Water quality update

Bottled water is unnecessary

By Town of Estes Park For the Trail-Gazette

“T he Town of Estes Park provides safe, high-quality water that exceeds all stringent state and federal drinking-water regulations,” said Utilities Director Reuben Bergsten. “Estes Park’s water-treatment methods use filtration and disinfection processes which remove and inactivate viruses.” According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. (https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/ water.html)

Drinking water standards, established by the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974, are

Town of Estes Park / Courtesy photo There are no water shortages in Estes Park.

enforced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Those standards are strictly upheld by the Town’s Water Division at all times, including during the pandemic. Our laboratory continues to collect water samples throughout the Estes Valley, ensuring all standards are met.

The first priority of the Town’s Water Division is the health and safety of our staff — to ensure we can continue to test, treat and distribute water.

Back in March, we separated our team into two operational groups that do not share spaces, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. We also have mutual aid agreements with neighboring communities, to provide assistance in the unlikely event that becomes necessary.

At a time when everyone has increased worries of all kinds, we are here making sure water is least of anyone’s concerns. There are no water shortages and we continue to deliver some of the best drinking water in the state, which also plays a critical role in good hygiene practices that slow the spread of coronavirus. Bottled water is entirely unnecessary. Our dedicated team of water professionals continues to be on the job 24/7 serving our community.

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services, and so on. Elective surgeries and non-urgent appointments have been canceled at the Medical Center since mid-March. The resources needed to provide care and prevention at Estes Park Health continue to grow. Please consider making a generous at GiveToEPH.org/ COVID19 or calling 970-577- 4370 today. Lives depend on you. help.

Estes Park Health is a central hub of care in this community, providing services including prenatal, general medicine, rehab, surgical, home health and hospice. Responding to COVID-19 in the Estes Valley community creates unanticipated demands on every staff member from the medical staff, IT, HR, Dietary, environmental secured funding for the purchase of additional scrubs for Estes Park Health Staff. This initiative was made possible by an emergency grant from the Village Thrift Store, and the Foundation is so grateful for their quick response. These scrubs are in use by staff now. While Estes Park Health Foundation has made some headway, more work needs to be done, and we need your rooms. Negative pressure rooms prevent the air from the rooms of infected patients from escaping to other areas of the hospital and are necessary to protect staff and other patients from exposure. Thank you to Elizabeth Guild, Northern Colorado COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Rotary Club of Estes Park, and everyone that donated to this effort. The Foundation also

PETS from page 20

As far as the Coronavirus infecting or being spread by our pets, the numbers seem to be showing the likelihood of that is very small.

“Coronaviruses belong to the family Coronaviridae. Alpha- and beta-coronaviruses usually infect mammals, while gamma and delta coronaviruses usually infect birds and fish,” a release from WSAVA said. “Canine coronavirus, which can cause mild diarrhea and feline coronavirus, which can cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), are both alpha-coronaviruses. These coronaviruses are not associated with the current coronavirus outbreak.” threatening procedures we consider essential. Things like ear infections are not necessarily life-threatening, but the animal is still suffering significantly, so we would treat that.”

Prescriptions are still available for curb-side pickup and AMC has started curb-side treatments. Those involve care providers to come out to the car to get the animal and take it inside for examination. They communicate with the owner over the phone and when the exam is done the animal is taken back out to the car.

“It has been interesting, but we are getting the hang of it,” Dr. Fish said. too many people in the store; it is a come-to-the-front-door kind of thing,” Welborn said in regards to social distancing practices. “We are offering curb-side pickup and delivery absolutely free, just give me a call. We really want that to start getting used more.”

Since 2002, Dr. Jeff Fish has owned and operated the Animal Medical Center (AMC) of Estes Park. He is taking the necessary precautions to be able to keep helping his furry patients.

“We have been putting off non-essential procedures such as dental cleaning and things like that,” Dr. Fish said. “It is not just strictly lifeproducts but things have since calmed down and there doesn’t seem to be any fear of shortage in the industry

“None of the manufacturers have shut down,” Welborn said. “Our shelves are stocked right now and we’ve got more coming all this week.”

Welborn has enjoyed being able to help not only his regular customers, but also those who usually buy their pet supplies elsewhere. Some of the bigger grocery stores and pet stores have experienced a run on product and are waiting for new shipments to arrive, causing shoppers to look at other places to obtain supplies.

