Today on Colorado Edition: As of today, most of the state is no longer under a stay-at-home order. As we transition to a “safer at home” period, we explore how it might impact first responders. We also learn about what employers will have to do in order to keep their employees safe. Plus, we learn about conditions inside Colorado’s largest prison and we explore what the next few weeks might look like for the state’s response to COVID-19.
What Safer At Home Means For Colorado Employers
Today, we’re going to look at what the transition to “safer at home” means for employers, many of whom are making decisions about how to re-open safely. We spoke with Tina Harkness, the director of the Employers’ Council’s Northern Regional Office.
Coronavirus-Era Conditions Inside Colorado’s Largest Prison
According to state data released last week, out of the 2,500 inmates at Sterling Correctional Facility, 138 have now tested positive for the Coronavirus, up from 8 total cases just days before. Inmates and staff have also tested positive at similar facilities in both Weld and Arapahoe Counties, but this is the largest reported outbreak at a jail or prison in the state by far. KUNC’s Leigh Paterson spoke with a woman named Jada Lee whose husband is an inmate, sentenced to 12 months at the prison in Sterling. Leigh joined us to discuss conditions at the prison.
First Responders In The Middle Of A COVID-19 Hotspot
Times remain uncertain for first responders as 911 calls related to coronavirus keep coming in. But as stay-at-home orders begin to relax, they expect more routine emergencies - like car accidents - to mix back into their work. KUNC’s Michael de Yoanna wanted to know how that will impact first responders in the middle of one of the state’s hotspots for the pandemic. You can go further with Michael’s story here.
Contact Tracing And The Future Of Colorado’s Coronavirus Response
While relaxed social distancing rules will likely change the daily work for first responders, the average Coloradan’s life will probably look roughly the same. But we still don’t know how the transition out of a stay-at-home order will affect the spread of COVID-19 in our state. John Ingold, a writer with the Colorado Sun, joined us to discuss.
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:
- “Waterbourne” by Algea Fields
- "The Bus At Dawn" by Holyoke
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.