Skip to main content

COVID-19 Resources

Over the past year, the global community has endured the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Our communities have lost cherished members and we have missed out on so much time spent with one another. Like you, I am excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel. With more and more of us vaccinated, we are nearly ready to get things ‘back to normal'. With the Delta variant causing increased infections across the country, it is now more vital than ever to get vaccinated and encourage our loved ones to do the same. Vaccines are safe, and they are the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious infection and further tragedy.

Throughout this pandemic, safeguarding Coloradans has been of the utmost importance to me and I have been in constant contact with local and state public health officials regarding Colorado's response. I am continuing to monitor this public health emergency and work with my colleagues to ensure that Colorado has the resources needed to keep constituents safe. Since the start of the Pandemic, I supported legislation passed by Congress that provided emergency funding to help ensure communities and states have the resources they need to combat the spread of this disease, as well as legislation to address the economic impacts Americans are experiencing as a result of the coronavirus.

Colorado has set up a line to answer general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, you can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org

General Information about COVID-19:

The best way to reduce your risk of serious infection from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. There are three COVID-19 vaccines with FDA approval, all of which are safe, effective, and proven to reduce your risk of serious infection or complications from coronavirus. Vaccines are free and readily available, go to vaccines.gov(link is external) to find a vaccination site near you.

The ‘Delta' COVID-19 variant is a more infectious strain of the coronavirus that is leading to increased infections nationwide. However, vaccines remain effective against this variant and vaccinated people who become infected—so-called “breakthrough cases”—have dramatically better health outcomes and are largely asymptomatic. In short, getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself from this illness.

While vaccinated people are extremely unlikely to experience severe COVID-symptoms, studies show that they can transmit the disease to others. This means that those who have not been able to be vaccinated, including immunocompromised folks and children, remain at risk of serious illness due to the Delta variant. This is why fully-vaccinated people are still encouraged to wear masks when in crowded public spaces, and why we should continue practicing the following simple hygiene routines:

  • Wear a mask in crowded public spaces
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

County-Specific Information for 2nd District Residents:

To learn more about confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado and get local resources, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus(link is external).

The Expanded Child Tax Credit:

Thanks to congressional Democrats and President Biden, the American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to reach almost 90% of American families. Payments began hitting bank accounts on July 15th, 2021

Find Information on the CTC Here: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021(link is external)

Determine Whether You are Eligible for CTC Payments here: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant(link is external)

Manage CTC Payments Here: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal(link is external)

For Those Who Did Not File a 2019 or 2020 Tax Return - IRS Non-Filers Tool: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool(link is external)

General Covid-Related Information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments(link is external)

Unemployment Insurance:

New Claimant Portal: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/ui/new-claimant(link is external)

Request a Call Back for Help Filing a Claim: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOhXgaaMc_d1t1NDlQoVTH76T-b34VP3axq2O_zyb6ABOH0A/viewform(link is external)

Beginning May 28, claimants who have to request a backdate on their claim and request corresponding backweeks of benefits may submit a “Request for Backdate” through an expanded online form at coloradoui.gov under “Returning Claimant”: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/ui/returning-claimants(link is external)

Also on May 28, the CDLE launched these instructional videos: "Get Paid - Regular Claim", "Get Paid - PUA Claim" and "How to Know Which Claim" walk claimants through the fundamentals of which benefits they should apply for and how to get the benefits. Those videos can be found here: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/ui/how-to-videos(link is external)

Unemployment Worker FAQs can be found here: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/ui/worker-faqs(link is external)