Phone: (970) 353-5219

What is COVID-19

In an effort to protect our clients, staff, Board, volunteers and community members, The Arc of Weld County’s physical offices will be closed effective immediately (Friday March 13th) until further notice due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.  Please note that services will continue to be provided, as staff will be working remotely and communicating via phone, text and email.   All in-person meetings,  events and scheduled trainings will be canceled or postponed.  At the time in which our physical offices reopen, our website and social media platforms will provide such information. 

Governor Jared Polis has issued a mandatory stay-at-home order effective March 26 at through April 11th. Click Here for more information.

3/30 Governors’s Community Engagement Update on COVID-19

Community Leaders,

Analysse here with the Governor’s Community Engagement team! In an effort to continue to provide you with an official update from the Governor’s office, below includes some updates and information that the Governor provided today. We appreciate your support in helping to spread these updates to your network.

Quick Links to Stay Up to Date

 

Topline Update

As of today we have 2,627 cases, 51 deaths, and 414 hospitalizations out of 15,364 completed tests. Colorado has seen its first death of someone in their 40s, underscoring that no one, no matter how young or how healthy, is invincible or immune from this virus. We are thinking of these families and communities during these trying times.

 

Encouraging News

The Governor shared some encouraging news today that shows that the social distancing steps that we are taking are helping to slow the spread of the virus, which will protect our health care capacity, our frontline workers, and ourselves.

This first chart shows that the rate of positive cases is slowing down. On March 12th, the number of positive cases in Colorado were doubling every 1.5 days. Today, the number of positive cases are doubling every 5 days.

While we are encouraged by this slowdown in the rate of positive cases, the volume of cases still threatens to overwhelm our health care system, which is why we need to continue to do all we can to maintain social distancing and stay at home.

This second chart shows the decline in vehicular traffic in Colorado; car traffic is down 60% in the past four weeks.

This isn’t a perfect metric, but it can be used as a proxy for social interactions. Fewer people on the roads means fewer person-to-person contacts, fewer chances for Colorado residents to spread the virus to others.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Update

This chart shows our severe need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for our medical personnel. What the Governor has requested to date will get us through a couple of weeks. It doesn’t begin to reflect what we know the need will be in the weeks and months ahead as this situation evolves.

The administration is doing everything we can to pursue additional PPE through alternative channels, including: PPE drive(s), through the Innovation Response Team marshalling the private sector and identifying additional supply chains, and of course we are relying on whatever help we can get from the federal government.

You can view these charts and the rest of the presentation here.

Major Disaster Declaration

On Saturday night, the Governor received the news that he secured a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government for the state of Colorado, which unlocks access to more federal resources during this trying time.

In a practical sense, this declaration means that we will have access to greater emergency assistance. It ensures that Colorado can be on a level playing field with other states that already have this status like New York and Washington when it comes to federal disaster funding and Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.

The Governor spoke with the President and the Vice President today to discuss additional programs and aid for Colorado under the disaster declaration.

We greatly appreciate your helping to share information during this crisis. We will continue to send these regular updates. As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or needs from our office. My cell phone is 210-385-7556. We are all in this together!

Thanks,

Analysse

Estimados líderes comunitarios,

¡Les habla Analysse con el equipo de participación comunitaria de la oficina del Gobernador!

En un esfuerzo por continuar proporcionándoles actualizaciones oficiales de la oficina del Gobernador de Colorado, a continuación, incluyo algunas actualizaciones anunciadas por el Gobernador el día de hoy. Agradecemos su apoyo para ayudar a difundir estas actualizaciones con sus redes de contacto.

Enlaces para mantenerse actualizado:

Actualización Principal

Actualmente tenemos 2,627 casos, 51 muertos y 414 hospitalizaciones de 15,364 pruebas completas. Colorado ha presenciado el primer fallecimiento de una persona en sus 40 años, lo que subraya que nadie, sin importar cuán joven o saludable sea, es invencible o inmune a este virus. Tenemos a estas familias y comunidades en nuestros pensamientos durante estos tiempos difíciles.

Noticias alentadoras

Hoy el Gobernador compartió algunas noticias alentadoras que demuestran que los pasos de distanciamiento social que estamos tomando están ayudando a frenar la propagación del virus, lo que protegerá nuestra capacidad de atención médica, nuestros trabajadores de primera línea y a nosotros mismos.

