We are all obviously in a situation that is both unprecedented and evolving quickly. This is a crisis, but it’s not like the Arapahoe Gulch flooding in 2004 or the Indian Gulch Fire in 2011 where the most significant impacts were condensed into a few days. This is likely to last a while, and the worst of it may still be well ahead of us. And those impacts, while they certainly include the Golden residents who may become ill in the coming weeks and months, also include the many Golden residents who will face severe hardships because of the considerable social and economic disruptions that have already started.

I’ve been hearing from my bank, my insurance company, my frequent flier programs, and even my coffee shops. I would love to start hearing more from the city now as well, which has shared some CDPHE and JCPH updates but not much else. This would be a really good time for city leaders to start talking frequently with us – the Golden community – sharing their progress and their setbacks, asking for help where they need it, and helping to connect resources with needs. If there is ever a need for our city leaders to be front and center with information, leadership, and compassion, it’s during a time like this, especially because we expect that the pandemic itself will be accompanied by a significant and potentially long-lasting economic downturn.

A few of the most important immediate questions:

• What steps is the city taking to protect city staff, volunteers, and community members?

• What steps is the city taking to minimize the spread of the disease?

• What steps is the city taking to identify and help our community members who are most vulnerable to the disease and most vulnerable to a loss of services (e.g., kids who depend on being in school for regular meals, elderly Goldenites who depend on community center facilities to stay healthy)?

If you know of any great resources that might helpful to Golden residents, please send them over and I’ll share them on this email list and on my website. I’m including below a list of the best resources I know about so far.

Similarly, I know that a lot of folks, in addition to taking care of themselves and their families, want to help their neighbors and community as we all navigate the very challenging days ahead. What organizations and other opportunities do you know of for Golden residents that want to help? I’ll share a list in my next email.

Incidentally, this is most useful explanation (from the New York Times) I've seen so far of why slowing the spread of the virus is so critical now, even if the total number of infections is ultimately comparable. If it peaks quickly, it will severely exceed the capacity of our health care system to treat patients.

Time and time again, when faced with crises like this, people in communities come together in powerful ways. That’s especially true in Golden. We look out for one another, we figure out solutions to get us by until the crisis abates, and we take special care to help the most vulnerable members of our community. This one might go on for a long time, but I know here in Golden we will do what we always do, coming together and getting through.

COVID-19 Resources

Colorado Sun resource page: Quite useful and includes a map of COVID-19 cases in Colorado.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado: Contains a wide range of links and CDPHE’s media releases regarding COVID-19.

Bill Fisher's "Staying Healthy in Golden (during a pandemic)" blog post: A really nice list of suggestions and tips.

CO-HELP. Colorado’s call line for general questions about the coronavirus: 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, (multiple languages supported) or email questions at COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.

City of Golden’s COVID-19 page.

COVID-19 Facts for Coloradans: The fact sheet includes information about the disease, how to avoid spreading it, and other actions to take to remain safe.

COVID-19 Recommendations: This link leads to recommendations from CDPHE in consultation with the CDC for how to handle COVID-19 in regard to high risk populations, public events, workplaces, and schools.

COVID-19 Testing: This link will take you through all of the proper steps surrounding how and when someone should go about getting a test for COVID-19.

Centers for Disease Control coronavirus website.

Jefferson County Public Health.

Some Twitter accounts you can follow: @COHealth, @CDPHE, @COEmergency, @CDCGov

Some Facebook pages you can follow: https://www.facebook.com/CDPHE/, https://www.facebook.com/COEmergency/, https://www.facebook.com/jaredpolis/