of cases in Colorado. Please stay home.
Yesterday, Governor Polis
announced that he will end the statewide
stay-at-home order and begin a new "safer at home phase" on April 27th.
This shift will gradually reduce other restrictions like business closures, but does allow local governments like Denver to continue enforcing stay-at-home orders based on local COVID-19 case data.
While Denver's stay-at-home and large gathering restrictions are set to expire on April 30th and May 11th respectively, Mayor Hancock has said that both could be extended.
Governor Polis' "Safer at Home" Plan
Starting April 27th, Colorado will begin to transition from the stay-at-home order to the "safer-at-home phase,"
depending on your local restrictions. In Denver, this phase will begin on May 1st at the earliest.
During this phase you won't be required to stay at home, but you should
limit your interactions as much as possible.
If you do leave home, remember that social distancing measures limiting gatherings to 10 people or less are still in effect, and please cover your face.
Vulnerable populations and seniors need to continue staying at home except when absolutely necessary and K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions will continue remote instruction until the end of the school year.
Timeline Easing Restrictions
April 26th: Last day of the statewide stay-at-home order.
April 27th:
Elective medical procedures and retail via curbside or delivery are permitted.
April 30: Proposed last day of Denver's stay at home order.
May 4: Large workplaces
can open at 50% capacity. They are advised to check workers for COVID-19 symptoms and temperature as they arrive.
Mid-May: Governor Polis will consider reopening restaurants and bars based on the case data.
We should be prepared to revert to the stay-at-home order if there is a significant increase in the spread of the virus, which could happen at the state or local level. Even with these eased regulations, we need to stay home as much as possible.
We will get through this together.
Boldly Forward,
P.S.
In an attempt to keep folks informed, I have been sending more frequent updates and created a
COVID-19 resources page
on my website. Click
here
to suggest a new resource. As always, follow me on
facebook
,
twitter
, and
instagram
for updates on COVID-19.
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For general questions
, call (303) 389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911.
For written answers in English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more, email COHELP@RMPDC.org.
For telehealth providers and nurselines, click here.
For info and resources in Spanish (Español), click here
(ACLU of Colorado).
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Join me and elected officials from Northeast and Far Northeast Denver for our weekly Facebook LIVE town hall on COVID-19.
When: Friday, 4/24, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
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The day of silence is a national movement to raise awareness for the silence that LGBTQ+ students facing bullying and harassment experience.
Join me this Friday for a virtual Night of Noise celebration to break the silence. This will be a platform for anyone to speak about their experiences and for people to be in a safe and accepting space together. Click here to sign up for the zoom call.
When: Friday, April 24th, 5:30 PM
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Please call 3-1-1 to report Denver businesses that you believe should be closed, that are not practicing social distancing, that are not maintaining a clean and safe work environment, or that are violating any other city laws.
If you are outside Denver, contact your local public health department
or the Attorney General's office here.
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COVID-19 By The
Numbers
Denver
1,981 cases and 108 deaths.
[
Source
]
Colorado
341 new cases were reported on Sunday for a total of 10,447 cases and 486 deaths.
[
Source
]
United States
New York leads the nation in total cases (251,720)
and total deaths (14,828).
Other states with high case totals include
New Jersey (88,806), Massachusetts (39,643), and Pennsylvania (34,751). [
Source
]
Global
The United States leads the world in new cases (28,123), total cases (784,560), and total deaths (41,844).
Other nations with high numbers of new cases include Russia, (4,268), Turkey (4,674), and the UK (4,676)
.
[Source].
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Governor Polis has taken the following executive actions:
Allowing homeowners to
split their property tax payments over April and May.
Federal Action
President Trump approved Colorado's request for a major disaster declaration, which allows the state and tribes, along with some local governments and nonprofits, to receive federal money to help them deal with COVID-19.
For Individuals and Businesses in Denver:
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Additional COVID-19 Updates from the Governor
Updated 4/18 at 1 PM
Governor Polis announced new regulations to keep residents of senior living facilities safe.
