Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Friday morning.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
_____
El Paso County moves to Level Red: Severe Risk on state's COVID-19 dial today
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced Monday that El Paso County will be moving to Level Red on the state's COVID-19 dial scale Friday evening at 5 p.m. This new level presents new restrictions, such as prohibiting personal gatherings and limiting restaurants to outdoor or open-air dining and carry-out, take-out, curbside take-out, and delivery with no indoor dining allowed. Last call for alcohol sales will be at 8 p.m.
_____
Pueblo emergency response agencies under certain protocols with COVID-19
Emergency response agencies in Pueblo are following non-transport protocols as hospitals continue dealing with COVID-19 cases, according to the Pueblo Fire Department. The department said in a Facebook post that these protocols advise patients with mild symptoms to stay home with guidelines on self-care. It also said hospitals may deny entry to some patients, "particularly those with minor COVID symptoms for safety and efficiency."
_____
Ski Report: Blue sky skiing for Thanksgiving weekend
Several rounds of snow in the past week have ski areas feeling confident heading into the popular Thanksgiving weekend. Eldora had their opening day Monday. Both Beaver Creek and Crested Butte opened Wednesday morning. Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Telluride will open on Thanksgiving. Fresh snow does not look likely this weekend for most of the state, apart from a brief batch of snow for the southern mountains by Friday morning.
_____
Plenty of COVID safe things to do over the Thanksgiving weekend
There are plenty of guidelines telling all of us what not to do during the pandemic. It does not, however, mean there is nothing to do over the Thanksgiving holiday. There are several resources offering COVID-19 save activities in southern Colorado. Of course, many of the suggestions direct you to the plentiful outdoor options in the area. There is a list of 50 suggestions put together by the communications staff for the City of Colorado Springs.
_____
Monarch Mountain opening for the season Friday
Get ready skiers and snowboarders! Monarch Mountain announced it is opening for the season Friday and it's all thanks to the most recent snowfall. Monarch Mountain is one of the few ski areas without snow-making operations, according to officials. Guests will be required to buy lift tickets for Saturdays, Sundays, and certain holiday weeks by 11 p.m. the night before they are skiing. There will be a limited number of lift tickets, but Monarch passholders will not be required to have a reservation.
_____
Don't forget to follow us on social media:
KOAA Facebook / KOAA Twitter / KOAA_5 Instagram
