Skip to Content

City, county leaders explain local COVID-19 response over next few weeks

FSG COVID COLORADO site
KRDO

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Local leaders gave us the latest details Tuesday on the response to the spread of COVID-19 in El Paso County.

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said he thinks the numbers here in El Paso County are encouraging.

While the county accounts for around 12% percent of the state's populations, he said, as of Monday, it has accounting for just 6% of the state's positive COVID-19 tests, and 10% of the state's deaths from the virus.

County leaders also announced $125 million in new federal funding, but didn't say exactly how it would be used. Officials did, however, say they plan to stay transparent and disclose to the public how every penny is spent.

Public health officials said this new "Safer at Home" phase, allowing some businesses to reopen, is all about testing the waters.

"We need to be able to monitor and assess how the eased restrictions are affecting our case counts before making any further decisions," said El Paso County Public Health Director, Dr. Robin Johnson.

Johnson said, with new additional testing capabilities, they can now do more than 1,100 tests a day. The county health department is now urging anyone feeling symptoms to contact their healthcare provider to get tested immediately.

In addition to these other measures, local leaders have organized the Local Recovery Council -- a partnership between the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, public health, the city and county.

"To ensure that our local guidelines for reopening balance the health of citizens with the health of businesses," explained Chamber of Commerce President, Dirk Draper.

Article Topic Follows: News

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Julia Donovan

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content