CONTEO DE CASOS ACUMULADOS Y EL PROMEDIO DE DUPLICACIÓN CADA 3 DÍAS

Esta primera gráfica muestra que la tasa de casos positivos está disminuyendo. El 12 de marzo, el número de casos positivos en Colorado se duplicaba cada 1.5 días. El día de hoy, el número de casos positivos se duplica cada 5 días.

Si bien nos sentimos alentados por esta disminución en la tasa de casos positivos, el volumen de casos aún amenaza con sobrecargar nuestro sistema de atención médica, por lo que debemos seguir haciendo todo lo posible para mantener el distanciamiento social y permanecer en casa.

% DE CAMBIO EN VOLUMEN DE AUTOS VS. HACE 4 SEMANAS

Esta segunda gráfica muestra la disminución del tráfico de vehículos en Colorado; el tráfico de automóviles ha bajado un 60% en las últimas cuatro semanas.

Esta no es una medida perfecta, pero se puede usar como una representación del volumen de interacciones sociales. Menos personas en los caminos/carreteras significan menos contactos personales, menos oportunidades para que los residentes de Colorado transmitan el virus unos a otros.

Actualización del equipo de protección personal (EPP)

CONTEO DE SUMINISTROS

Esta gráfica muestra nuestra grave necesidad de equipo de protección personal (EPP) para nuestro personal médico. Lo que el gobernador ha solicitado hasta la fecha nos ayudará a resolver la demanda de un par de semanas. Esto no refleja lo que sabemos será la necesidad durante las semanas subsecuentes y los meses siguientes a medida que esta situación evolucione.

Nuestra administración está haciendo todo lo posible para encontrar equipo PPE adicional a través de canales alternativos, que incluyen: recaudación de donaciones de PPE, a través del Equipo de Respuesta a la Innovación que reúne al sector privado e identifica cadenas de suministro adicionales, y por supuesto cualquier ayuda proveniente del gobierno federal.

Pueden ver estos cuadros y el resto de la presentación aquí.

Declaración de Desastre Mayor 

El sábado por la noche, el Gobernador recibió la noticia de que se obtuvo una Declaración de Desastre Mayor del gobierno federal para el estado de Colorado, lo cual crea acceso a recursos federales adicionales durante este tiempo difícil.

Prácticamente, lo que esta declaración significa es que tendremos acceso a una mayor asistencia de emergencia. Asegura que Colorado pueda estar en igualdad de condiciones con otros estados que ya han recibido este estatus, como Nueva York y Washington en relación a fondos federales para desastres y asistencia de la Agencia Federal para la Administración de Emergencias.

El Gobernador habló hoy con el Presidente y el Vicepresidente para discutir programas adicionales y ayuda para Colorado bajo la declaración de desastre.

Apreciamos de sobremanera que compartan esta información durante esta crisis. Continuaremos enviando actualizaciones periódicamente. Como siempre, no duden en comunicarse conmigo con alguna pregunta o necesidad. Mi teléfono celular es 210-385-7556. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarles!

Gracias,

Analysse

 

Plain-Language Guide explaining COVID-19, by and for People with Disabilities

Click Here for English

Click Here for Spanish

Thank you to the Green Mountain Self-Advocates, a partner of the Self Advocacy Resource & Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) for putting together this resource!

Colorado’s COVID-19 page

City of Greeley: COVID 19 Updates

NoCO REDI – COVID-19 Info

Colorado SBDC Disaster Recovery & Relief

Wheelchair and Assistive Technology Users Precautions for COVID-19

Food

If you need information on food assistance, please FILL THIS FORM. Hunger Free Colorado will follow up in two business days.

Food Pantry Locations

Access a Food Program- Weld Food Bank

Five Ways to Help Your Favorite Restaurant Survive the Coronavirus Crisis

Meal Distribution for Weld Re-4 School District

CO school districts are offering meals to children who rely on school meals. Click HERE to find one near you.

These stores offer “Senior-Only Shopping” hours. Some will allow individuals with I/DD during these hours, see below for details

  • Safeway:  Individuals with disabilities are included (all stores):  7-9A Tuesday & Thursday
  • King Soopers:  Individuals with disabilities are included (all stores):  7-8A Monday, Wednesday & Friday
  • Target:  Individual with disabilities are included (all stores):  1st Hour every Wednesday
  • Whole Foods:  Individuals with disabilities are included (all stores):  1 Hour before opening every day
  • Walmart:  Individuals with disabilities are NOT included at this time – Seniors 60+ Only. 1 Hour early every Tuesday
  • Dollar General:  Individuals with disabilities are NOT included at this time – Seniors Only. 1st Hour every day

How to Disinfect  Groceries/ Takeout Food

 

All Greeley Burger King locations is offering 2 free kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal. Click Here for more information.

