COVID-19 Community Resource Guide

COVID-19, or “coronavirus disease 2019,” is a recently identified novel coronavirus. The virus causing COVID-19, is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. The current outbreak began in December, 2019, in Wuhan, China, and has since spread across the globe, including to Colorado where there are thousands of confirmed cases.You can find more detailed Colorado data here.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus. Other coronaviruses include the virus that causes the common cold, as well viruses that cause more serious illnesses, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). As of March 29, 2020, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

The majority of people who get COVID-19 only experience mild to moderate symptoms and will recover without receiving special treatment. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in every 6 people who get COVID-19 develop more severe illness and may require hospitalization. Certain people are at much higher risk of severe illness should they become infected with COVID-19. People who are higher-risk include:

Older people (over age 60), and especially those over 80.
Pregnant women
People with asthma
People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease, or diabetes.

Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Some patients may also have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

How is COVID-19 spread, and what can we do to slow the spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads from person to person. It is thought to spread mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Preliminary studies suggest that the virus can also survive on surfaces for a few hours, or even several days. When respiratory droplets containing the virus land on surfaces, they may later be transported to the mouth or nose by hands or food.

The spread of COVID-19 endangers everyone within our community, and it is up to every one of us to slow it down. Even those of us with a lower risk of severe illness have a responsibility to our more vulnerable neighbors, for whom the virus could be fatal. If we work together to slow community spread of COVID-19, we can reduce the number of people who get COVID-19 before an effective treatment or vaccine is available, and protect those most likely to experience severe symptoms. Slowing community spread also means protecting our healthcare system, so it is not overwhelmed and can continue to care for all people in our community. To slow community spread, it is imperative that every member of our community practice social distancing as much as possible. Stay at home at all times, unless seeking medical assistance, performing essential tasks (for example, obtaining groceries), or performing work that has been deemed essential. If you must go out, maintain six feet of distance between yourself and any other person. As of March 26, 2020, Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have issued a “Stay-At-Home” Order to ensure social distancing is being practiced in our state and our community. This Public Health Order will remain in effect until April 26, 2020, unless updated at a later time.

Staying at home is a sacrifice and can be difficult - but it is something we each have a responsibility to do, to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy and safe. Find connection despite the distance. Reach out to your friends and family via phone or social media. Offer emotional support, and do not be afraid to ask for it in return. If you need help, you can always talk to someone:

Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255

Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

TTY for Deaf/Hard of Hearing: 1-800-846-8517

Spanish speakers: Text “Hablanos” to 66746

We can each lower our own risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, or of infecting others, by paying attention to hygiene and the cleanliness of our surroundings. CDPHE recommends that you:

Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.

CDPHE has released guidance on environmental cleaning to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which you can find in English and in several other languages here.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, and develop a fever and symptoms such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider or local clinic. It is important to call ahead to prevent the spread of illness. Stay home, except to get medical care if necessary. Isolate yourself from others within your home by staying in a designated “sick room,” and use a separate bathroom from others if you can. Cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. The Tri-County Health Department has detailed instructions on what to do if you are sick here.

Watch for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If you or a family member develops any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency, and tell the operator you have, or might have, COVID-19. Emergency warning signs include:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to rouse
Bluish lips or face

What is a “Stay-At-Home” Order and what does it mean for me?

Governor Jared Polis, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, have issued a “Stay-At-Home” Order to ensure social distancing is being practiced in our state and our community. This order went into effect at 8am, March 26, 2020, and will remain in effect until April 26, 2020. Under a Stay-at-Home Order, everyone must remain in their place of residence at all times, with certain exceptions. It is unlawful to disobey a Public Health Order. You may leave your home if you meet one of the following exceptions:

Getting medical care for you, a family member or your pet
Visiting a healthcare professional
Getting medical supplies or medication
Getting groceries, food (via takeout, drive-thru, food banks/pantries) or other essential household items
Getting necessary supplies to work from home
Picking up materials from your child’s school necessary for distance learning (e.g., tablet, books)
Going outside for physical activity--as long as you stay at least 6 feet away from people who do not live in your household (i.e., follow social distancing practices)
Going to work, ONLY if you provide essential products or services at an essential business such as health care operations, infrastructure operations and maintenance, certain government functions.

CDPHE states that “This order will be enforced by any appropriate legal means. Local authorities are encouraged to determine the best course of action to encourage maximum compliance. Failure to comply with this order could result in penalties including a fine of up to one thousand (1,000) dollars and imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, pursuant to 25-1-114, C.R.S.”

