Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll learn about efforts to test every resident in one Colorado county for COVID-19. Plus, the latest on education in our state during the outbreak. We will also look at domestic violence incidents as the stay-at-home order continues, and get the latest on the legislative session. Plus, we’ll hear from a medical worker on the front lines.
COVID-19 Testing in San Miguel County
Amid nationwide testing shortages and backlogs, one county in our region is offering COVID-19 tests to everyone. A local couple is bankrolling the effort. And it’s not the usual nose or throat swab, it’s a blood test. The Mountain West News Bureau’s Rae Ellen Bichellexplains the test isn’t looking for the virus — it’s looking for antibodies.
Domestic Violence And Stay-At-Home Orders
Coloradans are being told to stay at home through mid-April, at least, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But home, for some victims of domestic violence, is not a safe place to be. KUNC’s Leigh Paterson joined us for an update on these risks.
State Representative And ER Nurse Reflects On Healthcare Work
Now that the legislative session has adjourned, one lawmaker, Kyle Mullica from Northglenn, has returned to his work as an ER nurse.
He recorded a series of audio diaries for John Frank from The Colorado Sun. Frank joined us to discuss Mullica’s work.
Colorado’s Legislative Session Allowed To Extend
In mid-March, Colorado’s state legislature announced they would adjourn for two weeks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Earlier this week, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers can make up the days they are missing.
KUNC’s Scott Franz has been following this, and joins us to explain what this means, and what the reaction to the news has been in the statehouse.
Colorado’s School Closure Extended, As Schools Transition To Online Learning
Students around the state are starting to return to their classes after spring break — but not to their classrooms, as a result of the state’s effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Erica Meltzer, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Colorado, joined us to talk through the state’s efforts to flatten the curve in the world of education.
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.
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., with a rebroadcast of the previous evening's show Tuesday through Friday at 9:30 a.m.