Miller Farms is offering a delivery service! The $20 bag is a cinch backpack, it will have 15 potatoes, 2 onions, 5 cucumbers and 3 zucchini. We will also have tomatoes $5 a bag, and eggs $5 a dozen. There is a $20 minimum. No custom orders. Bags are as is. It will be dropped of on your porch. Must pay in advance! Please send your order through facebook messenger, email millerfarmsco80651@gmail.com or text or call 970-313-7182 or 970-396-2793. We accept credit/debit card, venmo and EBT. All orders must be prepaid. Orders need to be made 24 hours before delivery day. Delivery days will be as follows Monday- Denver and DTC area, Tuesdays- Broomfield, Westminster, Stapleton and Thornton Wednesday- Longmont, Boulder and Louisville Thursday-Greeley, Loveland, Windsor and Fort Collins Daily delivery to Firestone, Fort Lupton, Frederick Platteville and local areas.

Greeley-Evans School District 6 Provides Free Meals

Greeley-Evans School District 6 Nutrition Services will be providing free breakfast and lunch meals during the closing of school buildings and implementation of remote learning. These meals will be prepared by Nutrition Services staff and distributed throughout the community, free of charge to any child age 18 and under beginning Monday, March 23.

To better serve the community and practice even greater social distancing, Nutrition Services is changing the way it will be distrusting free breakfast and lunch meals to children ages 1-18. Beginning Monday, March 30, we will transition into a bus stop delivery method. This means we will no longer be distributing the meals at schools, but rather handing them out at local bus stops. There will be different stops throughout Greeley and Evans on Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday. A full list of current stops may be seen here

To utilize the best practices for social distancing, all locations will offer curbside pick-up only.  Families are asked to not leave their vehicles. A district staff member will come to the vehicle and provide one breakfast and one lunch for the day. 

Meal contents may vary based on product availability. Distributed food will likely contain items that need immediate refrigeration. Please indicate any food allergies present in the household to a Nutrition Staff Member before taking meals and they will do their best to accommodate special requests.

Housing

Housing Information

Internet and Utilities

CenturyLink

CenturyLink will waive late fees and will not terminate residential or small business customer’s service for the next 60 days due to financial circumstances associated with COVID-19.

Comcast

Comcast will provide 60 days for free internet for new families.

  • How to access free 60 days internet essentials: To receive the increased Internet speeds, existing customers will not need to do anything.  The new speeds will be rolled out nationally over the next few days.
  • We’ll send all new customers a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem with a Wi-Fi router.  There will be no term contract or credit check and no shipping fee.
  • To sign up, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com.  The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language.
    (There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish)

Xcel Energy

“During this time, disconnections for nonpayment of gas service in Colorado had been halted.”

“With all portions of our business (including electric), the company continues preparedness efforts related to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and is modifying its pay arrangements policies. Our Customer Contact Center has been advised to consider Coronavirus/COVID-19 impacts when working with customers to set pay arrangements, and to adjust requirements to meet customer’s individual needs accordingly.”

“If customers are having trouble with their bills, below is a link that offers several places (including Xcel Energy to seek assistance :(https://www.xcelenergy.com/…/energy_assis…/energy_assistance).”

Education

Colorado Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education

U.S Department of Education Releases Webinar, Fact Sheet for Protecting Students’ Civil Rights During COVID-19 

Greeley-Evans Weld County Schools District 6

District Closures and Meals

Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities during the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak 

Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times

Navigating Special Education during COVID-19

COVID-19 & Educational Rights for Parents

Gestionar la educacion especial durante COVID-19

A Parent’s Guide to Virtual Learning: 4 Actions To Improve your Child’s Experience with Online Learning

An Educator’s Guide to Virtual Learning- 4 Actions to Support Students With Disabilities and Their Families

Transition Resources During COVID-19 Outbreak

Supporting Families with Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

 

Waiver Information

Informational Webinars for Long-Term Services and Supports

COVID-19 Updates Presentation for Disability Community

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing COVID-19 Updates

Health and Wellness

Medical Care through TELEHEALTH   

In response to the growing COVID-19 in our state, Clinica Colorado is offering VIRTUAL visits by phone or video call. The visits are $10, and this service allows patients to receive care while maintaining the safety of all patients, family, staff, and the community. ENTER HERE to schedule an appointment.