Stay-At-Home Order FAQ

Who is eligible for stimulus payments, and how can I get mine?

Under the CARES Act, eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualifying child. Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible. Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return are also eligible. A Social Security Number (SSN) is the main criteria for determining eligibility for the economic impact payments, so DACA and TPS recipients who have obtained an SSN should be eligible.

To receive your economic impact payment, The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible. For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.

For more details and the recent information, visit the IRS’s page on economic impact payments here. The IRS has created a new web portal where people can check if they are eligible for an economic impact payment, find out when and how they will be receiving their payment, and provide direct deposit information if they are a non-filer. Visit the IRS’s page on economic impact payments here.

Preventing Stigma

What is stigma?

Stigma occurs when people associate a risk with a specific people, place, or thing – like a minority population group – and there is no evidence that the risk is greater in that group than in the general population. Stigmatization is especially common in disease outbreaks.

Public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are stressful times for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma toward people, places, or things. For example, stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease. Stigma can also occur after a person has been released from COVID-19 quarantine even though they are not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others.

Why do we need to prevent stigma?

Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger towards other people. Stigmatized groups may be subjected to social avoidance or rejection, denials of healthcare, education, housing, or employment, and threats of violence. Stigma affects the emotional wellbeing and mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in. Stopping stigma is important to making communities and community members resilient.

How can we prevent stigma?

Everyone can help stop stigma related to COVID-19 by knowing the facts and sharing them with others in your community. Speak up when you hear misinformation, and show compassion for those who are most closely impacted by the virus and stigma associated with it. Stay informed through reputable, trusted sites:

It is important to remember that people of one race, nationality, or ethnicity - including those of Asian descent - are not at greater risk of spreading COVID-19 than other Americans. Viruses don’t discriminate, and neither should we. Click here for more information on preventing stigma, visit.

Federal Resources

CDC Information on COVID-19

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19

www.usa.gov/coronavirus

Congress' CARES Act

One page fact sheets on the CARES Act are available in English and Spanish

Health and Human Services News Releases

www.hhs.gov/about/news/index.html

CDC Guide to Managing Anxiety and Stress Related to COVID-19

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

State Department Travel Advisories

www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-4-health-advisory-issue.html

Phone: 1-888-407-4747

CDC Information for Travel

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

step.state.gov

United States District Court of Colorado

www.cod.uscourts.gov

Small Business Administration Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources

www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

Economic Impact Payment

Frequently Asked Questions: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

Form for Non-Filers: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

“Get My Payment” Web App to Track Payments: sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-wmsp/notice

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

If you have an appointment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:

As of March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has suspended routine in-person services until at least April 1 to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). USCIS staff will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public. However, USCIS will provide emergency services for limited situations. To schedule an emergency appointment contact the USCIS Contact Center.

USCIS domestic field offices will send notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments and naturalization ceremonies impacted by this closure. USCIS asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically reschedule asylum interviews. When the interview is rescheduled, asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and location for the interview. When USCIS again resumes normal operations, USCIS will automatically reschedule Application Support Center appointments due to the office closure. You will receive a new appointment letter in the mail. Individuals who had InfoPass or other appointments at the field office must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center, once field offices reopen to the public. Please check the USCIS Field Offices page to see if your field office has reopened before reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center.

USCIS Contact Center: www.uscis.gov/contactcenter

USCIS Field Offices: www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/field-offices

DACA Coronavirus Updates: https://www.informedimmigrant.com/guides/daca-coronavirus/#

Internal Revenue Service

www.irs.gov/coronavirus

Tax Day is now July 15: Key Information for Taxpayers

The Federal Income Tax filing due date has been automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax. For more information click here.

Governor Jared Polis has also issued an extension on state income tax returns and payments. Income tax returns that were due on April 15, 2020 are now due October 15, 2020, and payments are due on July 15, 2020. For more information on state taxes and extensions, click here.

Social Security Administration

www.ssa.gov/coronavirus

If you have an appointment with Social Security Administration:

On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, SSA suspended face-to-face service to the public in field offices and hearings offices nationwide until further notice. SSA will provide limited, critical services via phone, mail, and online, focusing efforts on serving people most in need. Most business can be conducted online without assistance, or you can call the national 800 number.

SSA Online Services: www.ssa.gov/onlineservices

Phone: 1-800-772-1213

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/

If you have an appointment with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs:

For routine appointments, VA recommends using telehealth (phone or video) for your scheduled appointment. You can also cancel and reschedule your appointment for a later date. If you have a non-urgent elective procedure scheduled, VA may contact you to cancel or reschedule for a later date. Note: Urgent and emergent procedures will continue as scheduled.