“Right now we don’t have

FUNDING from page 21

using a government relief program to reward clients, while withholding relief from the community they are suppose to serve.

“New Horizon Building Group is a commercial construction owner’s representation company that I’m partners in and we bank with KeyBank in Estes Park,” Delia said. “I reached out via email to my banker there and she called me within five minutes and opened a new account so I was able to apply. My application was entered with them the same day. Still (as of April 22) haven’t seen anything yet but I’ve been told that I should be good.”

Regional Communications

“I bank with Wells Fargo for Protech, they kept telling me they would be able to process applications for the PPP loans and after about a week I saw several other banks already processing the applications so I started reaching out to my other banking relationships,” Delia said. “Many of them were only accepting applications from clients that have accounts already opened for that specific entity.”

This was a common occurrence for many trying to tap into the funding that was meant for them.

Some institutions were telling small businesses that they don’t offer the program for non-customers, effectively tance they may qualify for.”

Communications Manager for US Bank, Boua Xiong, said the company is not ready to release any numbers yet.

“Across the country and in Colorado demand for this program was unprecedented and, unfortunately, far exceeded supply,” Xiong said. “While we funded critically important loans for more than 17,500 small businesses many others still need help. As Congress works on providing additional funding, we will continue to aggressively move customers through the process to have them ready for the final SBA steps as soon as the program continues.” Manager for KeyBank, Laura Suter, says her institution does not provide local numbers but up until the funds dried up, KeyBank processed more than 33,000 applications from clients through the SBA, requesting nearly $7.8 billion in funds from the PPP nationally.

“While the PPP is on hold because the initial funds have been exhausted, we are hopeful for the expansion of the program’s support and encourage Congress to act quickly,” Suter said. “We stand ready to inform our clients of updates regarding any additional funding for the program and also help them access other forms of assis

so tightly to that safety net, reach out for help. Our goal is always to connect, support, and inspire community nonprofits.

We are most certainly in uncertain waters together, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone or every service provider. EPNRC’s Nonprofit Relief Fund strives to raise the tide of all boats, be it a rowboat, inflatable raft… or whatever lifeboat is in need of help.

Thanks to Village Thrift Shop and generous local donors, our Relief Fund is growing each day. Our goal is to have $150,000 in nimble funds to meet emerging needs related to this crisis. EPNRC is proud to guide these funds toward our vision that strong nonprofits make for strong communities.

Many have asked how to help. We understand that this crisis impacts us all and your dedication to giving back in the way you can is spirit-building. If you find yourself in a position to be able to contribute financially to this Nonprofit Relief Fund, now or in the future, understand this donation will not be retained for EPNRC’s operational use. Donations are directed into a separate account and dispersed to make the most impact in our community. As always, donations are tax deductible and we are pleased to house this fund locally at the Bank of Colorado.

Donate online: epnonprofit.org

Drive-thru Donating: No contact donation via the Bank of CO drive-thru. Make checks to EPNRC and add “Nonprofit Relief Fund” to the memo. Tellers are ready to accept your donation & send back a printed receipt.

Snail Mail a Check: The oldfashioned way still works & we’ll snail mail a receipt back to you. Again, always note in the memo: “Nonprofit Relief Fund”. Checks to EPNRC can be mailed to PO Box 4221. Estes Park, CO 80517.

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sons who say ‘there is a group of people gathered in the parking lot,’” Officer Johnson said. “Everyone I have encountered has been more than polite and friendly and understanding because it’s not a big brother looking down thing … we are all looking out for each other and they understand.”

With many businesses unfortunately being closed in the downtown area, many business owners have expressed a fear of having their properties broken into. EPPD is aware of those concerns and have been monitoring those situations tightly.

“We have been doing a lot more patrolling in the area around Town,” said EPPD’s Officer Maria Jonoska. “Businesses are closed — have been closed for the past month — we have been driving around just making sure everything is ok, no one is trying to break in.”

Officer Johnson said that some citizens might seen a patrol vehicle with every single light on. While his might look curious, it is a common law enforcement tactic called High Visibility Patrolling.

“One thing that we do …and some people may be annoyed by it … but it’s a common tactic in law enforcement called High Visibility Patrol,” said Officer

TEACHER from page 18

while I was walking from the Medical Center back to my house, and I’m so glad I did! What a creative project for this time. As a former physical education teacher and school administrator, I applaud your bring a smile to someone’s face who may be having a difficult time with social distancing.

