Today on Colorado Edition: We hear from someone who has recovered from COVID-19 about what the experience was like. We also get the latest on the state’s Expert Emergency Epidemic Response Committee’s updated crisis care guidelines. Plus, we learn more about local elections still taking place amid social distancing and stay-at-home orders, and explore how the “prepping” industry is faring during the coronavirus pandemic.
State Health Committee Updates Guidelines For Care
Governor Jared Polis’ Expert Emergency Epidemic Response Committee recently updated their crisis standard of care guidelines, which may be implemented to help make decisions for prioritizing life-saving resources. Dr. Matthew Wynia, director of the Center for Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, joined us to discuss the guidelines.
What It's Like To Recover From COVID-19
Health officials have repeated the warning that those most vulnerable to COVID-19 are older or have pre-existing health conditions. But younger people, even extremely healthy people, are also contracting the virus. Many of those are described as “mild” cases, but as KUNC’s Michael de Yoanna reports, even in those instances, the symptoms can be severe.
"Prepping" Industry Gets A Bump In Business
There’s a whole industry built around surviving. Tactical gear, bunkers, nonperishable food rations, and "prepper" country clubs – all in the name of being prepared in the event of something catastrophic. And since the COVID-19 outbreak began, that industry has seen an uptick in interest and demand. Jason Blevins has done some great reporting on this industry for the Colorado Sun and he joined us to talk about it.
Local Elections Continue Despite Virus
The coronavirus crisis has put a lot of things on hold. But one part of life that isn’t slowing down anytime soon is your local election. The towns of Erie, Windsor and Estes Park – along with more than 100 other municipalities in Colorado – are electing new mayors, town board members and other local offices on Tuesday, April 7.
With the statewide stay at home order and physical distancing practices now the norm, campaigns and local governments have had to go virtual to carry out the most basic function of our democracy. KUNC’s Matt Bloom joined us to explain.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions:
- “Cradle Rock” by Nursery
- "Rapids" by Grey River
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.