Coronavirus Update
Public Health References
CDC * Colorado * Jefferson County * City of Golden
Jefferson County’s case count page says that as of 2:50PM yesterday, there have been 2,477 cases in Jefferson County (up from 2,432). There have been 162 deaths (up from 152) and 358 are hospitalized (up from 349). There are 203 known cases in Golden (up from 201).
NOTE: the “up from” numbers were from yesterday, May 26th.
The Safer at Home protocol is now in effect. Check the City’s site to learn more about what that entails. Everyone is still requested to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth when leaving the house. City and County fire restrictions are in place. Clear Creek is closed to all recreational activities.
Virtual Golden
8-8:55AM Virtual Zumba
10:15-11:15AM Preschool Time with the Library
6-6:45PM Clubhouse Live with the American Alpine Club
6:30PM City Council Business Meeting
The meeting can be viewed on the city’s website or on GCO.tv and Comcast Channel 8 or 880 (HD). To listen to the meeting by phone, please call: +1-408-418-9388 Enter access code: 967 704 747
To submit public comment, email councilcomments@cityofgolden.net prior to 5PM. You can also provide comment live, during the meeting, if you pre-register here by 5PM.
Council will decide whether to approve a $1 million contract for concrete replacement during 2020. They will read proclamations regarding Mental Health Month and Gun Violence Awareness Day. They will discuss applying for Landmark Designation for the Astor House. They will consider how to best support our businesses while maintaining social distance and other public health considerations.
Golden Business News
The Mayor gave an overview last night of the issues Council will discuss tonight. Stores and restaurants are beginning to re-open. Restaurants are allowed to host in-house diners, but in order to maintain social distance they can only seat 50% of the normal number of patrons. Council will be discussing City guidelines. The restaurants are likely to use some of the public right of way (sidewalks and part of the streets), but we need to ensure that pedestrians still have safe and adequate space for walking, that cars and delivery vehicles can get through, and that space is still available for curbside pickup. People can’t congregate, so there won’t be waiting areas. The best approach is probably to call ahead to talk to the restaurant. See our dining page for phone numbers.
City News
The Mayor and City Manager gave an update last night covering several municipal issues. People are anxious to know when the Creek will be re-opened. It remains closed because we need to avoid having our first responders over-committed to rescue operations. Responses take extra time at present because they need to suit up in Coronavirus protection gear. We don’t want to overtax their capacity by adding Creek rescues to the mix. While places like Rocky Mountain National Park are introducing a timed entry system to limit visitors, we can’t do that with the Creek–there are too many access points for the City to be able to control access.
The Farmers Market will start on Saturday, June 6th, but there will be extra safety protocols in place. They will ask that you leave your dog at home, and they suggest that only one family member go, to keep down the crowd.
Our June and July special events have been canceled (notably Buffalo Bill Days). Council will discuss the August events tonight (Movies in the Park, Fine Arts Festival, Symphony Concert in the Park, etc.).
The municipal buildings remain closed for now but may open by appointment only during the 2nd or 3rd week in June. Municipal court will open next Monday. Public meetings will remain “virtual” at least through June.
The State will be issuing new guidelines next week, which will help inform decisions about reopening the playgrounds and whether The Splash will open this summer. No immediate plans to re-open the Community Center.
The State has opened a free Coronavirus testing site at the Pepsi Center.
Golden History Moment
Sixty years ago this week, the City was putting final touches on our brand new outdoor pool. This pool was the first element of our new municipal center. The rest–City Hall and the Police and Fire Stations–opened in 1961. The pool was located on the lot west of the Library, where we now hold the Farmers Market.
The Golden Transcript (originally called the Colorado Transcript) has been publishing since 1866. The Golden History Museum has been working on digitizing the historic issues. You’ll find old Transcripts online at coloradohistoricnewspapers.org.