Read more here.
Governor Polis announced the formation of a health equity response task force to ensure equitable access to care and testing for all Coloradans. The state will also be providing new COVID-19 updates
including racial data.
The Department of Corrections will have greater flexibility to manage the prison population in order to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak behind bars. [Full text]
Suspension of elective and nonessential surgeries and medical procedures, to free up medical devices and personal protective equipment for medical staff.
Click here for a full list of the Governor's executive orders.
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$1,200 Economic Assistance Payments
Who is eligible? Single adults with Social Security numbers who are U.S. residents and make $75,000 or less will
receive
$1,200 ($2,400 for a couple), which phases out for individuals making more than $99,000 or couples making more than $198,000. Eligible individuals will also receive $500 for each child 16 and younger. FAQ here.
Individuals without documentation and others without a social security number, including those with an ITIN, are not eligible.
How do I receive my direct payment?
If you filed a 2018 tax return and received a refund, or filed a 2019 tax return, you do not need to take additional action. Automatic payments have begun. If you gave your bank account information when filing and don't yet have your payment, click here.
If you filed a 2018 tax return and did not receive a refund, or if you did not provide your direct deposit information, you need to enter your direct deposit information here, or you can file your 2019 tax return with your direct deposit information.
Social Security recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return do
not need to take action.
Recipients will receive these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits.
Individuals who make less than $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) for 2019 or w
ere not otherwise required to file a federal tax return for 2019, and don't plan to, should fill out this quick IRS form to receive their payment. You will need to provide your
Social Security number, name, address, and dependents.
 *Expanding unemployment benefits. More than doubles the average unemployment benefit by adding $600 to the weekly benefit. It also allows self-employed and part time workers to receive benefits. Apply here.
Delaying student loan payments. Federally-serviced student loan payments are automatically deferred until September 30th without interest or penalty.
PERA. Waives the penalty for Coronavirus-related distributions up to $100,000 during 2020, along with other changes.
For an F.A.Q on direct payments, unemployment and the rest of the bill, click
here.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Updated 4.14 at 5:53 PM
Colorado has ordered more than $46.2 million worth of medical supplies that the state plans to distribute to health care facilities and local government agencies across Colorado. The state has also received
supply donations offered by businesses and individuals through the state's HelpColoradoNow website.
As of Friday, April 10th, the Colorado Unified Command Group has distributed
the following supplies allocated from the Strategic National Stockpile, FEMA, and private donations:
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Type of PPE
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Received & Distributed
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Need
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N95 Masks
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460,740
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2,000,000
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Surgical Masks
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472,000
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4,460,000
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Face Shields
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61,344
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880,000
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Surgical Gowns
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94,080
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720,000
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Gloves
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844,500
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4,300,000
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Coveralls
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3,816
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25,700
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To donate Personal Protective Equipment. If you have small quantities of supplies to contribute, between 1-25 boxes of personal protective equipment, donate these supplies to the Denver public health department or fill out
THIS FORM for larger donations.
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Connect for Health CO Open!
Updated 4.4 at 1:30 PM
COVID-19 testing is free if you're uninsured, but if you test positive and have a serious case, you may incur large costs for treatment without insurance.
If you are uninsured, consider signing up to protect your health and safety during this epidemic.
Get coverage today.
Note: you have 60 days to get health insurance anytime you lose job-based health coverage.
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Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Updated 4/14 at 12:40 PM
If you are in danger, call 911.
If it's not safe for you to remain home and you can't find another safe place to stay, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233. If you can't speak safely, visit thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
If you or someone you know is in an unsafe living arrangement, call Safe Shelter at (303) 772-0432.
State and national guidance to help domestic violence coalitions, service providers and advocates support survivors and operate effectively (from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): click here.