Another recipient of the unexpected letter promoting the Keep Moving Experiment said, “I actually found your letter

MENTAL from page 8

are going on at this time,” she said.

Nypaver cautions that for all of us, spending too much time on social media is not a good idea and can spark unwarranted comparisons to other people’s lives. While she admits some people may thrive by spending this enforced time at home taking an online class or learning a new language, others may need to simply take the time to rest and breathe.

“Have a flexible routine,” Nypaver recommends.” Sticking to some sort of structure throughout the day is helpful.”

She noted that familiar routines can provide a sense of comfort in uncertain times.

For more information on Ray Nylander’s practice, visit https:/ /wanderlustcounseling.com. and our businesses day in and day out are also just people; people in our community.

“They may see us with a mask on, but we’re still people; we still care about them,” Officer Johnson said. “We all still live here and we are looking out for community. I think everybody who goes through this is a hero, it reality. This is one of the biggest challenges of my generation, Officer Jonoska’s generation. It’s really changing the tide of everything but tides come up and they come down.”

The tide may ebb and the tide may flow, but as long as we are all in the same boat, heading in the same direction, Estes Park is unsinkable. Johnson. “That’s when a law enforcement officer will turn on all the lights of a vehicle so we can spotlight an entire block. We can see the doors, we can see the windows; we can see if they’re shattered. When we drive by residential areas we turn those off to protect individual privacy. We’re not trying to floodlight everybody; we’re just trying to make sure that everyone is safe and that we can identify a suspect or any criminal activity if it is occurring.”

Despite all of the changes that have come with the spread of the Coronavirus and COVID19, it is important to remember that the men and women who protect our streets, our homes,

keep myself fit.”

Swafford, who is also the School to Work Alliance Program coordinator at the high school, said he hopes small measures now will keep people healthier in the months to come. ingenuity and drive. I have made it a goal to walk an average of 10 miles a day during this self imposed isolation, because hopefully, I will be hiking in Patagonia in late September and early October and I need to

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ing rooms negative pressure as well.

A healthcare worker at the hospital is the first Estes Park resident to test positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe. Estes Park Health announced on April 17 that the laboratory services worker was sent home to selfquarantine for 10 days in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

That person’s co-workers have all tested negative for the illness.

After the mandate to suspend elective surgeries, physicians have only been performing emergency and urgent procedures like appendectomies, c-sections, gall bladder removals or repairing broken bones.

With an ample amount of PPE, the hospital has been able to protect its staff from patients and each other.

As in many facilities, the high

Estes Park Health / Courtesy photo Members of the EP Health COVID-19 symptomatic healthcare worker, first responder and community member testing team.

said John Meyer, M.D., chief of staff and emergency department director. “We have seen the overall number of patients drop dramatically, down about 50% in March alone. No one ly-sought after N95 masks are being used for one shift, left to decontaminate for 72 hours, and then used again.

“We’re in better shape than 98% of the hospitals out there,” wants to come to the ER. They think of it as a filthy place where they are going to catch COVID19, and that’s simply not true.”

Facilities around the country have seen a drop in patients, even those with common medical issues like heart attacks and strokes.

COVID-19 is still very much on the radar.

“We are planning for every scenario,” Meyer stressed, “like what to do if our ER is overrun, using the clinic for triage, even trading patients with other facilities if we cannot cope with serious cases.”

With rare exceptions for fathers of new babies or family of hospice patients, visitors are not allowed in the hospital for the moment.

“We are working toward potential opening up,” Hall stated. “We’d like to be able to provide elective surgeries and other types of on-site visits, but we have to find the appropriate balance and protection.”

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employees indefinitely.

By April 16, nearly $500 billion earmarked for small business relief in the CARES Act was depleted. The Paycheck Protection Program, out of money, left thousands of loan applicants facing uncertain fate. Colorado small businesses terminated 4.4% of employees in March, analysis shows. Also, Broncos’ star Von Miller tested positive for COVID19.

On April 20, The Senate approved a $484 billion bill that would revived the depleted PPP and provide funds for hospitals and Coronavirus testing.

