This post will continue to be updated throughout the day
Update-4:15 p.m.
---Updated State Statistics---
111 people have now died in Colorado as a result of COVID-19. That's 14 more people who have succumbed to the disease since the day before.
The state now has 4,173 known cases of COVID-19, with 823 hospitalizations. There are currently 27 known outbreaks in residential and non-hospital healthcare facilities.
The data is complete through Thurs., April 2. Known cases include both positive test results and those who have had close contact with people who have tested positive and exhibit symptoms.
In Southern and Southeastern Colorado counties, known cases of COVID-19 are the following:
- El Paso – 374 (+34 since the previous day)
- Douglas – 194 (+23)
- Pueblo – 39* (+11)
- Chaffee – 19 (+1)
- Teller – 11 (+4)
- Baca – 9
- Elbert – 6 (+1)
- Kit Carson – 4
- Alamosa – 4
- Costilla – 3
- Otero – 3
- Fremont – 2
- Custer – 2 (+1)
- Huerfano – 1
- Crowley – 1
- Lincoln – 1
- Las Animas – 1
- Kiowa – 0
* = Pueblo County released new numbers that are not currently reflected in the state data.
Update-2:54 p.m.
---Gov. Polis Asks Coloradans To Wear Masks---
Gov. Jared Polis is asking every Coloradan to wear a cloth mask when leaving home to engage in essential services like going to the grocery store. He made the announcement in a Friday address on the state's response to COVID-19.
"When you're out of the home, you should use a mask at all times," said Polis.
Polis said the masks should not be medical grade or N95 masks, as those should be reserved for medical staff. Rather, he pointed to something as simple as pulling out an old t-shirt and putting it over your nose and mouth.
"It's something to finally to do with those old t-shirts like I know you have," he said.
Read more from our news partners at CPR.org.
Morning Post:
---Special Enrollment Period For Health Insurance In Colorado Extended Through April 30---
A special enrollment period that opened in mid-March for Coloradans to sign up for individual health insurance is being extended through April 30.
The original COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period was set to end Friday, April 3, but now people can sign up through the end of the month.
Only people who are currently uninsured are eligible to enroll.
"We want to do everything we can to ensure Coloradans have the resources they need during this difficult time," said Gov. Jared Polis in a statement. "As this pandemic continues, we know that having health insurance will be critical, which is why we are extending this enrollment period. Everyday my administration is evaluating what steps we can take to minimize the health impact and economic impact of this crisis."
Anyone who enrolls after April 3 will have benefits effective May 1. The state is encouraging those who wish to enroll to use the state exchange, Connect for Health Colorado.
---El Paso County Deputy Dies Of COVID-19---
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says 41-year-old Deputy Jeff Hopkins has died from COVID-19. Deputy Hopkins has worked for the Sheriff's Office since 2001 and held a number of assignments in the Detention and Law Enforcement Bureaus.
Read more from our news partners at CPR.org.
---State Health Department Numbers Show Nearly 100 Deaths As A Result Of COVID-19---
The state now has close to 100 deaths as a result of COVID-19.
Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment indicates 3728 known positive cases of COVID-19, with 710 hospitalizations and 97 deaths. There are 21 known outbreaks at residential and non-hospital healthcare facilities.
The data is complete through Wed., April 1. Known cases include both positive test results and those who have had close contact with people who have tested positive and exhibit symptoms.
In Southern and Southeastern Colorado counties, known cases of COVID-19 are the following:
- El Paso – 340
- Douglas – 171
- Pueblo – 28*
- Chaffee – 18
- Baca – 9
- Teller – 7
- Elbert – 5
- Kit Carson – 4
- Alamosa – 4
- Costilla – 3
- Otero – 3
- Fremont – 2
- Huerfano – 1
- Crowley – 1
- Lincoln – 1
- Las Animas – 1*
- Custer – 1
- Kiowa – 0
* State data reflects 26 known positive cases of COVID-19 in Pueblo County. Health officials in Pueblo say there are 28. Also, Las Animas County announced the first known positive case there today.
