| Oct 27. Dear Neighbors, Today the Mayor updated the public health order to Level 3 Restrictions – with some variances – due to the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, positivity rates, and hospitalizations. Major updates: 25% capacity at restaurants and retail25-person maximum capacity at all indoor events75-person maximum capacity at all outdoor events10pm last call at bars and restaurants Please note that voting centers are safe. Ballots can no longer be mailed. For information about drop-off locations or other voting questions, click here. The Mayor indicated that if our city cannot get the numbers under control, a Stay at Home order would be put it place. You may recall that on October 16, there were two major updates to the public health order: Masks must now be worn outside in public places, as well as inside in public places, when you are within six feet of another person who does not live with you.The size of allowed gatherings is limited to five people, down from ten people. We have included the entire text of the Mayor’s press release on this below for you. We have also included links to City and State support and resources. Wishing you and yours health and safety during this time. Gratefully, Councilwoman Amanda SawyerDistrict 5 |
| State Moves Denver Back to Level 3 RestrictionsRising COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and positivity rate force further capacity restrictions At a critical moment in this pandemic, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has moved the City and County of Denver, among other counties, to the more restrictive Safer at Home Dial Level 3. Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Denver Department of Public Health & Environment Executive Director Robert McDonald announced the change today. City leaders had already enacted tougher public health orders, including mandatory face coverings outdoors, to try to stave off these restrictions. But CDPHE said the severity of increases forced the change. Those increases include: a positivity rate of over 7%, new cases of over 2,800 over a two-week period, and case rates of 385 per 100,000 people. Level 3 restrictions include: Restaurants may operate at 25% of the posted occupancy-limit indoors not to exceed 50 people excluding staff, whichever is less, per room. This is down from 50% capacity.Places of worship and life rites may operate at 25% capacity or 50 people.Non-critical manufacturing and offices drop from 50% to 25% capacity.Retail drops from 50% to 25% capacity.Personal services move to 25% from 50% capacity.Indoor events may operate at 50% capacity or 25 people, whichever is fewer. The change to Level 3 does not impact site-specific variances including: the Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, and Cherry Creek Mall. Those can continue to operate according to the allowances and conditions of the original variance approvals. If the city reduces its new cases, positivity and hospitalizations for Level 2 during this more restrictive phase, the city would need to maintain those metrics for two weeks and complete a request process to be moved back to Level 2. The state says it reserves the right to move Denver to a more restrictive level at any point should circumstances warrant. These new restrictions highlight how critical it is for the community to abide by the city’s public health orders, to wear face coverings in public, to practice proper social distancing and frequently wash your hands. Stopping the spread of COVID will take the cooperation of everyone in our community. Only together can we beat this destructive and persistent virus. |
| COVID-19 General City & State Services As a general starting place for more information, please go to the City’s Recovery Guidance & Planning page. To locate local businesses that are open and operating during this time, head to www.WeAreOpenDenver.com. City Council has added funds and changed qualification requirements to our Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program to better serve the community. Find out more here. City Council has worked in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and several community service providers to create and fund the Left Behind Workers Fund, for those who do not qualify for Federal support. Find out more here. The City of Denver has also created a temporary Mortgage Assistance Fund, to support those who would qualify for the TRUA program but need assistance with their mortgages. Find out more here. The City of Denver has created the Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund to help assist nonprofit organizations that are struggling during this time through mini-grants. The program is temporarily on hold due to administrative issues but you can find out more here. The City of Denver has set up the Economic Relief and Recovery Council, and worked to support our small businesses by allowing the temporary outdoor expansion of Restaurants and Bars. Click here to find out more or apply to this program. The State of Colorado has created its own Rental Assistance Program to assist landlords with supporting their residents who need help paying rent. Find out more here. |
| COVID-19 Support Information for Residents For the most up-to-date information on support services offered by the City of Denver, please go to our COVID-19 response page or call 3-1-1. Here are some links that may also be helpful during this time: Colorado Guide to Tenant’s Rights Senior Services through Denver’s Office on Aging City of Denver’s Temporary Rent & Utility Assistance Program City of Denver’s Property Tax & Rent Relief Program Food Assistance (SNAP) Program Energy Payment Assistance (LEAP) Program File an Unemployment Claim with the State of Colorado Information from Senator Bennett on the CARES Act RTD Schedules & Updated Information Resources for Low Income & Undocumented Workers Information on Free Internet Access from Comcast Information on Free Food Distribution from Denver Public Schools |
| COVID-19 Support Information for Businesses Much of the economic recovery response for businesses is coming from a coordinated effort between the State and Federal governments, with additional support from the City. For the most up-to-date information on support services offered by the City of Denver, please go to our COVID-19 response page or call 3-1-1. Here are some additional links that may also be helpful during this time: City of Denver’s Department of Economic Development (DEDO) COVID-19 Response Page City of Denver’s Small Business Emergency Relief Form City of Denver’s Microloan Program Imagine2020 Artist Assistance Fund State of Colorado Small Business Economic Recovery Page United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Information Page |
| COVID-19 Volunteer & Donation Information Most of the volunteer coordination for the COVID-19 relief effort in Colorado is being run by Mile High United Way. Please go to our COVID-19 response page or call 3-1-1 for additional information. Here are some links that may also be helpful during this time: Volunteer with Mile High United Way City of Denver’s COVID-19 Volunteer Information Page Assist Denver’s Aging Population with Local Nonprofit “A Little Help” Donate to the #KeepLowryStrong Economic Relief Fund Volunteer to Help Our Lowry Neighbors with the Lowry Coronavirus Help Group Volunteer to Help the Homeless at One of Denver’s Shelters Donate Blood at Lowry Business Vitalant Donate to the Denver Small Business Relief Fund Sew Masks Using this Pattern & Online Tutorial |
| COVID-19 Mental & Emotional Health Support |
 This is an extraordinary situation and you may be feeling like you need additional support. Please know that you’re not alone. If you need immediate assistance call 911, otherwise, here are additional resources to support your mental and emotional health:Mental Health Center of Denver – Information on self care and how to talk to your kids about COVID-19 Call CO Help at 1.877.462.2911 to speak with the local public health department Colorado Crisis Services Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) to speak to a trained professionalText TALK to 38255 |