With so much information being announced daily about the COVID-19 pandemic, here is a review and preview of what is going on in Southern Colorado as it pertains to the virus.
The Review
We began last week with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine being re-introduced for use across the country and here in Colorado after a ten-day pause following rare instances of blood clots. Three women died. A man in California also diagnosed with clots last week. However, the CDC and the FDA say the benefits outweigh the risks for the US population.
The CDC also made new recommendations this week about people fully vaccinated and the use of masks outdoors, saying it's not necessary. Also outlining less restrictive options for folks who have had at least one dose of the vaccine.
Here in Colorado, the news is not good as positive cases have spiked again, most notably among the younger population. Hospitalizations are up although there are no issues with capacity nor the ability to treat them.
We learned that the University of Colorado system, including UCCS in Colorado Springs and the CSU system, including the Pueblo campus will require students and staff to get fully vaccinated before returning to class in the fall. Although there will be exemptions granted at CU which they have not specified and CSU says it's contingent on the three vaccines moving out of the emergency use authorization.
Parents and students in Colorado Springs School District 11 protested on Friday at the administration building after a decision was made to move seven schools, including three high schools, back to remote learning only and postponing, for now, some end-of-year events like prom. The district says there has been another spike in positive cases and will try to have those in-person events if the situation improves.
The Preview
With a look at some of what you'll see on News5 this week, on Wednesday, Patrick Nelson will have a step-by-step Deep Dive into how to protect yourself if your information has been stolen by crooks. You can't change your social security or birthday, so he'll show you how to change the way you deal with the criminal attack..
Also, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is hosting its Silent Night event. Alan Rose is taking us on an adventure to see the new hippo exhibit where a baby lemur now lives as well. Elizabeth Watts will anchor News5 on location as the community gears up for a fun, quiet night out.
Then on Thursday, the rate of military suicides continues to rise rapidly. Elizabeth will introduce you to a woman whose husband took his life and the ripple effect it had on her family. Plus, how she's working to make a change in our community and the world with her story. It's a tough topic, but a really powerful testimony you don't want to miss.
With The Rebound Colorado, News5's team will be here to answer your questions, bringing you expert advice to balance the books, pay the bills, and rebuild savings accounts. E-mail us any time at rebound@koaa.com with your suggestions, feedback, frustrations, ideas, suggestions, and anything else you need.
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