Like so many around the world, the CALC team is monitoring the impact of COVID-19 in our city’s communities and making necessary changes to our activities to protect public health. Following City and State guidance, all in-person meetings and events are postponed indefinitely to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. We are working on arranging a virtual option for our CALC meeting on April 8 and will update our calendar with details.
At this time we are paying close attention to the spread of COVID-19 and the steps the City is taking to reduce the impact of the virus on Denver’s health care facilities and our most vulnerable residents- those over the age of 60, those with pre-existing health conditions (particularly respiratory or immunity-related), and people experiencing homelessness. At this stage of the pandemic in the US, information changes rapidly and CALC will do our best to provide updates as often as needed.
Beyond immediate changes, we are also examining how we can best serve our mission of providing safe spaces for walking, biking, rolling, and physical activity for Denver residents. During a time of social distancing, safe and clean public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, and public plazas become even more important for many members of our community, particularly our most vulnerable residents. As ever, we cannot do this work without our partners, local non-profits, and residents like you, and will be working over the next several months on how best to keep connections open to communities and opportunities.
We want to hear from you
We want our community to know that we are still here for you in these difficult times. Get in touch with questions, ideas, or needs that you or your neighbors have, and we will do our best to connect you to City resources and information as available.
We always welcome your stories and experiences and would love to hear from you in any way you’d be willing to share. Let us know if you would like to share or contribute to a story on our blog, in a video, or other creative platforms by emailing us at calc@denvergov.org.
We will stay in touch
We will continue to send updates on COVID-19 and city resources, volunteer opportunities, and other updates in our monthly newsletter and email updates as necessary. Follow our facebook and instagram for daily connections to city resources and programs, as well as mental health exercises, at-home workout tips, and more.
How you can help
The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, such as novel coronavirus:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Observe social distancing: avoid gatherings of 10 people or more, and stay home as much as possible to protect yourself and your neighbors.
Get outside: Spring is springing! Outdoor activity boosts mental and physical health. Get out and take a walk, ride your bike, dig in your garden, or just sit in the sunshine and fresh air (with sun protection, of course). Just be sure to keep a safe distance from others- the CDC recommends 6 feet or more.
Stay in touch with friends and family and stay positive: We are all in this together. We need to encourage one another and keep communication lines open. Take a few minutes to call or write a postcard to a friend or family member. Have a virtual hangout with friends. Start a virtual book or tv series club. Try something new and let us know!
Share facts and resources:
Colorado Statewide volunteer and donation platform: www.helpcoloradonow.com
City of Denver volunteer and donation information: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/news/coronavirus-info/donations---volunteering.html
Center for Disease Control (national) updates: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
State of Colorado updates: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
City of Denver (local) updates: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/news/coronavirus-info.html
CALC blog post with city resources: https://www.denvercalc.org/post/from-denver-public-health-and-environment-covid-19-resources-for-the-denver-community