Today on Colorado Edition: We explore the heath impacts of reopening schools. Plus, we hear about the uncertain future of the DACA program, and we learn how COVID-19 testing works. We’ll also hear about the second-homeowners in Gunnison County who are organizing to be heard politically.
Potential Health Impacts Of Reopening Schools
Today we’re going to learn about the health impacts of schools opening, or remaining closed, as the school year quickly approaches. Our guest is Dr. Christine Nyquist, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and the medical director of Infection Prevention and Control and Children’s Hospital Colorado.
COVID-19 Testing 101
Nearly 450,000 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Colorado. Right now, about 5% of tests come back positive. You may be wondering about the different kinds of tests that are used to determine if someone has the virus and how they work. To help us explain how testing works, we spoke with our summer science fellow, Seré Williams.
Second-Homeowners In Gunnison County
In early April, Gunnison County announced that second-homeowners had to stay out of the county, to limit the spread of COVID-19. Now, second-homeowners who are frustrated by their lack of a voice on local issues are working to sway the upcoming county commissioner election. Jason Blevins has been following this story for Colorado Sun and joined us to discuss his reporting. You can read Jason’s reporting here.
An Uncertain Future For DACA Dreamers
The U.S. Supreme Court recently blocked the Trump administration from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. It allows recipients to work and protects them from deportation. But its future is uncertain. The president has hinted at an executive order to address immigration that includes a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. KUNC’s Stephanie Daniel has more on what it means for one college student.
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
- "Charcoal Lines" by Sketchbook
- "Careless Morning' by Glacier Quartet - Araby
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. We get production help from Rae Solomon.
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.