Tip sheet that outlines key steps in advocating for survivors' continued access to mental health and substance use services and medication, from the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health: click here.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Reports of child abuse have dropped drastically since the stay-at-home order was implemented. Service providers worry that abuse and neglect is still happening but going unreported due to school closures.
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Seniors
Updated 4.17 at 5 PM
NEW: Governor Polis announced
new regulations to protect residents of nursing homes and other senior living facilities.
Senior shopping hours. Stores are dedicating hours for seniors,
click here.
Show our seniors some love and support.
Read
7 ways to boost your loved one's morale here (provided by AARP).
Transportation
for seniors. The Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council has transportation options for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Older Adult Resource Directory. An extensive directory of contact information, including benefits, emergency services, meals and healthcare.
Food pantry schedule. A listing of food pantries in the Denver Metro area.
Denver Regional Council of Governments Aging and Disability Resources. A collection of resources including guides to in-home healthcare, transportation, and legal assistance.
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Rent, Utilities & More
Updated 4.16 at 12 PM
Housing
Utilities and Other Services
AAA is providing free emergency roadside assistance for first responders and healthcare workers traveling to and from their duties. Read more here.
Lyft is providing free scooter rides for first responders, medical, and transit staff. Critical business employers can email HeroScooters@Lyft.com to enroll employees.
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*
Small Businesses
Updated 4.20 at 12 PM
Federal
NOTE: The Small Business Administration is
not accepting new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.
*Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Congress is negotiating additional funding for this loan program. Read more here.
Colorado
Colorado has opened applications for the Colorado COVID Relief Fund,
which provides small business relief funds up to $25,000.
Denver businesses who have had to temporary close, lay off staff, or are struggling to pay rent and utilities, can
apply for grants
up to $7,500.
To apply,
click here
.
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*Employment
Updated 4.20 at 12:45 PM
*State benefits will be retroactive as far back as February 2nd and the federal $600 per week is retroactive back to March 29th for those who qualify.
Unemployment benefits f
or employees (apply now).
Layoff / separations assistance, information and
resources.
Finding New Work
Health care facilities, grocery stores, package delivery companies, and companies offering online products for delivery are hiring. Register here
for more details.
Connecting Colorado state database for job seekers.
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Mental Health
Updated 4.13 at 1:25 PM
Support for Isolated Trans People. The Validation station is a free text service which sends daily support to isolated trans people.
Mental Health Center of Denver has compiled a list of resources to help maintain positive well-being during this time. They are providing "telemental" health and are accepting new clients. Call (303) 504-7900.
Colorado Crisis Services. If you are concerned about your own mental health or someone close to you, call (844) 493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.
Denver Therapy Match. Search for Denver providers
here.
Open Path.
For additional reduced rate
options
.
Psychology Today. Search for statewide providers here.
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At Home Learning & Activities
Updated 4.13 at 1:15 PM
DPS has family and student
resources for Pre-K through 12th grade including at-home
activities for art, math, reading / writing, science and more.
Virtually Denver includes dozens of ways to experience arts and culture from home, including Denver museums, music, and performing arts.
The Denver Public Library has free online resources including books, movies, music, story time, and other programs.
Virtual Field Trips including over 500 museums, Yellowstone National Park, and the Great Wall of China.
The Stay at Home Colorado Guide has free resources, supports, and activities to help you, your family, and your loved ones during this time. You can submit suggestions of free resources here.
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Assistance for Students
and
Families
Updated 4.17 at 5 PM
DPS has
suspended in-person instruction for the rest of the school year.
Meal Assistance
Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. DPS students and families can receive free meals at sites throughout the city. Breakfast and lunch are available from 11 AM - 12:30 PM, Monday - Friday, and dinner is available from 3:30 - 5:30 PM. For a list of distribution sites, click here.
Powersacks.
Food for Thought Denver
will be providing Powersacks at all distribution sites, every Friday. Each Powersack contains enough food for a family of four for two days. They are available for anyone in need, not just DPS students.
