This post will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Update 7:05 p.m.:
---Gov. Polis Extends Stay-At-Home Order, Says There's A Silver Lining---
Gov. Jared Polis is extending the stay-at-home order for Colorado until April 26, which is an additional two weeks than the original order. He made the announcement Monday evening in an address to Coloradans.
"If there is any way to safely end it sooner, then we will," he said.
He also indicated though, that if residents aren't staying home, then it could be extended further.
Polis also said that he is "beyond furious" to shut down portions of the economy. "But if the choice is between a temporary shutdown and a catastrophic loss of life, the choice is clear. These closures and restrictions will be temporary. But when you lose a life, you lose it forever."
Polis also said there is a silver lining. "The data is telling us that thanks to the actions we have taken, we're starting to make progress."
Data, Polis said, shows that in the beginning, the number of positive cases was doubling every 1.5 days, whereas today, the number of positive cases is doubling every six days.
Polis, along with health officials, continues to stress the benefits of hand washing, wiping down surfaces, and avoiding touching your face. He also reiterated that residents should stay home, and if necessary to venture out, to practice social distancing and wear a cloth facial covering or mask that can be made from an old t-shirt or even a scarf.
Update- 4:05 p.m.:
---Afternoon Update From The Colorado Department Of Public Health And Environment---
Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows 5172 known cases of COVID-19 in the state, which includes both positive tests and people who have been in contact with someone who tested positive and is exhibiting symptoms of the disease.
994 people are hospitalized and 150 people have died. There are 41 known outbreaks in at residential and non-hospital healthcare facilities.
Data is complete through Sun., April 5.
In Southern and Southeastern Colorado counties, known cases of COVID-19 are the following:
- El Paso – 441 (+6 over the previous day)
- Douglas – 227 (+3)
- Pueblo – 45* (+2)
- Chaffee – 22
- Teller – 11
- Baca – 9
- Elbert – 9
- Kit Carson – 5
- Alamosa – 4
- Otero – 4 (+1)
- Costilla – 3
- Otero – 4 (+1)
- Fremont – 3
- Custer – 2
- Huerfano – 1
- Crowley – 1
- Lincoln – 1
- Las Animas – 1
- Prowers – 0
- Kiowa – 0
* Health officials in Pueblo County released data Monday that is not yet reflected in the state data.
Update- 2:00 p.m.:
The City of Colorado Springs has opened a community isolation shelter to serve individuals infected with COVID-19 who are currently experiencing homelessness.
The shelter is located in the City Auditorium downtown.
According to officials, the shelter is not considered a medical facility but it will offer access to nursing care, telehealth services and meals. It can house between 70 and 100 people and is designed as a space to recover from the new coronavirus.
To be admitted, a person must have a referral from a local hospital or the Springs Rescue Mission. Officials hope it will help to slow the spread of COVID-19 through the city's homeless population and in area shelters.
Morning:
---Fort Carson Announces Death Of Civilian Worker Due To COVID-19---
Fort Carson announced Sunday that a civilian employee and military retiree has died as a result of complications due to COVID-19. The Mountain Post says the individual had been quarantined since March 19 and tested positive for COVID-19 on March 28.
---UCHealth Trains PPE Specialists---
Around three dozen health care workers at UCHealth are transitioning to the role of "PPE specialists." The goal is to ensure frontline staff, including nurses, physicians and others who care for patients, stay safe in their use of personal protective equipment.
According to UCHealth, many of the team members usually work in surgical areas, but because elective surgeries are being postponed, they're training in how to spot problems in how PPE is being used and helping other staff wear equipment to help avoid potential exposure.
"Your team members are feeling fatigued, anxious or stressed. That's when their guard comes down and people aren't paying attention to the details of donning and doffing that are so important," said Chris Eastlake, a clinical nurse specialist at UCHealth who is training the team members, in a release.
Training for the new team took place Friday, and the PPE specialists will be on hand around the clock starting Monday.
---The Latest Data From The Colorado Department Of Public Health And Environment---
Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows 4950 known cases of COVID-19 in the state, which includes both positive tests and people who have been in contact with someone who tested positive and is exhibiting symptoms of the disease.
924 people are hospitalized and 140 people have died. There are 37 known outbreaks in at residential and non-hospital healthcare facilities.
Data is complete through Sat., April 4.
In Southern and Southeastern Colorado counties, known cases of COVID-19 are the following:
- El Paso – 435 (+29 over the previous day)
- Douglas – 223 (+14)
- Pueblo – 44*
- Chaffee – 22 (+1)
- Teller – 11
- Baca – 9
- Elbert – 9
- Kit Carson – 5
- Alamosa – 4
- Costilla – 3
- Otero – 3
- Fremont – 3
- Custer – 2
- Huerfano – 1
- Crowley – 1
- Lincoln – 1
- Las Animas – 1
- Kiowa – 0
* Health officials in Pueblo County released data Sunday that is not yet reflected in the state data.
