This post will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Update 5:00 p.m.
The state of Colorado will be under a stay-at-home order, as announced Wednesday by Gov. Jared Polis. It will go into effect Thurs., March 26 at 6 a.m. and continue through April 11.
“While we've made progress, that progress is not enough,” Polis said, referencing social distancing and closure efforts already put in place by the state.
Polis has been hesitant to this step, but said social distancing isn’t doing enough. He added that “we need time” to build hospital capacity. He said he was persuaded that a statewide approach was necessary as the number of deaths from the coronavirus grew from 11 to 19 in one day.
Click here for more information on the stay-at-home order
Update 4:15 p.m.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Releases Updated COVID-19 Numbers
There are now 1,086 known, positive cases of COVID-19 in Colorado, an increase of 174 since yesterday, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The data is complete through Tues. March 24, and includes both people who have tested positive and people who are showing symptoms and are a close contact to someone who has tested positive.
Thus far, 147 people have been hospitalized and 19 people have died in the state.
Southern Colorado counties with positive test results:
- El Paso County – 122 (16 new cases since yesterday's numbers)
- Douglas County – 58 (5 new cases)
- Teller County – 5 (2 new cases)
- Pueblo County – 3 (no change since yesterday's numbers)
- Chaffee County – 3 (no change)
- Elbert County – 3 (no change)
- Crowley County – 1 (no change)
- Fremont County – 1 (no change)
- Huerfano County – 1 (no change)
Morning, original post:
A group of medical students is holding a donation drive for personal protective equipment (PPE) in Colorado Springs today. Additionally, Centura Health will have designated locations and drop-off boxes for PPE.
Known positive cases of COVID-19 in Colorado have reached 912, which is an increase of 192 from the day before. The data is complete through Mon. March 23, and includes both those who have tested positive and those who are exhibiting symptoms and are a close contact to someone who has tested positive for the disease.
84 people have been hospitalized and 11 people have died.
Southern Colorado counties with positive test results:
- El Paso County – 106
- Douglas County – 53
- Teller County – 3
- Pueblo County – 3
- Chaffee County – 3
- Elbert County – 3
- Crowley County – 1
- Fremont County – 1
- Huerfano County – 1
Additionally, Teller County health officials say one person there has died as a result of COVID-19. It is unclear if that number is reflected in the state data.
---Community Leaders In Pueblo Consider Stay-At-Home Order---
Leaders in Pueblo met Tuesday to talk about the possibility of a stay-at-home order, similar to ones passed in Denver and other areas of the state.
Delays in test processing at the state level mean many results are still pending for the county, according to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. As a result, it's difficult to measure the spread of COVID-19.
Based on state modeling though, Randy Evetts, public health director at the agency, said community spread is "likely a reality."
Health officials in Pueblo say they are waiting on results from 200 tests sent to state labs, including 90 taken at the State Fairgrounds last week. Current known results show three positive tests.
Despite the lack of results, "this virus remains a serious threat to our community," said Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar in a statement. "It is critical that we maintain our social distance by staying at home."
Stay-at-home orders are not in place at this time in Pueblo, but if enacted, could close all non-essential businesses and mandating people stay home unless they are buying groceries, going to the doctor or providing other critical services for family members.
---Colorado Springs Reminds People To Practice Safe Distancing At Parks---
The city of Colorado Springs is reminding people that while parks remain open, it's important to follow social distancing guidelines and to refrain from gatherings, including any impromptu sports games like basketball, football, or pickleball.
Mayor John Suthers said Tuesday they'll be keeping an eye on this.
"Folks, we're not going to engage in legal enforcement of these directives at this time," he said. "But we are going to utilize park rangers and police officers that would otherwise be assigned to schools to monitor our parks and remind people of the need for social distancing."
Suthers said they're looking for voluntary citizen cooperation and encouraged residents to explore new parks and trails. The monitors won't be issuing tickets, but will be talking to anyone who isn't practicing health guidelines.
---Fort Carson Personnel Deploy To Washington State---
More than 300 medical personnel from the 627th Hospital Center based at Fort Carson are preparing to head to Washington to help that state as it deals with COVID-19.
The personnel will provide assistance in routine and emergency medicine aimed at allowing community medical staff the ability to focus more on detecting and treating patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Fort Carson has also declared a Public Health Emergency on the Mountain Post, which allows the commander to take certaion measures, like limiting the movement on the base.