For information on changing your scheduled appointment: www.va.gov/health-care/schedule-view-va-appointments/

If you are experiencing difficulties with a federal agency, please contact Congressman Crow’s district office for assistance at online or 720-748-7514

Statewide Resources

Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment

covid19.colorado.gov

Phone: 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911

Governor’s Office

www.colorado.gov/governor

Constituent Services Help Line: 303-866-2885

Governor’s Office, Front Desk: 303-866-2471

Connect for Health Colorado

You can buy health insurance today if you don’t have health insurance or are about to lose coverage due to COVID-19. Deadline is April 3, 2020.

connectforhealthco.com/get-started/covid-19-support

211 Colorado COVID-19 Information and Resources Directory

www.211colorado.org/covid-19

Phone: 211

Senator Michael Bennet’s Guide to COVID-19 Resources for Coloradans

www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=coronavirus-disease-2019-resources-for-coloradans

Hospitals

UCHealth

www.uchealth.org/today/covid-19-coronavirus-recent-updates

Metro Denver: 720-848-0000

Northern Colorado: 970-495-7000

Southern Colorado: 719-365-5000

Children’s Hospital Colorado

www.childrenscolorado.org/about/news/2020/march-2020/covid-19-updates-childrens-colorado

COVID-19 Hotline: 720-777-2221

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center

www.denver.va.gov/about/RMRVAMC-facility.asp

Phone: 303-399-8020

For Parents

Colorado Department of Education

COVID-19 Resources for Schools

www.cde.state.co.us/safeschools

Phone: 303-866-6600

Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment

What to Do When School is Closed

https://covid19.colorado.gov/what-do-when-school-closed

Colorado Emergency Childcare Collaborative

www.covidchildcarecolorado.com

coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.force.com/oec/OEC_Resources?p=Resources&s=COVID-19&lang=en

Colorado Department of Education COVID-19 Youth Services Resources

www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/covid-19ysresources

Food Resources

Colorado Department of Education

Emergency Feeding & School Meal Sites

www.cde.state.co.us/nutrition/nutriemergencyfeeding

Colorado Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

COVID-19 Info

www.coloradowic.gov/alerts/2020-03-18/colorado-wic-covid-19-info

Phone: 1-800-688-7777

Colorado PEAK

Apply for Food Assistance, Cash Assistance, Child Care Assistance, and more online

coloradopeak.secure.force.com

Hunger Free Colorado

www.hungerfreecolorado.org/covid-19

Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626

For Victims of Domestic Violence

Colorado Domestic Violence Program

www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/domestic-violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline

www.thehotline.org

Phone: 1-800-799-7233, or text “LOVEIS” to 22522

Resources for Businesses and Workers

Rep. Crow's Resource Guide for Small Businesses

crow.house.gov/COVID-Small-Biz

Rep. Crow's Employment Resource Guide

crow.house.gov/employment-resource-guide

Colorado COVID-19 Business Resource Center

choosecolorado.com/covid19

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Information and Resources on Coronavirus, including information for employees and employers, how to file for unemployment insurance benefits, paid sick leave, and more.

www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/information-and-resources-coronavirus

Colorado Department Labor and Employment - Unemployment

CDLE has developed a new homepage for all things unemployment. Find information for workers and employers, file a claim, and more. Filing a claim online is the fastest way to receive your benefits. As of April 20, 2020, CDLE has also opened a new call center specifically for questions and assistance with Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which can be reached at 303-318-9000 or toll free at 1-800-388-5515.

www.colorado.gov/cdle/unemployment

U.S Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division

Information on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

For Employees: www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave

For Employers: www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave

Further Questions and Answers: www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

SBA Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources

www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

Small Business Development Center

Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (Arapahoe and Douglas Counties): www.aurora-southmetrosbdc.com

North Metro Small Business Development Center (Adams County): northmetrosbdc.com

Learn about and Apply for for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan

www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

Colorado Workforce Center

www.connectingcolorado.com

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center

COVID-19 Resources

For Job Seekers: www.adworks.org/images/uploads/general-img-pdf/Job_Seeker_Resources.pdf

For Businesses: www.adworks.org/images/uploads/general-img-pdf/Businesses_Resources.pdf

Adams County Resources

For general questions about COVID-19 and Colorado’s response, please call the CDPHE CO-HELP line: 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911

