Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll look at the latest data on COVID-19 in nursing homes. Plus, why a local events complex is being turned into a medical overflow facility. We will also learn about why ICU nurses at one Colorado hospital are leaving their jobs over workplace conditions, and discuss how the state’s stay-at-home order is impacting wildlife.
Nursing Homes And COVID-19
Nursing homes and other residential facilities account for half of all the coronavirus deaths in Colorado. And more than 1,200 residents and staffers at these facilities have COVID-19, or are suspected of having it. That’s according to newdata provided by state officials. KUNC’s Michael de Yoanna has sifted through the data, which includes information about specific facilities, and discussed the takeaways.
Coronavirus Puts Pressure On Hospitals And Healthcare Workers
The coronavirus pandemic is putting pressure on hospitals across the country. Shortages of protective gear like masks and gowns are widespread. The doctors, nurses and technicians who staff intensive care units are also in high demand, and many are working in environments where resources are stretched thin. At one Colorado hospital, ICU nurses have left their jobs over workplace conditions. KUNC’s Leigh Paterson reports.
Transforming The Ranch
The Ranch Events Complex, right off I-25 in Loveland, is being converted into a medical overflow facility. KUNC’s Matt Bloom took a tour of the facility and reported on what he saw.
Wildlife Adapt To Staying Out While Humans Stay In
The state is on a stay-at-home order, and fewer people are out and about. So what has all this meant for Colorado’s wildlife?
Shannon Schaller is the senior wildlife biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s northeast region, and she 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.
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.