NewsCovering Colorado

Actions

5 Things You Need To Know - December 16, 2020

More businesses open in Downtown Colorado Springs this year, rather than close
Wet Mountain Valley
Posted
and last updated

Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Wednesday morning.

If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
_____
Gov. Polis identifies symptom screening, on-site testing at schools to allow in-person learning

Gov. Polis was joined by Colorado Commissioner of Education Katy Anthes and the co-chairs of the back-to-school working group, which was created last month to help get as many students as possible back to in-person learning.

On-site testing for those who are symptomatic, contact tracing, symptom screening, cohorts, handwashing, ventilation, and mask-wearing are among the tools schools will need to return to in-person learning in 2021.

_____
No Thanksgiving "spike", but COVID numbers remain high

Some six weeks of rapidly rising numbers lead to much more restrictive COVID-19 prevention rules. It included asking everyone to avoid getting together for large gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The rise has stopped, but the decrease is minimal. There is a flattened curve on charts graphing the virus threat. It is a change for the better that is also still a problem with daily reports showing similar and consistent high numbers.

_____
Facebook page in Canon City connects members with local businesses

The power of social media is having a positive effect in Fremont County.

The newly founded Facebook page "Fremont First" is a place for members to ask each other where they can buy items they need locally, as well as recognize their favorite businesses in town. Co-owner of Kaleidoscope Inspirations Pamela Simmons helped get the page up and running and says the public's response has been nothing but positive.

_____
Downtown Colorado Springs: More businesses open this year than close

The pandemic has been hard on small businesses struggling to survive, but in Downtown Colorado Springs, the number of businesses opening this year outpaced those that closed.

_____
Slightly warmer today with more sunshine!

After a cold and snowy start to the week, we're looking dry and mild today! We'll see a mix of sunshine and partly cloudy skies along with a light daytime breeze. Overnight we'll have clear skies and light winds with temperatures in the single digits and teens.

_____
Don't forget to follow us on social media:
KOAA Facebook / KOAA Twitter / KOAA_5 Instagram