John Scarffe, Peak to Peak. As the Corona Virus, COVID-19, spreads throughout Colorado, the state has virtually ground to a halt. The legislature, county and town governments, schools, public offices, events, gatherings of more than 10 people, and many businesses across Colorado have shut down.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment through March 21, 2020, 475 cases of the virus have been reported with 49 hospitalized in 29 counties, and 4,550 people have tested. Five deaths have been reported.

Boulder County reported 30 cases. Gilpin County reported zero cases. Clear Creek County reported three, and Jefferson County reported 43 cases. Find Colorado COVID-19 Data on CDPHE's Open Data Portal, https://data-cdphe.opendata.arcgis.com.

On March 16, 2020, Nederland Mayor Kristopher Larsen issued a statement. “As we all heard from the Governor this afternoon, the state is taking new steps to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. New measures are taking effect across the state for the next thirty days.

“Restaurants will remain open for take-out and delivery, but there will be no more in-house dining. All other places where large numbers of people gather, are also going to be closed.

“We’re being asked to take self-isolation to the next level in order to protect the most vulnerable among us. Our grocery and hardware store will remain open, but we should make every effort to only go shopping there when it is necessary. Stay home, wash your hands, spend time with your family and pets.”

At the March 17, 2020, Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved the use of virtual meeting systems in times of emergency. The following meetings were or will be canceled. Downtown Development Authority, March 18, 2020; Parks, Recreation, Open Space Advisory Board, March 19, 2020; Planning Commission, March 25, 2020; Sustainability Advisory Board, March 26, 2020; Board of Zoning Adjustment, April 9, 2020.

For questions or additional information, contact the Town Clerk’s Department at 303-258-3266.

Boulder County Public Health Director Jeff Zayach issued a statement on the website.

“We ask for your help. We cannot slow the spread of this illness without every single person doing their part. Regardless of whether you think you have been exposed to the virus or not, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms please, please, stay home and away from others.

“Take time to rest and care for yourself and your loved ones. Of course, if you need medical care, first call your health care provider, and let them know, but if you can manage your symptoms at home, please do so – our health care providers are very busy.

“And if you’re feeling well, stay well by keeping your distance – at least 6 feet – from others outside your household. And keep your gatherings to fewer than 10 people, and in a way that allows everyone to keep their distance.”

Boulder County Public Health is working diligently to plan and implement local testing options for COVID-19 and is working closely with partners and local laboratories to increase testing capacity in Boulder County. “Testing capacity has been impacted by a lack of availability of materials for testing, such as nasal swabs and the viral medium that is needed in order to do the tests.”

On March 16, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis ordered a general shutdown of public spaces to further decrease the rapid spread of COVID-19. With this is mind, all Boulder County facilities are closed for business until Monday, April 20.

With the exception of emergency response, only services that can be delivered electronically or by mail or phone will be available for the next 30 days. This includes motor vehicle registration, recording, and taxation services.

County staff who are able to work remotely will be doing so, which may delay responses to general inquiries; however, some county employees will report to work locations to perform duties in response to the COVID-19 emergency or to perform functions that are related to public safety or are required by statute. Boulder County has compiled a list of services accessible online athttps://www.bouldercounty.org/families/disease/covid-19/boulder-county-online-services/.

The Nederland and Allenspark Transfer Stations are moving to limited operations effective immediately with no cost to drop off household materials at this time. The transfer stations in Nederland and Allenspark will be operating regular hours, but will only collect household trash (bags), recycling, (and compost in Nederland). For more information contact Cody Lillstrom at jlillstrom@bouldercounty.org or 720-564-2757.

Nederland Libraries never close. As of 2 p.m., March 18, the library is closed to the public except for Mondays to Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m., when they will still offer curbside pick-up and will allow five patrons at a time in the facility to use the computers or check-out materials.

People can sign in for 30-minute time slots, first come, first-served, and if no one is waiting, people can stay longer. Call if you want a real-time update. The Library may also be opened on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the community and residents who need to meet in a space with a limit of 5 people, and they can use library resources.

In Gilpin County, the Board of County Commissioners approved a two-week precautionary closure of the County offices. The closure started on March 13 at midnight and will run through March 27. The Commissioners will evaluate the closure before it expires and make adjustments as necessary.

In addition, the Board approved an emergency declaration that opens up the possibility for reimbursement from the State and Federal Government due to potential costs associated with COVID-19. Additional information about the state of emergency and closures will be posted on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and on the following web sites when more information is available.: https://www.gilpincountysheriff.com/ and http://www.gilpincounty.org/.

The Board met on Thursday, March 19, but with an online meeting. No physical meeting took place in the Courthouse.

Wildfire Partners is on limited operations during this public health crisis and is now being staffed remotely. They can be reached at 303-441-1420 or info@wildfirepartners.org. They are providing advising via email and phone during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The University of Colorado, already closed except for online classed, announced the cancellation of in-person commencement on May 7, as well as all college, school and department-based recognition ceremonies. The University is exploring virtual options that will enable the community to celebrate the latest class of CU Boulder graduates remotely and will follow up with more information and details as these plans develop.

Meanwhile, many businesses in the Peak to Peak area and throughout the state have been forced to shut down. Governor Jared Polis announced a number of state actions to further address the spread and impact of COVID-19. Among those actions is an updated order from CDPHE mandating that all businesses conducting “nonessential personal services” close to entry, exit, use and occupancy by members of the public through April 30, 2020.

The order effective immediately impacts licensees in the barber, cosmetology and massage therapy fields. Hair stylists, nail technicians, barbers, estheticians, cosmetologists, massage therapists and shop owners licensed by the Division of Professions and Occupations are impacted.

The public health order update defines nonessential personal services as “services and products that are not necessary to maintain an individual’s health or safety, or the sanitation or essential operation of a business or residence. Nonessential personal services include, but are not limited to, hair or nail salons, spas, or tattoo or massage parlors.

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging events and programs have all been canceled at this time amid COVID-19 concerns. Following Boulder County policy and Public Health guidelines, all Boulder County government buildings are currently closed to the public. Normal BCAAA in-person volunteer services have also been suspended, including Respite & Companion, and Rainbow Connections volunteer visits.

BCAAA services are available by phone and email only, and service changes have been implemented to continue to serve the community. BCAAA staff is available to answer calls and emails during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Email: infoADRC@bouldercounty.org; Phone: 303-441-1617; Online Resource: bouldercountyhelp.org.

Colorado State Speaker of the House from District 13, KC Becker, wrote about the state legislature closing on March 17 after she sponsored, along with the other five leaders of the House and Senate, a bipartisan resolution to recess the legislative session for two weeks. The Executive Committee, which is made up of members of leadership from both parties and both chambers, will continue to evaluate the situation.

When it is appropriate, they will return to continue their work. During this time, General Assembly staff will be working remotely. To contact her office, send an email to repkcbecker@gmail.com or call 303-866-2578 to leave a message.

The Mountain-Ear will post another update on Tuesday, March, 24, 2020.