Quick Links to the Colorado Resources You Need During the COVID-19 Outbreak

As reporters, we’re used to sorting through documents, digging into websites, and finding up-to-date press releases. Which is why our friends and family tend to ask us for quick information on who to call, where to find resources, and so on. Let’s call it Journalism Google. 

We’ve been compiling links for our reporters, and wanted to share some of those with you, because if we can make things just a little easier for one another, that’s a good day. Here are some quick links to information for everything from utilities to what’s closed. We’ll add to the list as we find new resources and if we’re missing something, let us know at digital@5280.com.

Your First Click

The state has placed much of its information, including detailed information about COVID-19 cases (the site is updated at 4 p.m. daily) and other useful resources, all in one place at covid19.colorado.com.

COVID-19 Information

• Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• What is COVID-19?
• What are the symptoms?
• Can you get tested? 
• How many COVID-19 cases are there in Colorado? In the country? In the world? 
• The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 “Myth Busters”
• Data models and projections for how we might combat the spread of COVID-19
• All of 5280’s ongoing COVID-19 coverage

The Basics About Stay-At-Home

Colorado is under a stay-at-home order that is in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 11, 2020. Municipalities can and do have separate orders, which can be more restrictive than the state-wide order (here’s a breakdown of how that works).

• Colorado’s stay-at-home order and up-to-date details on what it means 
• Denver’s stay-at-home order and its COVID-19 website (plus, every Denver press release related to COVID-19 and all press releases about COVID-19 from the state of Colorado)
• Gov. Jared Polis’ press conferences can be found on his Facebook page
• Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s press conferences can be found via Facebook
• 5280’s Stay Inside Guide to Denver

Food

Grocery stores are open—some have special times for vulnerable populations to visit safely; call a store for details—while rules for pick-up and delivery from restaurants vary. 

• Here’s a list of resources, including information on food banks, SNAP benefits, and school meals. (Call Hunger Free Colorado’s Food Resource Hotline at 855-855-4626 for more information on what resources are available for you.)
• Takeout and delivery options in the metro area

Utilities and Other Essential Services

• Denver Water (plus its COVID-19 response)
• Xcel Energy (plus its COVID-19 response)
• Recycling, trash, and compost services in Denver
• RTD
• Denver Public Schools
• Denver International Airport
• USPS, UPS, and FedEx
• Pets
• Denver Parks and Recreation
• Colorado State Parks
• National Park Service
• Mental health 
• Health insurance (a special enrollment period has been extended through April 30)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What businesses or activities are exempt from the state’s stay-at-home orders?
• What state funds are available for recovery or assistance? 
• What about city funds and services? And there’s more! 
• How do I file for unemployment? 
• Does the city have plans to help homeless community members? 
• What’s closed in Denver?
• Can I still go outside? Yes, but it’s complicated.