FREE
April 1, 2021
DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
VOLUME 94 | ISSUE 21
New COVID phase gets underway More frontline workers up for vaccine BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Dramatic sunsets are common throughout Colorado.
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A guide to spring outings Seizing better weather with friends, family while minding virus BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
One year after Colorado’s governor announced a stay-at-home order and drastically changed life throughout the state, the coronavirus still dictates the way Coloradans approach having fun and spending time with loved ones.
But as COVID-19 restrictions continue to loosen in parts of the Denver metro area and beyond — and as more Coloradans line up for vaccine shots — the natural question residents may ask is: What’s still off limits? What can be done safely? One year after a spring unlike any other, many Coloradans may be raring to turn the page and make new memories. Here’s a look at how to take part in common spring pastimes with an eye toward keeping yourself and those near you safe. Road trips Colorado’s vast expanse and
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11
varied scenery lend themselves to few things better than taking road trips. In the pandemic’s early stages in Colorado, state officials recommended that travel for recreation be limited to a person’s own community, such as their county of residence, or traveling no more than about 10 miles. The state public-health department isn’t urging that guidance now, but it advises being mindful of the restrictions in different areas. SEE SPRING, P10
As vaccination efforts ramp up in Colorado, state officials expect to open eligibility to the general public sometime in April. The latest batch of age groups and industries to reach priority is Colorado’s “phase 1B.4,” which kicked off March 19 and includes people ages 50 and older, frontline workers in food and restaurants, manufacturing, and other occupations, and certain state and local government workers. “More shots in arms means fewer lives lost to this terrible virus,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a March 12 news release. “Given our state’s strides in administering this life-saving vaccine, we are thrilled to be taking this next step and anticipate that we can open up eligibility to the general public next month.” Changes leading up to now After Colorado received its first shipments of a COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 14 and health-care centers began giving shots to health-care workers — part of the state’s first phase of vaccinations — the governor announced that starting Dec. 30, people 70 and older were eligible for the vaccine. By early January, some hospitals and other health-care providers in the Tri-County Health Department SEE COVID, P15
LAB EXPLORES VACCINES
CSU seeking vaccine solutions to COVID pandemic P9