It’s been a busy 24 hours with events surrounding the coronavirus, or COVID-19. Here’s what’s happening locally and nationwide.

Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center is reporting a sick individual at the hospital showing signs of respiratory symptoms.  This person’s identity and information cannot be shared due to HIPPA and patient privacy.  The individual is being tested for both flu and COVID-19.  The person was sent home into quarantine as of 11 am yesterday morning. 

HRRMC is currently gathering as much information as possible on the situation, and are following strict guidelines and recommendations from the Colorado Department of Public Health and CDC on next steps.  The hospital should receive results of the COVID-19 test sometime today. 

HRRMC emphasizes that they do not currently have a positive case of COVID-19.  Their next steps will be determined after receiving the test results. 

Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency on Tuesday as Colorado gears up to fight the growing outbreak of the coronavirus. 

As of this morning, the number of cases in Colorado is over 30, including 3 cases in Gunnison County. 

A State of Emergency allows the state to get more money and resources, and will cut red tape in the bureaucratic process. 

The NBA has canceled the remainder of their season because of the coronavirus. 

The NCAA says the March Madness tournament will go on, but without spectators. 

The Colorado High School Activities Association is following suit with the state high school basketball championships going on as scheduled, but with only 4 family/guests per player allowed to attend in person.  The Cotopaxi Pirates play in the state tournament tonight in a game you can hear on The Peak 92.3 at 7 pm.  

Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder Lori Mitchell issued a statement saying all motor vehicle transactions, including new titles, registrations placards, can be handled through the mail or online.  The clerk’s office can also record a document through the mail or online.  Call 539-4004 for more information.    

Several universities in Colorado are switching to “remote learning,” meaning all classes will be by video.

9Health has made the decision to cancel all Spring health fairs this year due to the coronavisus.  9Health says the want to keep participants, volunteers and the community healthy and safe. Health fairs in Buena Vista, Fairplay, Leadville, Saguache and Westcliffe will not have 9Health Fairs this year.  

The federal government has banned all travel from Europe except Britain, for 30 days.

Chaffee County Public Health is holding a virtual town hall tomorrow at 3 pm on Facebook Live to provide further education, updates, and answer any questions regarding the coronavirus. There will be several healthcare experts from the community on the panel. 

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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