COVID-19 Community Resource Guide
Quick Access Contents
- Quick Guide
- Background on COVID-19
- Preventing Stigma
- Federal Resources
- Statewide Resources
- Resources for Businesses and Workers
- Adams County Resources
- Arapahoe County Resources
- Douglas County Resources
- Resources by City
Quick Guide
For an immediate, life-threatening emergency, please call 911
Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment
Phone: 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
Phone: 800-232-4636
World Health Organization
www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Tri-County Health Department
www.tchd.org/818/Coronavirus-COVID-19
Phone: 303-220-9200
Coronavirus Resources in Multiple Languages
www.crow.house.gov/coronavirus-information
Help Colorado Now COVID-19 Response
Volunteer or donate to help at-risk individuals get through the COVID-19 crisis
Rep. Crow's Resources for Small Businesses
crow.house.gov/COVID-Small-Biz
Rep. Crow's Resources for Veterans
crow.house.gov/covid-19-resources-veterans
Rep. Crow's Employment Resource Guide
crow.house.gov/employment-resource-guide
Rep. Crow's Resources for Students, Educators, and Parents
https://crow.house.gov/students-parents-and-educators
Adams County
Coronavirus Community Resources
www.adcogov.org/coronavirus-community-resources
Phone: 303-659-2120
Arapahoe County
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center
Phone: 303-795-4400
Douglas County
COVID-19 and your County Services
Phone: 303-660-7400
Background on COVID-19
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:
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Older people (over age 60), and especially those over 80.
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Pregnant women
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People with asthma
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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.
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:
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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.
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Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
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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:
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Trouble breathing
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Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
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New confusion or inability to rouse
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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.”
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
CDC Declaration to Halt Evictions
Declaration Form: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf
CDC Rule on Halt on Evictions: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/04/2020-19654/temporary-halt-in-residential-evictions-to-prevent-the-further-spread-of-covid-19
Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19
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)
United States District Court of Colorado
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
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
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
Phone: 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911
Governor’s Office
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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