If you have Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) coverage, and believe you require testing for COVID-19, call your primary care provider (PCP) first. If it is determined that a test is warranted, the test will be covered without a co-pay. But again, check with your PCP first. If you don’t know who your PCP is, call the enrollment center at 1-888-367-6557. For more information and FAQs, please healthfirstcolorado.com/covid

If you do not currently have insurance, have recently lost coverage, or loss of coverage is imminent, please visit the official Colorado healthcare marketplace at connectforhealthco.com 

A special enrollment period has been extended to April 30, 2020. For more information, please visit connectforhealthco.com/get-started/covid-19-support/

Weld County Health Department COVID-19 Information

UCHealth: COVID- 19 Updates

Banner/NCMC COVID-19 Fact Sheets

Colorado Department of Health and Environment

Center for Disease Control

CDC: Communications Resources – Talk to Your Staff

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Mental Health

North Range Behavioral Health

Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak

Centennial Mental Health Center

Labor and Employment

If you work in the restaurant industry and your work is being impacted by the closings, Natural Grocers is hiring temporary cleaners and staff ASAP. King Soopers and Walmart most likely are also hiring on the spot and paying weekly.

Action Alerts!

72nd Colorado General Assembly

The Colorado Legislature as halted its annual session at least until March 30th.

If you would like to send a message to your legislator, you can find your legislator HERE. It is important to keep engaging with our elected officials as we are ALL trying to figure out the nest steps for our families and our communities.

CDPHE strongly advises all visitors and residents of Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, and Gunnison counties to minimize social contact. More tips HERE

Senate Passes Stimulus Package, but Will it Help People with Disabilities?

National Governors Association

National Conference of State Legislatures 

Council of State Governments (CSG) COVID-19 Resources for State Leaders

Keeping Children Busy at Home

The Boys and Girls Club of Weld County is doing a stay at home challenge, participants are entered into a raffle for a $15 gift card. Check out their Facebook for more information.

MInecraft is  launching 12 free educational programs, including a NASA-approved Minecraft ISS, logic puzzles, a tour of virtual DC, and so much more. Click here for more information.

For older students, Forbes has put together a list of free resources for high school students. Click Here to see the full list.

ACLU has written an article about privacy as many people sign up for services they otherwise wouldn’t, all in the name of educating their children. Click Here for more information.

 

More Resources

Small Business Support

Here is a link with information and resources from the Colorado Small Businesses Majority for small business owner: https://smallbusinessmajority.org/resources/covid-19-colorado-resources

U.S. Small Business Administration Resource Page

Financial assistance for servers, back workers, and bartenders: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap-application?

The Salvation Army of Greeley will deliver food to people who are unable to drive or are quarantined. Check out their Facebook for more information or call 970-346-1661.

If you’re worried about having to self-isolate in a dangerous home situation, reach out to National Domestic Violence Hotline at:

 

Watch out for Scams!

Scammers never let a chance go waste, and sadly, COVID-19 is no different.

If you receive an e-mail, text message, or social media post or message, saying to “Click this link” to collect or pay money, DO NOT click the link. Call the agency or company directly.

Same if you receive a call demanding immediate payment by phone or banking information to “pay you,” DO NOT give it to them. Again, call the agency or company directly.

Bottom line, if you did not start the contact, end the call/text/e-mail and make contact directly with who they are claiming to be from.

DO NOT provide banking, payment, or any other information to an unwanted contact.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us.

Some helpful hints to protect yourself, your family, and your other loved ones:

  • Your bank will NEVER ask for your personal or financial information in a message or call that you did not start.
  • The IRS and other government agencies DO NOT conduct business by text, e-mail, or social media.
    • The only text you may receive is a “Refund Status,” IF you signed up for it.
  • Social Security will NEVER ask you to verify anything in a message or call that you did not start.
  • Anyone, no matter who they claim to be from, that demands payment by gift card is a SCAM!
    • Hang up or ignore immediately and report to the local non-emergency number.
    • Please DO NOT use the 9-1-1 system to report a scam attempt.