On April 27, Larimer County and Town of Estes Park issued Orders allowing accommodations to reopen with some restrictions. According to the Town, the Orders last through May 31 and allow guests occupancy of 50 percent of units within multiple-unit lodging facilities. Single-unit accommodations, such as Vacation Rental Homes and Bed and Breakfast Inns, must limit occupancy to no more than eight individuals. State and local lodging regulations, when more strict, still had to be followed. It was made clear that the restrictions may be extended or amended in response to the pandemic.

No one is sure what the future holds, or what turns the pandemic could take. All we know is that, for better or worse, we are all in this together and the only way to defeat this invisible enemy is teamwork, communication, and community. an essential business. Violators of the order faced up to $1,000 in fines and one year in jail.

On the same day, LCPHD Tom Gonzales issued a Stayat-home Order for all of Larimer County until April 17.

On March 27, President Trump signs the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act, the biggest welfare program in history, after swift congressional votes and Colorado’s Ken Buck is among the few to oppose it. The next day, President Trump approves Colorado’s major disaster declaration.

By April 3, Gov. Polis was recommending all Coloradans should wear non-medical masks when they leave the house. Also on the third, Colorado small businesses were able to start tapping into billions in stimulus money for forgivable loans

On April 6, Gov Polis and the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment extended the statewide Stayat-Home Order until April 26. On April 8, LCPHD Gonzales issued a Stay-at-Home order until April 26. King Soopers, Safeway and others grocers start limiting the number of customers inside stores to support social distancing

On April 10, Denver closed Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. April 12 saw an Easter Sunday void of church gatherings and egg hunts.

On April 15, as a measuring stick of the economic impact the stay-at-home orders, the City of Aurora furloughed 576 did not like or agree with actions taken by Machalek, they could hold a meeting and a vote to take that power back.

On March 19, a local emergency was declared for the Estes Park and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an order closing Nonessential Personal Service Facilities to the public.

On March 20, Estes Park Mayor Todd Jirsa wrote letter to Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt requesting the closure of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Later that day RMNP closed to all park visitors until further notice.

The next day, on the 21st, the LCPHD Gonzales issued a Public Health Order ceasing the operations and vacating the premises of all short-term lodging in the Estes Valley.

On March 22, the Gov. Polis issued Executive Order D2020-013 ordering non-critical workplaces to reduce their in-person workforce by 50 percent and to implement telework capabilities to the greatest extent possible.

On March 23, the city of Denver issued a stay-at-home order causing people to flock to area liquor stores before it is quickly amended, making them an essential business.

On March 25, Gov. Polis issues a State-wide Stay-athome Order instructing all of Colorado to stay home — unless their movement is absolutely essential – until April 11. Only essential travel will be allowed, but people could still take walks, go to the grocery stores or work at weather the storm.”

Locally, March 16 was the first day of closures in the Estes Park School District R-3. The closure originally went for two weeks, one of which was scheduled Spring Break. By the time students were set to come back to school on March 27, Gov. Polis suspended in-person learning in the State with an executive order that would be in effect until April 17.

On April 6, Estes Park Superintendant, Sheldon Rosenkrance sent out a communication that stated, on recommendations from Larimer County Public Health Director (LCPHD) Tom Gonzales, all three Larimer county schools announced they would close in-person learning until the end of the year.

On March 17, the Larimer County Public Health Director issued an order closing all bars, restaurants, theaters and gymnasiums, and restricting Events to 50 people or less. On the 18th, the Town of Estes Park held a special Town Board meeting to discuss Ordinance 04-20 amending Estes Park Municipal Code Title 2 regarding emergencies would establish processes for emergency meetings, virtual meetings, disaster and emergency declarations, and disaster and emergency rules, regulations, and orders.

The amendment gave Town Administrator, Travis Machalek, a much more broad range of powers during times classified as Emergency or Disaster situations. If, for whatever reason, the board

AMBULANCE from page 6

stricter protocol that begins with the dispatched call and ends with a compete decontamination process which often can take over an hour to complete. The act of simply showing up to save a life or to help a person in distress is now more of a production that requires extra time, extra gear, extra patience, extra care and extra costs. The Estes Park ambulance crews are doing an excellent job at balancing all of these new, requirements and protocols.

There is not a single warrior on the Estes Park Ambulance team, they all are warriors. It’s important that every crew member does their part every day, every shift together and apart at keeping themselves, their partners and their patients safe.

The warriors of the Estes Park Ambulance department thank you for your continued support and encourage you to continue your diligence of practicing healthy habits for your safety and theirs.