Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Tuesday morning.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
_____
El Paso County Health nervous about surge in COVID-19 cases following Thanksgiving travel
Travel declined dramatically over the Thanksgiving holiday because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to AAA Colorado. Still, they estimated 897,000 Coloradans traveled, with around 34,000 people choosing to fly. AAA Colorado reports that it's still a sharp decline of around 45% in air travel when compared to 2019. The Colorado Springs Airport experienced similar decreases, with their busiest day on Sunday, Nov. 29, seeing a 40% decline from normal trends. Despite the drops in air travel numbers, those with El Paso County Public Health said they were hoping to see less people travel than did over the week of Thanksgiving.
_____
Commissioners in Bent, Crowley counties hold public hearing to ask for input on impacts of prisons
Commissioners in Bent and Crowley counties are seeking public input this week on the impacts of prisons in their communities as part of a study required by a House bill that could potentially shut down private facilities. Colorado House Bill 20-1019 deals with "measures to manage the state prison population" that could shut down privately owned prisons depending on the findings of the feasibility study statewide.
Legislators asked local communities to work with "a nationally recognized research and consulting entity to study future prison bed needs in Colorado." Bent County residents will be able to take part in a public hearing today at 5:30 p.m. Click the link above to find out how you can join.
_____
Strong winds, dangerous wind chills, and snow showers move into Colorado today!
The forecast gets a lot more active today as a cold front brings snow and wind into the region. A cold front will push south across our area between 8 to 10 am bringing 20 to 40 mph wind gusts from the north wind it. We'll see snow showers and flurries follow the front through the evening, but overall snow accumulations look light.
_____
Colorado lawmakers kick off special session aimed at COVID-19 relief
The Colorado state legislature convened for a special session Monday to address the COVID-19 pandemic and try to provide some economic relief to businesses and families. More than 30 bills were introduced Monday and already began making their way through the committee process. Over the weekend, Democrats laid out their priorities in a remote press conference. The eight priority bills are focused on small business relief, housing and rental assistance, utility assistance, broadband access and more.
_____
CDC panel meets Tuesday to vote on COVID-19 vaccine priority
A panel of U.S. advisers will meet Tuesday to vote on how scarce, initial supplies of a COVID-19 vaccine will be given out once one has been approved. Experts have proposed giving the vaccine to health workers first. High priority also may be given to workers in essential industries, people with certain medical conditions and people age 65 and older. Tuesday’s meeting is for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a group established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The panel of experts recommends who to vaccinate and when -- advice that the government almost always follows.
_____
Don't forget to follow us on social media:
KOAA Facebook / KOAA Twitter / KOAA_5 Instagram
