DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) gave an update on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and resources for residents impacted by the Marshall Fire in Boulder County.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Polis said COVID numbers continue to gradually decline. There are 1,547 patients hospitalized with COVID as of Tuesday, which is 4 less than Monday. He said it's estimated about 1,000 are hospitalized specifically because of their COVID symptoms.
More than 1.7 million medical-grade masks have been given to distributors across the state in the first week of the new state program.
At least 270 locations currently opted in to distribute KN95 and surgical-grade masks around Colorado.
Health officials with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) said last week that there are signs the omicron surge is beginning to decline, but case rates and hospitalizations remain high.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said she is cautiously optimistic the end of the omicron surge could lead to the end of the pandemic, but due to the highly unpredictable nature of COVID she said that scenario is far from certain.
> Watch the full update in the video below:
MARSHALL FIRE UPDATE
People affected by the Marshall Fire and wind storm received $43.6 million in aid from the federal government over the first three weeks after the disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said. Polis said on Tuesday that that had increased to more than $52 million.
According to Saturday's release, the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) has approved $42.8 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses as of Jan. 20.
Polis said the about 299 home loans have been approved for the SBA Loan Program, which allows residents who lost their home to borrow up to $200,000 on a 30-year loan at 1.8% interest.
> Video above: Differences between at-home rapid tests and PCR tests
A total of 2,645 people in Boulder County have applied with FEMA for assistance, the release said, and the agency has approved more than $802,354 through the Individuals and Households program. That includes $679,540.95 in assistance for home repairs and rental expenses and $122,813.35 in assistance for the repair or replacement of personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving expenses and other disaster-related needs, according to the release.
FEMA said Boulder County residents affected by the Marshall Fire and wind storm can still apply for assistance or check on the status of their application in the following ways:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
- Call 800-621-3362 (open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
- Download the FEMA mobile app for smartphones
The application deadline is March 2.
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