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5 things you need to know for Monday, March 9

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Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Monday, March 9. We hope you remembered to set your clocks to the right time this weekend for Daylight Saving Time and start off on the correct foot this morning.

If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
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Great stretch of weather ahead

After a nice weekend but with a few rain showers overnight, we're heading back into a great stretch of weather for southern Colorado. We'll see a bit of a breeze today but with a mix of sunshine and partly cloudy skies through the region. Temperatures will bounce back nicely into the 60s through the lower elevations under dry skies. Full forecast.

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Death toll from COVID-19 rises in Washington

The coronavirus (COVID-19) death toll in the United States now stands at more than 20 as health officials in Washington state announce the latest death Sunday night.

This brings the total deaths to 19 for Washington state alone. Health officials say they will continue to monitor people who had close contact with the patients who have died.

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Update on COVID-19 prevention in Colorado

There will be an update on the preparations and response to the COVID-19 at today's Colorado Springs City Council work session which gets underway at 10:00 a.m. The first "presumptive positive" case was reported in El Paso County on Friday. The patient is a man in his 40's who recently traveled to California. He is said to be quarantined and home and stable.

On Sunday, Governor Polis said that no new cases have come of the most recent 39 tests for the virus. You can watch live Colorado Springs City Council work sessions and meetings online, by clicking here.

News5 will have the latest for you on-air, online and in theNews5 App.

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Use basic health practices to reduce risks of getting sick

As large retailers like Costco continue to see a spike in sales as a result of people stocking amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak,it is important to keep perspective. Infectious disease expert Dr. Michelle Barron of UCHealth says as the push to educate the public on common-sense infection prevention like frequent handwashing and not touching your face continues, and the COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in the U.S., Dr. Barron expects public perception will eventually calm.

Remember the basics: wash your hands with warm or hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds to remove germs. Avoid touching your face and limit contact with people who are sick.

If you or a loved one has a compromised immune system, reach out to your primary care provider for further information on how to reduce your exposure.

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Be honest with yourself: Which bad driving behavior are your taking part in?

News5 is Driving Change, highlighting the challenges we face in terms of infrastructure and poor driver habits. Our Bill Folsom looks at traffic fatalities in Colorado and the common causes. We're asking you to take a fair assessement of your behaviors when looking at how you can make a difference and potential save someone's life, perhaps even your own.