Today on Colorado Edition: We explore the psychology of returning shoppers. We also learn about elective surgeries and how they play into a hospital’s financial picture. Plus, we walk through what’s in store for Colorado’s budget. And, we hear how a range of different health measures around the state might factor into the state’s economy.
Exploring Psychological Impacts Of The Pandemic
Non-essential businesses reopened on Monday with curbside pick-up, and other services like salons and tattoo parlors, can resume on Friday with precautions. But what about consumers? Just because they can get out and shop again — will they? KUNC’s Stephanie Daniel looks at the psychological impact the coronavirus is having on Northern Colorado residents.
Elective Surgeries
Under the state’s new safer-at-home order, hospitals are allowed to re-start elective surgeries, which were not allowed under the previous stay-at-home order. But it’s up to individual hospital systems whether or not they want to do so. Today, we spoke to Dr. Thomas Downes, chief medical officer at UCHealth's Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins and Greeley Hospital in Greeley.
What’s Could Be In Store For The State’s Budget
We don’t know exactly what’s in store for Colorado’s state budget, but we do know that because of the coronavirus pandemic, it doesn’t look good. Colorado’s budget analysts released documents earlier this week that hint at what might need to be cut and KUNC’s Scott Franz joined us to walk us through the documents.
A Range Of Heath Measures Could Mean Different Economic Outcomes
On Monday, Colorado began to re-open as the state transitioned from stay-at-home to safer-at-home. But a few counties are moving at a different pace than the state — some opting for stricter measures, and others more relaxed. We spoke to BizWest’s Dan Mika about the impact this patchwork of measures might have on our economy.
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:
- "Ghost Byzantine" by Banana Cream
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.