Adams County

COVID-19 Response and Recovery

adamscountycovid19.com

Phone: 800-824-7842

Tri-County Health Department

www.tchd.org/818/Coronavirus-COVID-19

Phone: 303-220-9200

Courts

17th Judicial District Court: www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Index.cfm?District_ID=17

Adams County Court: www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/County/Index.cfm?County_ID=55

Phone: 303-659-1161

Adams County Business and Economic Development Resources

www.adcogov.org/business-and-economic-development-resources

Adams County School District and College Updates

www.adcogov.org/school-district-and-college-updates

Adams County Food Assistance Program

www.adcogov.org/financial-assistance-programs

Phone: 303-227-2700

Adams County Eviction Information

Phone: 303-637-7761 or 303-654-3335

Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County

Childcare Support and Available Resources

www.ecpac.org/parents-families

Phone: Melissa at 720-701-0044

Arapahoe County Resources

Arapahoe County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center

www.arapahoegov.com/covid19

Phone: 303-795-4400

Tri-County Health Department

www.tchd.org/818/Coronavirus-COVID-19

Phone: 303-220-9200

Courts

18th Judicial District Court: www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Index.cfm?District_ID=18

Arapahoe County Court: www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/County/Index.cfm?County_ID=57

Phone: 303-645-6600

Arapahoe County List of Known Closures

www.arapahoegov.com/2097/Known-Closures-within-the-County

Arapahoe County Human Services

www.arapahoegov.com/388/Human-Services

Phone: 303-636-1130

Arapahoe County Housing Assistance

www.arapahoegov.com/1662/Housing-Assistance-Program

Phone: 303-738-8061

Guide to Food, Housing, and Support Services in Arapahoe County

www.arapahoegov.com/DocumentCenter/View/4498/HS_CSS_Resource_QuickGuide_FINAL_2017?bidId=

Arapahoe County Eviction Information

Phone: 720-874-3845 or 303-636-1130

Arapahoe County Early Childhood Council

Family Support and Child Care Navigator

https://www.acecc.org/family-support

Phone: 720-974-9630

Douglas County Resources

Douglas County

COVID-19 and Your County Services: www.douglas.co.us/covid19/

Online services: www.douglas.co.us/online-services/

Phone: 303-660-7400

Tri-County Health Department

www.tchd.org/818/Coronavirus-COVID-19

Phone: 303-220-9200

Courts

18th Judicial District Court: www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Index.cfm?District_ID=18

Douglas County Court: www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/County/Index.cfm?County_ID=58

Phone: 720-437-6200

Douglas County Human Services

www.douglas.co.us/government/departments/humanservices/

Phone: 303-688-4825

Douglas County Eviction Information

Phone: 303-660-7505 or 303-688-4825

Assistance for Seniors: Transportation and Grocery

www.agingresourcesdougco.org/coronavirus-updates.html

Phone: 303-814-4300

Food Banks Serving Douglas County

www.douglas.co.us/community/food-assistance/food-banks

Douglas County Early Childhood Council

Parents and Caregivers Resources

www.dcearlychildhood.org/parents-family/start-here-parents-douglas-county/

Phone: 720-560-7300

Douglas County Guide to Childcare and COVID-19

https://www.douglas.co.us/documents/child-care-and-covid-19.pdf/

Resources by City

City of Aurora

COVID-19 Resources

www.auroragov.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=16539096

Phone: 303-739-7000

Business Resources

www.auroragov.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1881221&pageId=16552436

Tenant Landlord Counseling

Phone: 303-237-0230

City of Brighton

Coronavirus Updates

brightonco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1316

Coronavirus FAQs

www.brightonco.gov/1458/COVID-2019-Frequently-Asked-Questions

Phone: 303-655-2000

City of Centennial

Citizen Support Resources

www.centennialco.gov/Residents/Health-Environment/Coronavirus/Support-Resources

Phone: 303-325-8000

Business Support Resources

www.centennialco.gov/Business/Business-Support-Resources

City of Littleton

COVID-19 Information

www.littletongov.org/my-littleton/covid-19-coronavirus-information

Phone: 303-795-3700

COVID-19 Community Resource Guide

Quick Access Contents

Quick Guide

Background on COVID-19

Preventing Stigma

Federal Resources

Statewide Resources

Hospitals

For Parents

Colorado Department of Education

Food Resources

For Victims of Domestic Violence

Resources for Businesses and Workers

Adams County Resources

Arapahoe County Resources

Douglas County Resources

Resources by City

City of Aurora

City of Brighton

City of Centennial

City of Littleton

Office Locations

Washington, DC Office

District Office