Meal Delivery. School buses will deliver weekday meals to schools and community locations throughout the city for the remainder of the school year. They will stop at each site for 20 - 30 minutes to hand out breakfast and lunch. On Fridays, weekend breakfast and lunch are also available for pickup. For delivery sites, click here.
Hunger Free Colorado
has set up a Food Resource Hotline for anyone who needs help locating food. Call 855-855-4626, M - F (8 am - 4:30 pm) to find school meals, food pantries, and info on SNAP and WIC enrollment.
Students outside Denver can find nearby locations to pick up meals
here.
A full list of food distribution sites from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment can be found
here.
Wifi at home. N
ew Comcast customers will receive 2 months of free service, which is normally $9.95/month.
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Childcare and Resources for Parents
Updated 4/2 at 2:15 PM
Emergency Childcare Collaborative. A
100% tuition credit will provide child care to all essential workers, including health care, food industry, and public safety, until May 17. The program is aimed at serving families in need of child care in order to continue to perform their critical duties.
If you are a family who meets the criteria above, fill out the application for child care here.
Other Resources for Parents
Talking to kids about COVID-19:
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Donate and Volunteer
Updated 4.17 at 5 PM
Help Colorado Now has raised over $11 million, including $1 million in small donations, and recruited more than 10,000 volunteers, including more than 2,500
health care volunteers. You can donate or sign up to volunteer here.
Apply here for grants up to $25,000 from the COVID-19 Relief fund.
Health Care Response Volunteer Sign Up. Once you sign up you will be contacted and matched with a hospital or care facility in need in your area.
Other Volunteer Sign-up here. Roles include administrative, client advocacy, construction, mental wellness, food bank support, language skills, healthcare, volunteer management, childcare, delivery of goods and more.
Blood donors needed. Donor eligibility here. Make an appointment here.
Denver is seeking volunteers to support residents experiencing homelessness. If you are healthy and not at-risk, email sheltervolunteer@denvergov.org.
Review the Attorney General's charity fraud page here before donating.
How to help feed unemployed workers, hospital staff, school kids and others in need around Denver.
Donate food to your local hospital systems:
-
-
Visit
UCHealth
for more information or leave a note of thanks for healthcare workers by clicking
here
.
-
Visit
HealthOne
to fill out the form explaining your donation.
-
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College Students and Higher Education
Updated 4/10 at 4:05 PM
FedLoan Servicing will reduce their interest rates to 0% and automatically delay federally-serviced loan payments until September 30th.
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Protect Yourself and Others
Updated 4/13 at 1:30 PM
Each of us can do our part to fight COVID-19 by staying home as much possible. When its necessary to leave your house, please practice social distancing and wear a mask.
Guidance For People Experiencing Symptoms, provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE)
- Mild symptoms (might include a combination of cough, body aches, fatigue, and chest tightness, with or without fever): Self-isolate, and use over-the-counter medications to treat your symptoms -- like you would for a cold or other respiratory illness.
-
Serious symptoms, especially trouble breathing:
Self-isolate, use over-the-counter medications and contact a health care provider or nurseline if your illness becomes more severe. The provider may recommend you be tested for COVID-19, and should be able to instruct you on how to get a test.
-
Severe symptoms: call 911 for symptoms of heart attack or stroke; difficulty breathing or choking; difficulty speaking, walking, or seeing; an allergic reaction; confusion, dizziness, or disorientation; sudden, severe pain.
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Past COVID-19 Newsletters
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Paid for by Leslie Herod for Colorado. Contributions are limited to $400 every 2 year election cycle from individuals, sole proprietorships, LLPs, LLCs and state PACS and $5,350 from small donor committees. Contributions from corporations, labor unions, foreign governments and non-US citizens are prohibited. Contributions are not tax deductible. Donations from registered Colorado lobbyists or principals of lobbyists are prohibited during the legislative session running from January 8th to May 6th, 2020 and any email or donation page from this campaign is not soliciting a contribution from lobbyists or principals of lobbyists.
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